The 2026 What Van? Awards have recognised a series of leading models across the light commercial vehicle sector, with Renault, Kia, Farizon and Nissan all securing major category wins at a ceremony held at the Hilton London Bankside.
Renault celebrated retaining the Large Van of the Year title, with the Master winning the award for the second consecutive year.
The fully electric Master E-Tech was also Highly Commended in the Zero Emissions Van category.
James Dallas, editor of What Van?, said: “The Renault Master is practical, refined, handles well on the road and possesses a cabin that provides a comfortable working environment.
“Built on a muti-energy platform means operators can find the best Master for their missions.”
Adam Wood, Managing Director and Country Head, Renault Group UK, said: “Winning Large Van of the Year for the second-year running is a fantastic endorsement of Renault Master.
“Its combination of versatility, efficiency, and the choice of traditional or fully electric powertrains makes it the ideal partner for a wide variety of UK businesses.”
Kia secured two top accolades, with the PV5 Cargo named both Van of the Year and Compact Van of the Year.
The model was praised for its sophisticated design, long-range capability and strong driving characteristics, and is the only electric LCV to earn a 10/10 score in a review this year.
Dallas said: “The Kia PV5 Cargo is a well-researched and meticulously developed electric van that has immediately gone to the top of its class with its sophisticated, versatile design coupled with outstanding battery range.”
Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia UK, said: “Winning ‘Van of the Year’ at the What Van? Awards is a tremendous endorsement for the PV5 that arrives just as the very first units arrive in the UK.
“We believe PV5 sets new benchmarks for the industry, thanks to its flexible platform, advanced electrified powertrain, and great value for customers.”
Farizon took home the Zero-Emissions Van of the Year award with the all-electric SV.
Judges commended its efficiency, running costs and overall suitability for commercial operations, following extensive evaluation from an independent panel and editorial team.
Dallas said: “Built on a skateboard platform, the innovatively-designed Farizon SV is both versatile and a practical load lugger.
“In addition, Farizon should be applauded for making safety a priority in developing the van.”
Calum James, general manager – Farizon Auto UK, said: “Winning What Van?’s ‘Zero-Emissions Van of the Year’ accolade is a tremendous endorsement of the born-electric SV’s considerable strengths.
“The development goal was to develop a truly world-class electric large van that’s built for business.”
Nissan also secured a major category win, with the Interstar named Large Van of the Year.
Judges highlighted its practicality, refinement, comfort and breadth of configurations, including dropside, tippers, Luton and Low Luton factory conversions.
This is Nissan’s first large van to be offered with a 100% electric powertrain.
Dallas said: “The Nissan Interstar is practical, refined, handles well on the road and possesses a cabin that provides a comfortable working environment.
“The fact that it is built on a multi-energy platform means operators can find the best fuel type for their applications.”
Allan Newman, LCV Product Manager at Nissan GB, said: “Interstar is the ultimate ally for the businesses that keep society running.
“With an all-electric version, an impressive load capacity and a diverse range of conversion options, it provides exactly what the UK’s everyday champions need to keep the economy moving.”
The awards are judged by an independent panel of sector experts, with winners selected based on factors including innovation, versatility, efficiency and suitability for commercial operators.
