What Car? celebrates standout vans for 2026

Volkswagen, Kia and Renault dominate this year’s awards, with practicality and real-world usability front and centre. Across the board, winners range from established diesel workhorses to newer electric models designed to fit seamlessly into daily operations.

The Volkswagen Transporter continues to set the benchmark in the medium van sector, taking ‘Best Medium Van’. Now in its seventh generation, it offers up to 1.28-tonne payload and 6.8m³ load space, but what stood out to judges was how easy it is to live with day to day. Its car-like driving feel and strong aftercare package make it a safe choice for businesses that need reliability without complexity.

Its electric counterpart, the Volkswagen e-Transporter, also impressed, winning ‘Best Medium Electric Van’. With up to 1,000kg payload and 2,300kg towing capacity, it shows that going electric no longer means sacrificing capability. Judges highlighted its quieter, more composed driving experience – something drivers will notice on longer shifts.

At the smaller end of the market, the Kia PV5 Cargo took both ‘Best Small Electric Van’ and the overall ‘Van of the Year’ title. With a range of up to 258 miles and fast charging in under 30 minutes, it’s designed to cover a full day’s work without downtime becoming an issue. What stands out is how easy it is to use, combining decent payload capacity with a more car-like feel behind the wheel.

The passenger version, Kia PV5 Passenger, was named ‘Best Van-Based MPV’. With space for five adults, up to 256 miles of range, and a quieter, more refined ride, it’s aimed at businesses carrying people rather than cargo – from shuttle services to family-focused use.

In the large van category, the Renault Master continues to dominate, retaining ‘Best Large Van’ for the second year running. With load volumes of up to 14.8m³ and a focus on efficiency and ease of loading, it remains one of the most practical choices for high-demand roles.

Its electric sibling, the Renault Master E-Tech, also held onto its title as ‘Best Large Electric Van’. Offering up to 285 miles of range and the ability to add around 142 miles in 30 minutes, it shows that even larger vans are now viable as full-time electric options.

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