The winners of the 2025 Trade Van Driver Awards have been announced today (April 30, 2025).
Since their launch 13 years ago, the Trade Van Driver Awards have become the Oscars of the trade van sector. Much consideration has been given to who wins these awards among the panel of judges, so the winners can be assured that they truly are the creme de la creme in their various sectors.
Trade Van Driver is the only magazine which caters for the owner-driver and small fleet operator
and as such, its awards are different from others as they are judged not only by the expert panel of
journalists at the magazine but also by a number of readers who use light commercial vehicles as part
of their businesses.
Editor Matthew Eisenegger commented: “Trade Van Driver Magazine prides itself on offering a true
reflection of the thoughts and feelings of its readership. Now in their thirteenth year, it is great to see
some products taking the accolade for a 13th time, as well as new products scoring a first win.”
Best Heavy Van 3.5-7.0 tonnes
Iveco Daily
Judges’ comments: Having been pipped at the post for this award by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
last year, Iveco once again takes the title. The Daily is massively tough and capable, yet at these
weights, it is a far more pleasant vehicle to drive than comparative trucks. Drivers love the van’s
on-road manners, while the Daily is offered in a variety of van, truck and chassis-cab guises which
should satisfy the needs of most traders.
Best Workhorse Pickup
Isuzu D-Max
Judges’ comments: No prizes are offered for those who guessed that the mighty D-Max would
clinch this prize again, as it has done every year since the Trade Van Driver Awards began 13 years
ago. While Isuzu faces some strong and capable opposition, the judges still felt that this truck’s
mixture of tough performance, splendid standard spec and rock bottom prices were again enough
to battle through to the top place. We had a D-Max on test for nine months recently and were left
convinced that while coming close, none of the rivals could quite match it.
Best Builders’ Truck
Isuzu Grafter
Judges’ comments: The Grafter has clinched this prize every year since our awards began 13
years ago. The trucks in this sector take an enormous amount of punishment, so they need to be
rugged and reliable, yet comfortable to drive as well. Buyers of the Grafter can rest peacefully in the
knowledge that their purchases will fulfil all their needs for years to come, with an almost total lack
of problems and downtime. The icing on the cake for traders who buy this vehicle is Isuzu Truck’s
legendary levels of customer service, which ensure that if something does happen to go wrong, it will
be fixed quickly and with zero fuss.
Best Large Van
Renault Master
Judges’ comments: As this vehicle has already been voted International Van of the Year 2025, it’s
hardly surprising that our judges had the Master in their sights for a Trade Van Driver gong this year.
Featuring stunning new looks and diesel, electric and hydrogen powertrains, the Master has all engine
options covered. Renault has not featured largely in our awards over the years, so the judges were
pleased to see that the French manufacturer had come up trumps with this vehicle – and their vote
was unanimous
Best Large Alternative Fuelled Van
Maxus eDeliver3
Judges’ comments: A new award this year to recognise the growing importance of zero emission
transport. Britain is about to be hit with a massive range of new Chinese electric vans, but it was the
Maxus that got here first and has already proved a firm favourite with traders for its good build quality,
high standard spec and rock bottom prices. We are seeing more and more Maxus vans plying the
highways of Britain as traders recognise that low prices don’t necessarily mean low quality. After a
lengthy discussion, the judges decided that the Maxus eDeliver3 deserved recognition.
Best Trade Van Range
Mercedes-Benz
Judges’ comments: A van awards ceremony that doesn’t include the three-pointed star would be
unthinkable. Mercedes-Benz Sprinters are a main feature of Britain’s motorways, while the Vito and
Citan serve the needs of traders who don’t carry as much cargo. The vans offer rock solid reliability,
while the famous star on the front presents an upmarket and stylish appearance. Despite the news
that the Citan will be discontinued next year, the judges felt that Mercedes-Benz was a worthy winner
right now, against some strong opposition from the likes of Ford and Volkswagen
Best Accessory Provider
Rhino Products
Judges’ comments: Many traders need to add extras when they buy new vans – racking, ladders,
roof bars, steps and suchlike. And it is essential that they choose top quality products, as disaster
could ensue in the event of an accident. When the judges were reviewing the potential winners of this
award, the name of Rhino Products came up time and time again. While this sector is crowded with
companies offering such items, Rhino Products is well known by Britain’s traders for offering nothing
but the very best quality gear that will stand the test of time. With recommendations such as this, the
judges had no hesitation in making their decision.
Best Medium Van
Ford Transit Custom
Judges’ comments: There is hardly a street in Britain nowadays which does not have one of these vans
either parked on it or travelling through. The Transit Custom has been a huge success for the Blue Oval –
and in fact one of the judges owns a model which he describes as the ultimate commercial vehicle. When
discussing who should win this award, the Ford Transit Custom’s rivals hardly got a look in, such is the
powerful presence of this van among Britain’s traders.
Best Small Van
Ford Transit Courier
Judges’ comments: A second win for the Blue Oval sees the diminutive yet practical Courier stepping
up to the rostrum. For traders who don’t need to carry heavy loads, the Courier makes an ideal business
companion. It feels a roomy vehicle thanks to its large windscreen and its diesel powerplant promises to
return almost 70 miles per gallon, while offering lively acceleration and pin sharp handling on the road. Like
all other Ford vans, the Courier has a stylish body and a good amount of standard spec that will satisfy
even the most demanding driver.
Best Small Alternative Fuelled Van
Vauxhall Vivaro Electric
Judges’ comments: Last year’s prize went to the Vivaro Hydrogen but for 2025, the judges plumped
for the electric version. The Vivaro has been serving Britain’s traders faithfully since 2001 and as the
country gears up for a zero emission future, this model should ensure that the Vivaro will still be a firm
favourite for years to come, offering emission free transport which will help to keep the UK’s air clean.
Best Conversion Range
Citroen
Judges’ comments: Traders have a wide range of needs when it comes to special conversions
and they expect their particular vans to be available at one point of sale. Citroen’s massive array of
options, carried out by trusted suppliers, means traders can be pretty much assured that Citroen can
supply any type of van they need – and that van will be built to the highest possible standards. The
judges felt Citroen was a worthy winner this year.
Van of the year
Volkswagen Crafter
Judges’ comments: The German manufacturer has built up an awesome reputation for the quality
and reliability of its commercial vehicle range. Its biggest van, the Crafter, has become a common
sight on Britain’s roads as more and more companies realise the huge benefits of choosing this
vehicle. Despite its size, the Crafter offers car-like levels of drivability, while owners can be assured
that the van will give breakdown-free service even under the most harsh conditions and over huge
mileages. The judges were unanimous in awarding this stunning vehicle the top prize this year
A massive Congratulations to all the Winner and Nominees.
