As a busy delivery driver, you need a vehicle that works as hard as you do. This means a delivery vehicle that can go the distance.
If you’re responsible for your own delivery vehicle and looking to get a new one, there are a few things to think about: comfort is important, so is value for money, and of course good cargo space.
If you’re shopping around, keep reading for our round-up of some of the best delivery vehicles currently on the market, with a focus on the vans and cars you can rely on to make sure you keep earning.
(While this isn't a ranked list, the vehicles that follow have been chosen with delivery drivers like you in mind.)
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1. Larger vans
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Sprinter often comes top of the list when ranked for reliability, comfort and being easy to drive. With lots of options to suit your payload and cargo needs, the Sprinter boasts a high standard spec and all the safety and security features you’d expect from any vehicle with the Mercedes badge. Have a bigger budget? Opt for the eco-friendly electric offering.
Tom Roberts from Vanarama says:
“From the bonnet to the backend it's an all-round winner. We think Mercedes have created a truly impressive van that is first to the finish line when it comes to its tech & dimension spec. Definitely one to watch.”
More info: Sprinter product page
Volkswagen Transporter
Known for its strong engine, comfort to drive and holding its value, the Transporter has been popular for years. The latest T6.1 version improves on running costs, has good looks and a nice interior, and is backed up by systems to keep drivers safe. More cargo space and useful tech features are some of the extra benefits.
AutoTrader gave the Transporter 4.5 stars, citing its 96% safety rating score, up to 1 tonne payload (depending on model), and it’s handling.
More info: Volkswagen Transporter product page
Vauxhall Vivaro
This UK-manufactured mid-sized van is powerful and quiet with impressive fuel economy (there’s an electric version too) and good build quality. It provides a nice balance of space, payload, and mobility, and the low roof design is great for urban driving. Overall a very practical choice when you don’t need the larger cargo space of other vans.
Richard Ingram at AutoExpress praised the Vivaro’s improved load volumes, meaning more space for deliveries and it’s user-friendly package.
More info: Vauxhall Vivaro product page
Volkswagen Crafter
Commercial vehicles from Volkswagen are often in the running for best reliability, and the Crafter is up there in terms of being both practical and economical, plus its ‘active safety’ systems. Versatile and comfortable, drivers rate it highly for its well thought-out cargo and load capabilities and what it’s like in the cab. Clever touches such as the reduced height of the cargo area sills add to the feeling that they’ve given a lot of thought to how drivers will use it.
WhatCar awarded the Crafter 4 stars, pointing out the huge carrying capacity, well-organised interior, and quiet and comfortable ride as notable benefits.
More info: Volkswagen Crafter product page
Citroen Relay/Fiat Ducato
A great workhorse when carrying large loads, the Relay has one of the widest cargo bays and can cope with nearly two tonnes in payload. Running costs are good, as is the comfortable and roomy interior, small turning circle, and plenty of fixing points for items. It is powerful yet calm to drive with its soundproofing – the electric version is even smoother and quieter. Three roof heights are available, so you can trade off a higher cargo volume against a lower roof for getting around towns and cities more easily if needed.
WhatCar awarded the Relay a middle-of-the-road 3 stars for its lack of frills, but large size.
More info: Citroen models page
Need a quote for a large van? Or looking at something more compact? With INSHUR, you can get an online insurance price for your van in minutes. Tap the button below to get started with our courier insurance.
2. Smaller vans
Volkswagen Caddy
What’s billed as the fifth generation Caddy is still reliable, comfortable and practical, but now has lots of new features – from a cool design to driver assist systems and fully digital instruments. Always a good choice if you need a compact and versatile van, it’s nice to drive all day with this VW’s car-like handling. There are petrol and diesel versions available.
HonestJohn gave the Caddy 4 out of 5, saying that although the Caddy is pricey, it could hold its value better than its competition, with smaller running costs.
More info: Volkswagen new Caddy
Ford Transit Connect
Impressively reliable though it’s been around a long time, this smaller version of the Ford Transit is easy to drive, spacious, well laid-out, offers good mileage and running costs, and copes with high payloads. It has comfortable suspension, and an inside quality that feels like you’re in a car. Diesel and petrol vehicles provide extra choice, alongside standard and long wheelbase.
HeyCar gave the Transit 7 out of 10, saying: “there’s a lot to like about the Ford Transit Connect – there are several body variants to choose from, the engines are strong and there’s a good amount of equipment included.”
More info: Ford Vans - Transit Connect
Citroen Berlingo
This small van offers a great driving experience and high payload (over 1,000kg in some cases), plus some smart safety and security tech such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and blind spot monitoring. With a strong engine, lots of interior space, and the Berlingo’s distinctive modern design, it’s easy to see why this is one of the biggest sellers across Europe. Overall, it’s great for making delivery rounds in cities and towns, and an electric version is available too.
WhatCar gives the Berlingo it’s maximum 5 stars, citing: “for the money the Citroën Berlingo MPV offers unrivalled interior space and a relaxing ride..”
More info: Citroen Berlingo product page
3. SUVs
Skoda Kodiaq
A big, tough car like the Kodiaq may be exactly right if your deliveries don’t call for the higher capacity of a van. Excellent cargo space is combined with high build quality, great high position visibility, driver comfort, and good miles per gallon. An automatic gearbox helps with stop-start journeys, and it’s powerful enough when loaded. Assisted parking can be useful in busy locations.
CarWow says: “The Skoda may not be the most interesting…to look at, but it’s smart enough, and its cabin is attractive too. Again, its interior isn’t the coolest or most striking environment, but it does the job with solid build quality and some premium-feeling materials.” They awarded the Kodiaq a strong 9 out of 10.
More info: Skoda product page
Kia E-Niro
An all-electric minivan style SUV with a large carrying capacity, the E-Niro has a good range between charges and has the power and convenience to move your delivery items quietly. It’s big but agile in traffic, and has forward collision-avoidance assistance for safe and confident urban driving. It may not be built for a beauty contest, but it pulls its weight as a sensible option for drivers looking to get the job done well.
Electrifying.com awarded the E Nero 9 out of 10, saying “It’s priced in a far more budget-friendly manner but incorporates loads of standard equipment and even a seven-year transferable warranty - so even those buying a used e-Niro are set to benefit.”
More info: Kia E-Nero product page
At INSHUR, we offer smart, flexible insurance made for delivery drivers. We also cover food delivery too. To get a quick quote today, tap the button below.
10 TOP PICKS RECAP:
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Vauxhall Vivaro
- Volkswagen Crafter
- Citroen Relay
- Volkswagen Caddy
- Ford Transit Connect
- Citroen Berlingo
- Skoda Kodiaq
- Kia E-Niro
(All vehicle images sourced from Wikipedia and subject to copyright.)
For more ideas, here’s some other delivery vehicle recommendations worth checking out:
AutoExpress Transporter Review
Electrifying.com E Nero Review
