After another year of Ford dominance in the LCV market, the Transit Custom has been crowned the UK’s best-selling van for 2022, followed by the larger Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
According to the end-of-year figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), about 282,000 new LCVs were registered in the UK last year, which was more than 20% down on 2021 levels.
Almost 6% of these new light vans were electric vehicles, up from around 4% in 2021. Diesel models continued to make up 92% of van sales, however, showing that a lot of work is needed to convert new LCV sales to electric and plug-in models by the end of this decade.
Perennial market leader Ford had four different LCV models in the top ten best-sellers list. The Ford Transit Custom is once again the UK’s favourite van, to absolutely no-one’s surprise. Interestingly, there was a variation between Ford’s claimed sales numbers and the SMMT’s official records, which led Ford to claim that the Transit Custom was the UK’s best-selling vehice of any kind, whereas the SMMT data records the Nissan Qashqai as holding that particular honour.
In any case, the Transit Custom’s closest van rival, the Vauxhall Vivaro, could not muster even half of the Ford’s sales, highlighting the Transit Custom’s dominance of the mid-sized van sector. Vauxhall can take some consolation, however, in the fact that the Vivaro Electric (formerly the Vivaro-e) was the UK’s best-selling electric van.
The larger Ford Transit also sold consistently in impressive numbers throughout last year, while the Ford Ranger was 2022’s best-selling pick-up model.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter finished in the final podium place, above the Vauxhall Vivaro, and Volkswagen also recorded a commendable year of sales, as its Transporter and Crafter were both in the annual top ten.
Sales results for each car manufacturer (and even for each model range) continued to be defined by supply factors, as car companies battle component shortages – a hangover of the Covid situation from the last two years and supply problems resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Things have been improving in recent months, so hopefully that will carry forward into 2023. Mind you, with China facing a fresh Covid meltdown, the rollercoaster may well carry on for a while yet…
Top ten best sellers 2022
| 1 | Ford Transit Custom | 42,215 |
| 2 | Ford Transit | 33,203 |
| 3 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 17,034 |
| 4 | Vauxhall Vivaro | 16,830 |
| 5 | Ford Ranger | 16,827 |
| 6 | Volkswagen Transporter | 15,164 |
| 7 | Ford Transit Connect | 8,218 |
| 8 | Peugeot Expert | 8,131 |
| 9 | Renault Trafic | 8,085 |
| 10 | Volkswagen Crafter | 7,455 |
Britain’s best-selling vans of 2022
1. Ford Transit Custom
The popular Ford Transit Custom started 2022’s best-sellers race in pole position and only extended its lead as the year progressed, this one model alone accounting for 7% of all LCV sales in the last calendar year.
The motoring media attributes its continued sales success to Ford’s huge UK dealership network and steady supply of new models available to order, as well as the van’s great ride and handling, and its strong and efficient engines.
An all-new Ford Transit Custom, led by an electric model, is set to arrive in the UK during 2023.
2. Ford Transit
The best-selling model in the large LCV class, the Ford Transit has been frequently commended by British reviewers for its vast model range and refined driving experience. The new e-Transit is also the UK’s best-selling two-tonne electric van (although it’s a very small field at this point in time).
That said, the equipment package included with entry-level Transit models is said to be rather sparse, and some variants in the rivalling Mercedes-Benz Sprinter range can carry a heavier maximum payload.
3. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
2022’s ‘best-of-the-rest’ model, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was the third most popular LCV in the UK last year, earmarked by the UK media for being comfortable and easy to drive. Mercedes-Benz also offers the van in a huge range of body styles to meet your preference, and several outlets comment that the Sprinter’s on-board technology is class-leading.
Key rivals like the Ford Transit are cheaper to buy and run however, and the van’s optional packages are steeply priced too.
4. Vauxhall Vivaro
Available as either a diesel or electric van, the Vauxhall Vivaro may not have had the sales numbers to stand up to the market-leading Ford Transit Custom, but does end the year with its own accolade – 2022’s best-selling electric LCV.
The British motoring media regard both diesel and electric models as competent and comfortable all-rounders that are well-equipped as standard and cheap to run, but the Vivaro’s interior space is rather compact when compared to other mid-sized vans currently on sale.
5. Ford Ranger
Reviewers agree that the Ford Ranger is the benchmark of the pick-up class and it seems that British buyers concur, as the Ford outsold its rivals by a considerable margin.
The Ranger has been commended for its performance both on and off the road, its well-equipped interior and its payload and towing capabilities. That said, its diesel engines are noted to be rather noisy.
An all-new Ranger arrives in 2023 and seems likely to carry on the model’s success.
6. Volkswagen Transporter
Now in its sixth generation, the Volkswagen Transporter continues to be VW’s best-selling commercial model and recorded a sixth place finish in the annual sales charts.
The Transporter range consists of a wide range of model options, including an all-electric version, and the van has been praised by reviewers for its impressive infotainment system and safety tech. There are cheaper alternatives on the market however, and the van’s ride comfort is said to be rather firm.
An all-new Transporter Mk 7 is set to arrive in the UK in 2023.
7. Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect has earmed praise for its sharp styling and practicality, including its impressive payload ratings. It is also one of the most affordable options in the small van class – one of the key reasons behind its commendable 2022 sales figures.
However, some reviewers have commented that its infotainment system is prone to errors, and the van’s bulkhead extends into the load area, meaning some of its rivals are more spacious in the rear.
8. Peugeot Expert
Available with either a diesel or electric drivetrain, the Peugeot Expert is essentially a rebadged Vauxhall Vivaro and is built in the same factory in Luton. As such, it offers all the same qualities as the Vauxhall but with a different badge.
Its cabin is said to be rather cramped though, and multiple outlets report that the van’s driving visibility is poor, some suggesting it needs bigger door mirrors.
9. Renault Trafic
Motoring journalists agree that the Renault Trafic is a clever and capable LCV package that is both quiet and comfortable to drive, as well as being quite cost effective to run on a daily basis.
The van’s recent facelift has also introduced a number of intuitive safety features which have enhanced its appeal, but some of its rivals can handle heavier payloads.
10. Volkswagen Crafter
Rounding off the top ten, the Volkswagen Crafter has been commended by automotive journalists for its clever but dull interior design, as well as its comfortable and easy driving experience.
That said, its maximum payload figures are not all that impressive for a van of this size, and its fuel economy is fairly average too.
