Guide to Van Body Types & Styles

What are the different types of van?

When it comes to size, vans can be split into three categories – small, medium and large. You’ll find van lease options for each category. We take a closer look at each below:

Small vans

Small vans, including British bestsellers like the Ford Transit Connect and Citroen Berlingo, are urban workhorses. Their compact size and efficient engines make them ideal for hauling small loads, making quick deliveries and navigating narrow city streets.

Medium vans

Moving up in size, medium vans like the Ford Transit Custom strike a balance between space and manoeuvrability. Popular with businesses, they offer versatility without compromising on efficiency. The Vauxhall Vivaro, with its spacious cargo zone and advanced safety features, stands out as another reliable choice in the mid-sized van category.

Large vans

For businesses with big hauling requirements, models like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Volkswagen Crafter dominate the large van category. These models boast serious cargo capacity and powerful engines.

What are the styles of vans?

As well as size, vans can be categorised based on style. Here’s an overview of what van styles are available, in terms of build and functionality. Like size, you’ll find van lease options for all the styles covered below.

Panel vans

The ubiquitous panel van, represented by models like the Volkswagen Transporter, is a reliable choice for secure cargo transportation. Ideal for deliveries, they’re popular across a huge range of industries, from florists and caterers to electricians and carpenters.

Luton vans

Characterised by an extended body over the cab, Luton vans like the Citroën Relay Luton provide extra vertical space. Widely used in the removals industry, this van style is ideal for transporting large and awkwardly shaped items.

Box vans

Sharing similarities with panel vans but with a boxier shape, models like the Renault Master Box Van use additional height to increase cargo capacity. The design is particularly beneficial for businesses hauling bulky items.

Pickup trucks/vans

Pickup trucks/vans like the Toyota Hilux combine a utilitarian design with the flexibility of an open cargo bed.

Double cab vans

Designed to accommodate both cargo and passengers, double cab vans like the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab offer the best of both worlds.

Crew cab vans

Going a step further in passenger capacity, van styles like the Mercedes Sprinter Crew are perfect for transporting groups. Like double cabs, this style provides ample space for cargo and passengers.

Flatbed vans

Featuring an open cargo area, flatbed vans like the Ford Transit Dropside are designed to transport oversized items. The unique design is easy to load and unload, making flatbeds ideal for the building and construction industry.

Tipper vans

Fitted with a hydraulic mechanism, van styles like the Peugeot Boxer Tipper simplify loading and unloading. Businesses operating within the construction and landscaping industries find this feature particularly advantageous.

Minibus

When passengers are a priority, it’s hard to look past minivans. Models like the nine-seater Ford Tourneo keep things compact while bestsellers like the Mercedes Sprinter Minibus raise the bar with room for 20+ passengers. A combination of space, comfort and style makes minibuses a popular choice for businesses operating in the tourism sector. They’re also ideal for schools, aged care homes and other organisations with group transport needs.

Types of electric vans

As environmental awareness grows, electric vans are gaining traction. Zero emissions, low running costs and generous government incentives have made them an increasingly attractive option for businesses. Electric models currently creating a buzz include the Nissan e-NV200 and the Renault Kangoo Z.E.

Worried about range? Don’t be. Electric drivetrains don’t compromise on range, with top performers like the Renault ZOE offering a huge 245 miles on a single charge.

Here are just a few of the benefits of an electric van lease:

• Impressive range
• Helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint
• Ideal for businesses operating within low-emission zones 

“Businesses are increasingly looking towards sustainable options for their fleets, a movement that’s driving the popularity of electric van lease agreements in the UK,” says a Leasing Options representative.

What types of van can I lease?

From small transporters for local deliveries to large flatbeds for bulky cargo needs, van leasing deals can be used to finance a wide range of van types and styles.

Auto finance for vans gives businesses access to the latest models, without high upfront costs and a long-term commitment to ownership. This approach not only offers flexibility but allows companies to allocate resources more efficiently.

Van leasing can also be a great way to accommodate growth and adapt your fleet to changing business needs. Plus, you’ll unlock access to the latest van models equipped with advanced features and technology.

Which van type is right for me?

Choosing the right van is all about matching the unique needs of your business with variables like cargo space, passenger capacity, fuel efficiency, budget and overall size. It's important to assess not only your current operational requirements but also think about what's on the horizon when committing to van leasing deals.

“Understanding the nature of your business and its needs is just the beginning. We encourage all our business clients to future-proof their investment and factor in growth when choosing a van,” says a Leasing Options representative.

Start by evaluating the nature of the cargo you transport. For businesses dealing with light loads and regular urban deliveries, small vans like the Ford Transit Connect offer the perfect balance of size and efficiency. If your operations involve a mix of cargo and passengers, medium vans like the Vauxhall Vivaro are a versatile choice.

For businesses handling substantial cargo, particularly in logistics or freight sectors, large vans such as the Mercedes Sprinter are an ideal choice. These vehicles are specifically designed to accommodate oversized loads, ensuring that your business's transportation needs are efficiently met.

As technology evolves, electric vans are becoming an attractive option for sustainability-conscious businesses. An electric van lease not only aligns with environmental goals but offers significant cost savings in the long run. As always, it's important to evaluate the charging infrastructure in your operational areas and consider variables like range, top speed and charge times.