Best Crew Cab Vans 2025: Don’t Buy One Until You See This Top 10!
Discover the Best Crew Cab Vans for Passenger Travel in our Essential Guide
Crew cab vans can offer a versatility that perfectly strikes the balance between business use and family time, making them an ever-popular choice. In our essential guide, you can read all about the best crew cab vans to buy in 2025.
We’ve done the hard work for you by listing our top 10 choices, tried and tested by us here! So you know what to expect, we highlight their pros and cons, discuss the leading features, and answer your most common questions about crew cab vans. Â
At Loads of Vans, we've helped thousands of customers find their ideal crew cab van, so we understand exactly what matters most to buyers. Read on to find out all the key points you need to consider before finding the van for you… Â
Key Takeaways
Market Leaders:
- The Ford Transit Custom DCIV model remains the benchmark for crew cab vans, offering the best balance of comfort, practicality, and driving experience.
- The Volkswagen Transporter Kombi leads the premium segment with its superior build quality.
- The Vauxhall Vivaro is excellent value for money without compromising on any essential features.
Size Categories:Â
- Larger-sized crew vans include the Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter, and Vauxhall Vivaro models.
- Mid-size crew van variants include the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, and Renault Trafic.Â
- Compact crew van options include the Citroen Berlingo, Vauxhall Combo Cargo, and Renault Kangoo.Â
Best for Different Needs:
- If you’re looking for a premium crew van then choose the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi.
- If you’re looking for a crew van that’s great value for money, then opt for the Vauxhall Vivaro Double Cab.
- If you’re looking for a crew van that is perfect for the city, then go for the Citroen Berlingo.Â
- If you’re looking for a crew van providing maximum comfort then the Citroen Dispatch is for you.
- If you’re looking for an incredibly practical crew van, then don’t look any further than the Renault Trafic.
Benefits:
- You can transport your whole team in one vehicle.
- You can carry tools and materials more securely.
- More cost-effective than running two separate vehicles.Â
- Versatile enough for both work and personal use.
- Provides better comfort than traditional panel vans.
Considerations:Â
- The number of passengers you need to accommodate.
- Typical payload needs and amount of equipment you need to carry.Â
- Available parking space for the van at home and at work.Â
- Your budget - including running costs.Â
What is a Crew Cab Van?
A crew cab van (sometimes called a double cab or kombi van) is essentially the Swiss army knife of commercial vehicles - by that, we mean it can pretty much do everything!Â
So what can you expect inside? Well, imagine the cabin of a regular van and adding a second row of seats behind the driver – that's your crew cab! These types of vans usually carry 5 to 6 people while still having plenty of space in the rear for equipment.Â
As a versatile vehicle, crew vans strike the perfect balance between carrying passengers and cargo, making them ideal for businesses that need to transport both their team and their tools.
But their versatility doesn’t stop there. Crew cab vans are becoming an ever-popular choice for large families and prove a great alternative to owning two smaller-sized cars. Think of a crew cab van as the sweet spot between a work van and a people carrier – giving you the best of both worlds!Â
Is a Crew Cab Van Right for You?
Consider a crew cab van if you:
- Regularly transport both people and cargo.
- Want to reduce the size of your fleet.
- Need flexibility in your business vehicle.
- Value comfort and safety.
- Want to project a professional company image.Â
- Are looking to manage running costs.Â
- Need a versatile business solution.
Our Top 10 Crew Cab Vans to Buy in 2025:
- Citroen Berlingo Crew Van
- Citroen Dispatch Crew Van
- Ford Transit Custom Double Cab-In-Van
- Nissan Primastar Crew Van
- Peugeot Expert Crew Van
- Renault Kangoo Crew Van
- Renault Trafic Crew Van
- Vauxhall Combo Crew Van
- Vauxhall Vivaro Doublecab
- Volkswagen Transporter Kombi
Citroen Berlingo Crew Van
Pros:
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Good on fuel economy
- Affordable running costs
Cons:
- Limited payload compared to larger vans
- Basic feel in standard trim
- Not suited for heavy-duty work
Why it's a great crew cab van option:
It’s easy to be put off by a small-sized van but in the case of the Citroen Berlingo Crew Van, don’t let the compact dimensions fool you – they can be a real Tardis! It's amazing to see how Citroen has managed to pack so much into what looks like a relatively small package from the outside.Â
If you need the flexibility of a crew van but don't want something that feels difficult to manoeuvre around towns and cities, then the Berlingo could be the crew van for you. So what can you expect from the driving experience? Well, it’s more car-like than van-like, which is a real bonus if you have to navigate narrow streets and tight parking spaces.
The interior feels bright and modern, with plenty of clever storage solutions that show real thought has gone into how people actually use these vehicles. We think it's this combination of compact dimensions and clever space that makes it such a brilliant option for smaller teams.
Citroen Dispatch Crew Van
Pros:
- Competitively priced
- Good standard equipment included
- Excellent comfort levels
Cons:
- Some rivals feel more premium
- Limited engine choices
- Cargo opening is smaller compared to rivals
Why it's a great crew cab van option:
If comfort is high on your priority list, then the Citroen Dispatch Crew Van might just be a match made in heaven. There's something about the way this van drives that sets it apart from the competition; we found it glides over the lumps and bumps of Britain's roads with ease.Â
Inside, the Dispatch has an airy, modern feel that makes it a pleasant place to spend time in - handy if you’re prone to travelling for long periods of time. What really impresses us, however, is that Citroen has managed to make such a practical vehicle feel almost car-like to drive.Â
The steering is light but precise, making tight manoeuvres an absolute breeze, and the seating position gives you a more commanding view of the road that we know van drivers love.Â
Ford Transit Custom Double Cab-In-Van
Pros:
- Class-leading driving experience
- Excellent fuel economy for its size
- Includes advanced safety features
Cons:
- Expensive to buy
- Brand-new models can have longer waiting times
- The steering is a little too light
Why it's a great crew cab van option:
There’s a very good reason why the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab-In-Van (DCIV) is classed as the king of crew cabs, continuing to set the standard in 2025. Step inside and it feels more like a high-end SUV than a commercial vehicle, with a driving position that gives you that confidence-inspiring view of the road.Â
As with a lot of Ford commercial vehicles, there's this sense of robustness that tells you it's built to handle whatever your working day throws at it. What the Transit Custom DCIV does really well is that it manages to combine a tough workhorse exterior with soft interior comfort for all passengers.Â
Your crew will no doubt appreciate the supportive seats and impressive legroom in the second row, while you'll love how it handles more like a car than a van, especially around town.Â
Nissan Primastar Crew Van
Pros:
- Good handling on the roads
- Reliable performance
- Excellent fuel economy
Cons:
- Not the most exciting van to drive
- Only one diesel engine is available
- Basic models do not include the best featuresÂ
Why it's a great crew cab van option:
Often going under the radar, the Nissan Primastar Crew Van definitely deserves your attention. Not only has it had a complete redesign, but feels like a van that is built to last and do you know what, we love a van that boasts no-nonsense practicality. Â
Inside the cabin you can expect a straightforward, functional layout that you'll appreciate during busy working days – everything is exactly where you'd expect it to be - phew!
Unlike some other crew vans, the passenger space is genuinely comfortable and not just an afterthought. What really impresses us though, is how the Primastar manages to combine practicality with a level of refinement that makes it a pleasure to drive.
Peugeot Expert Crew Van
Pros:
- Good technology integration
- Very stable to drive
- Only one roof height
Cons:
- Some cheap interior materials
- Basic entry-level specification
- The load area is smaller than in some rivals
Why it's a great crew cab van option:
Built on a similar design to its Citroen cousin, the Peugeot Expert Crew Van has plenty of its own characteristics. This is a van that manages to look stylish while still being every inch the practical work vehicle you’d expect.Â
We particularly like the cabin’s futuristic feel with its i-Cockpit design, though it does get a bit of getting used to. There's a real sense of quality throughout the vehicle, and the driving position is spot-on for both city driving and motorway journeys.Â
The passenger space is equally well thought out, with comfortable seating and good visibility for all on board. It's this winning combination of style, comfort, and practicality that makes the Expert model stand out from the crowd.
Renault Kangoo Crew Van
Pros:
- Very good value for money
- Clever storage features
- Car-like driving experience
Cons:
- Basic interior in places
- Some rivals offer more space
- Not the most exciting-looking van
Why it's a great crew cab van option:
If ever there was a chance to prove that a van doesn’t have to be big to be practical, then the Renault Kangoo Crew Van is it. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that the interior is a masterclass in space efficiency – it's amazing how Renault has managed to create such a comfortable and practical space in what is essentially a compact van.Â
The seats are properly comfortable, not just for short trips but for full working days, and the driving position is spot-on. What really impresses us is how they've managed to maintain a decent load space even with the second row of seats in place. We like the wide-opening doors and low load height which make it ideal for town-based driving and city drop-offs.Â
Renault Trafic Crew Van
Pros:
- Excellent fuel economy
- Smart interior design
- Good range of equipment as standard
Cons:
- Some cheap-feeling plastics inside
- Not the biggest payload for its class
- The infotainment system can be fiddly
Why it's a great crew cab van option:
The Renault Trafic Crew Van is a great example of clever design paired with practicality in one user-friendly package. The interior feels like it's been designed by someone who actually uses a van for work and we love the handy storage compartments fitted around the cabin.
The passenger space is surprisingly generous, with enough room for five adults to travel in genuine comfort, and not just squeezed in. What really stood out to us is the attention to detail in the cabin layout – everything from the fold-down tables to the charging points shows real thought about how people use these vehicles in the real world.Â
In our opinion, it's these little touches that make the difference between a good van and a great one.
Vauxhall Combo Crew Van
Pros:
- Competitively priced
- Very easy to park
- Good on fuel economy
Cons:
- Some cheap interior materials
- Entry models are fairly basic
- The electronic handbrake isn’t to everyone’s taste
Why it's a great crew cab van option:
Now here’s a van that’s been designed with city living in mind - introducing the Vauxhall Combo Crew Van. Inside, the cabin has this modern, well-thought-out design that makes it enjoyable to spend time in, whether you're in the front or back.Â
We thought the driving position was spot-on for a small van, giving you great visibility, and there's a surprising amount of comfort for all passengers. It's these practical touches combined with its city-friendly dimensions that make the Combo Crew Van from Vauxhall such a versatile option.
Vauxhall Vivaro Doublecab
Pros:
- Comfortable to drive
- Good payload capacity
- Great driver safety features included
Cons:
- Not the best driving positionÂ
- Interior materials could be better in places
- The cabin feels a bit cramped
Why it's a great crew cab van option:
What we love about the Vauxhall Vivaro Doublecab is that you don’t need to break the bank to get a proper crew van. While the driving position could be better, the seats are very comfortable - even in the back which means your crew won't be drawing straws to avoid the rear seats on longer journeys!
The Vivaro certainly doesn’t disappoint where driver safety tech is concerned; we think the pre-collision assist feature (including forward collision alert) is a great addition. It’s no wonder this mid-size van is a popular choice among drivers, particularly those with limited mobility.Â
Volkswagen Transporter Kombi
Pros:
- Superior interior quality
- Great handling on the roads
- Lots of safety features includedÂ
Cons:
- It is on the expensive side
- Basic entry-level model
- Can be noisy at times
Why it's a great crew cab van option:
If you want to make a statement with a crew cab van, then the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi has your name on it. There's something about the way this van is put together that just feels more premium than some other models - the interior quality is a cut above what you might expect from a commercial vehicle.Â
The dashboard could have been lifted straight from VW's passenger car range, and that's no bad thing. What really impresses us is the attention to detail – from the perfectly weighted steering to the intuitive layout of the controls. The Kombi manages to perfectly strike the balance between being a practical weight-carrier and a comfortable people-mover, without compromising on either front.
FAQs and Answers:
Q: What is the best crew cab van to buy in 2025?
A: The best crew cab van for you is open to interpretation as it depends entirely on what you need from the vehicle. While the Ford Transit Custom Double-Cab-In-Van is a market leader, it may not suit all of your requirements. We recommend you establish a realistic budget first before deciding exactly what you need the van for.Â
Q: What is the best crew cab van for a family?
A: For family use, the Volkswagen Transporter Kombi is an excellent choice. It offers car-like comfort, superior safety features, and excellent all-round build quality. Some of the family-friendly features include ISOFIX points for child seats, high safety ratings, and climate control throughout the cabin.Â
Q: What is the best small crew van?
A: The Citroen Berlingo Crew Van is up there as one of the best small crew vans to buy. It boasts an impressive balance of space and manoeuvrability, making it perfect for us in towns and cities. However, we’d also recommend the Renault Kangoo Crew Van which is equipped with a host of innovative features.
Q: What are the differences between a crew van and an MPV?
A: While both a crew van and MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) can transport people and cargo, there are several key differences which we’ve outlined below:
Crew Van:
- Designed primarily for commercial use
- Separate, secured cargo area
- More rugged construction
- Higher payload capacity
- Usually more basic interior trim
- Typically classified as a commercial vehicle for tax purposes
MPV:
- Designed primarily for passenger transport
- Fully trimmed interior throughout
- More car-like driving experience
- Greater emphasis on passenger comfort
- Usually more refined and quieter
- Classified as a passenger vehicle for tax purposes
Q: Are crew cab vans taxed as cars or vans?
A: Most crew cab vans are classed as commercial vehicles for tax purposes, this is because they meet the following criteria:
- Have a payload capacity of at least 1 tonne
- Their purpose is to carry goods rather than passengers
- Have a clear separation between passenger and cargo areas
Q: Can I legally carry children in a crew cab van?
A: Yes, you can legally travel with children in a crew cab van, but there are important considerations before you do so. For example, all seats must have approved ISOFIX points or be suitable for belt-secured child seats, and appropriate child seats must be used according to age/height requirements. It goes without saying that all passengers must have access to proper seatbelts.Â
Q: How many seats does a crew cab van have?
A: Most crew cab vans seat between 5 to 6 people. You can expect to have two or three seats in the front, plus three seats in the second row.Â
Q: What's the difference between a crew cab and a double cab van?
A: Essentially, a crew cab van and a double cab van are the same thing. In some instances, there are slight differences, such as a crew cab having a second row of seats and windows, whereas sometimes the term ‘double cab’ indicates a more basic second-row setup.
Browse our Best Deals on Crew Cab Vans
At Loads of Vans, we proudly boast Surrey's largest selection of new and used crew cab vans all under one roof. From the compact Citroen Berlingo to the Renault Trafic, our extensive stock means you'll find the right van at the right price.Â
We pride ourselves on making your purchase journey seamless from start to finish. Discover our competitive finance packages and part-exchange deals, each designed to make your commercial vehicle purchase more affordable.Â
Not sure which crew cab best suits your needs? Our friendly team is here to help 7 days a week. We offer honest, practical advice based on real-world experience, and with our price match promise, you know you're getting the best deal around!