Let’s face it, MPVs (aka people carriers) are never going to be the most exotic-looking or luxurious vehicles on the road. They have a job to do: to carry large families and all associated clobber as flexibly and economically as possible.
So if you’re thinking of buying an MPV, you may as well lean into the body style’s traditional strengths and go for a people carrier in the form of a van-based one. Due to their commercial vehicle origins, van-based MPVs tend to be boxy, which maximises their interior space and minimises their exterior dimensions – you’ll often discover models that offer more space inside than a large SUV such as a Land Rover Discovery or Hyundai Santa Fe, but take up less space on your driveway. They can also be better value for money than purpose-built MPVs, which are not based on van platforms (although if that’s what you’re after we have a separate guide to the best MPVs on sale). For now, though, here are 10 of the best people carrier vans, with 7-seater cars, 8-seater versions and even 9-seater configurations, and petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric options.
Best Van-Based MPVs 2024
- Toyota Proace Verso
- Volkswagen ID.Buzz
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class
- Ford Tourneo Custom
- Citroen Berlingo
- Volkswagen Caddy/Caddy Life
- Ford Tourneo Connect
- Vauxhall Combo Life
- Peugeot Rifter
- Volkswagen Multivan
- FAQs
Toyota Proace Verso (2016-present)
The Toyota Proace Verso comes with seven, eight or nine seats and a trio of diesel engines. It’s a true multi-purpose vehicle that’s also available in two different lengths – quite long ‘Medium’ and even longer ‘Long’. Beyond the Toyota badge, it’s basically the same car as the Vauxhall Vivaro Life, Peugeot Traveller and Citroen Spacetourer (see below). This means it’s comfortable and spacious for all occupants, but suffers from quite a bit of body lean in corners. However, unlike those otherwise similar models, the Toyota comes with a five-year 100,000-mile warranty.
Toyota Proace Verso Review
Volkswagen ID.Buzz (2022-present)
The achingly funky Volkswagen ID.Buzz is an all-electric MPV with styling inspired by the iconic and much-loved T1 VW people-carrier/camper/van of the 1950s. Yet the retro styling hides thoroughly modern mechanicals – a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, a 77kWh battery back and a 258-mile range. The VW ID.Buzz only offers five seats, but it’s vastly more roomy than equivalent electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y. In the coming years, we’ll see longer-range versions with bigger batteries, as well as stretched lwb versions with more seats.
[Volkswagen ID.Buzz Review](https://www.cargurus.co.uk/research/Volkswagen-ID.Buzz-2022-mg606"Read our expert review of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz.")
Mercedes-Benz V-Class (2014-present)
Mercedes is often thought of as a byword for luxury, and this remains true for the V-Class MPV. Admittedly, it is based on the humble Vito van, but swathes of leather and other upmarket materials do a remarkable job of creating a feeling of real luxury. Meanwhile, the effortlessly powerful diesel engines make cruising a relaxing affair, and there’s even the electric EQV model if you want to minimise your environmental impact.
You’ll probably be a little more cosseted in the rear seats of a Mercedes E-Class estate or GLS SUV, as the V-Class’s ride can be a little bumpy, but if you need to transport up to eight people in luxurious surroundings, the V-Class’s longer wheelbase and boxy dimensions ensure it’s the ultimate tool for the job.
Mercedes V-Class Review
Ford Tourneo Custom (2023-present)
The MPV version of the evergreen Ford Transit, the Ford Tourneo Custom, can seat eight or nine occupants, is available in two lengths and comes with a variety of diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid version, and a fully electric drivetrain.
It’s also well kitted out, with Ford’s Sync4 infotainment system combined with a large, clear 13-inch touchscreen and 5G connectivity. Fords are generally fun to drive, and this is the case with the Tourneo Custom, although the upright position never lets you forget you’re driving a van-based vehicle – it's no Ford Galaxy or Ford S-Max in that respect.
Citroen Berlingo (2018-present)
Simple, spacious and easy to live with. The Citroen Berlingo is a simply brilliant tool if you need to get you and your family around in maximum comfort with minimum fuss and minuscule fuel bills.
Twin sliding doors make access to the roomy rear seats a doddle even in tight car parks, and the seven-seat XL model can comfortably accommodate adults in every seat. Good fuel economy means it’s cheap to run, too: the diesel models can get you close to 70mpg and even the 1.2-litre petrol-powered cars will deliver around 50mpg. As a practical car for a family on a budget, there’s little to touch it.
Citroen Berlingo Review
Volkswagen Caddy/Caddy Life (2021-present)
The people carrier version of Volkswagen's compact Caddy van has always provided robust family transport, albeit with very few frills. But the latest Caddy van, launched in 2021, uses the same underpinnings as the current Volkswagen Golf. This means the MPV version finally offers a driving experience that’s more like a car (although if that really matters the Volkswagen Touran MPV is still a better bet), mainly because it has coil-spring suspension at the rear, just like a regular family hatchback.
The interior – particularly the dashboard – is still a bit spartan, but it’s got all the technology you'd expect from a family car, especially if you can stretch to the better equipped Life version. Engines include TSI petrol and TDI diesels, but there’s no plug-in or fully electric model.
Volkswagen Caddy Review
Ford Tourneo Connect 2022-present
The Tourneo Connect won’t win you over if you’re bothered about stylish looks – you’ll go for an SUV if that’s your bag. But if you are in the market for a small(ish) and versatile family car that majors on practicality, then a Tourneo Connect is a fine choice.
The latest Tourneo Connect is actually a rebadged Volkswagen Caddy, though it is significantly cheaper than its VW cousin. It's also available as a seven-seater, which is known as the Grand Tourneo Connect.
Ford Tourneo Connect Review
Vauxhall Combo Life (2018-present)
Styled somewhat more conservatively than its closely related counterparts from Citroen (the Berlingo) and Peugeot (the Rifter), the boxy Vauxhall Combo Life is nevertheless hugely appealing due to the sheer amount of space you get for your money. Like its close cousins, it also offers a choice of five-seat or seven-seat variants and economical 1.5-litre diesels or peppy 1.2-litre petrol engines.
Peugeot Rifter (2018-present)
Of the almost-identical triplets that are the Peugeot Rifter, the Citroen Berlingo and the Vauxhall Combo Life, the Compact yet unbelievably spacious Rifter is arguably the most stylish. It looks slightly smarter on the outside, and the distinctive Peugeot 'i-Cockpit’ interior raises the speedo and rev counter above the wheel, which gives it some inner flair.
Peugeot Rifter Review
Volkswagen Multivan (2022-present)
The Multivan is the successor to VW’s Caravelle (which was based on the Volkswagen Transporter), and is an MPV that makes you question the definition of a van. The latest Multivan looks like a van, has the word 'van' in its name, but isn't actually available as a commercial vehicle. It's also based on the same underpinnings that Volkswagen uses to make the Golf – including a smooth DSG auto gearbox. Yet we include it in this list, because it's every bit as versatile as the best large MPVs, with seats that can be folded, spun, twisted or entirely removed and cubbies and storage enough to permanently lose all manner of kid's games and toys. What's more, because it's based on the same platform as a Golf, it drives much better than you'd expect.
Volkswagen Multivan Review
FAQs
What are the pros and cons of a people carrier van?
Pros: Incredible space and practicality, generally good value compared with an SUV, generally offer spacious third-row seats and overall storage space.
Cons: Not as good to drive as the best handling car-based MPVs such as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer or Gran Tourer. Not as stylish as a car-based MPV such as the Renault Grand Scenic.
What are the features to look for in a people carrier van?
If you’re buying a vehicle with practicality in mind, that should be your priority. Look for sliding doors for easy access, comfortable and roomy seats that offer lots of legroom, and plenty of boot space even with all the seats in use. A van-based MPV is never going to drive as smoothly as a car, but nor should it be uncomfortable or noisy. If you’re driving in central London or other cities with congestion charges, consider a model with a fully electric drivetrain to lower your running costs.
What’s the difference between a people carrier and an MPV?
There isn’t one: the terms people carrier and MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) are interchangeable. However, there is a difference between a traditional people carrier or MPV, and a van-based people carrier or MPV. Thanks to their commercial origins, the latter can offer more space and better value – especially as used cars – but tend not to be quite as cosseting to drive. If that bothers you, it’s worth taking a van-based MPV out for a test drive if you’re thinking of buying or leasing one.