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Best of the rest? Vauxhall Vivaro review

Item: Best of the rest? Vauxhall Vivaro review
Author: Andrew Charman

Is the Vauxhall-badged medium van the leading rival to the all-conquering Ford Transit Custom?

Andrew Charman 26 August 2025

Specification

BiK: 100

What is it?

Coming up with a van to challenge Ford’s all-conquering Transit Custom remains a perennially tough task, the mid-size van market continuing to be dominated by the blue oval’s best-seller, but the Stellantis Group persists in its efforts with the Vivaro leading the way.

Launched in its latest generation in 2019 updated in 2023 and until recently made at Vauxhall’s Luton plant, this van may only sell a quarter of the volume recorded by the Transit Custom but sits firmly at fourth in the overall market.

It is also comfortably the best-seller of the Stellantis range, despite its Peugeot, Citroën and Fiat sisters being effectively the same vehicle – in fact for impressions of a more powerful version of our test vehicle you could read our recent review of the 2-litre Fiat Scudo.

The Vivaro is offered in two lengths, with a loadspace at floor level of either 2512mm in the standard van or 2862mm in the XL version. This can be extended by means of the ‘load-through’ feature – an option on the entry-level prime model but standard in the Pro variant – that drops a panel behind the passenger seat to accommodate items of up to 3.6 or four metres in length.

In terms of carrying ability, the arrival of the latest-generation Vivaro saw major increases in payload and towing capacity, as well as more efficient engines with lower emissions.

The exact figures depend on which engine and which of the two trim levels one chooses, Prime or for around £2500 more the Pro trim as on the vehicle tested by Business Vans. Our van is fitted with the lower capacity 1.5-litre 120hp turbodiesel engine, while one can alternatively choose the 2-litre version with 145hp on tap.

All this translates to a maximum payload rating in our test van of 1173 kg (the 2-litre offering 1375 kg). Gross vehicle weight is 2830 kg (3100 kg), with a maximum towing weight of two tonnes (2.5). it’s easy to load too, with side sliding doors on both sides standard on all models.

Vauxhall does also offer an electric variant of the Vivaro in both lengths, with an official range between charges in excess of 200 miles. The weight of the underfloor battery does mean load compromises, with the standard version offering a one-tonne payload (both models). Gross vehicle weight tips the scales at 3021 kg (3053 kg) with again a maximum towing weight of a tonne.

Vauxhall updated its van range recently with the most obvious exterior visual change the introduction of the ‘vizor’ plain panel on the front end area formerly occupied by the upper grille. Exterior differences between the Prime and Pro variants see the former making do with 16-inch steel wheels with centre caps and unpainted body mouldings, whereas the Pro gets 17-inch versions with full-diameter trims (alloy rims are a cost option), body coloured bumpers and door handles and black-painted side mouldings.

Inside the cockpits also got an update and there are two distinct varieties. The Prime offers wireless connection, DAB radio, voice control and Bluetooth, while this can be replaced by a smartphone station which allows the driver’s phone to control the infotainment and connect with buttons on the steering wheel.

The brand’s latest interior design, dubbed Snapdragon, is employed in the Pro models. There are two 10-inch screens, the central landscape-format infotainment unit and a digital driver’s display. Satellite navigation is built in but both Prime and Pro versions offer smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing use of the generally more effective Google Maps.

All versions of the Vivaro also provide access to Vauxhall Connect, the brand’s telematics system including emergency and breakdown calling and vehicle status updates to the operator.

The loadspace is well designed with minimal intrusion from the wheel arches and lashing points built in. Our standard version will accommodate two Euro pallets while the extended model will take three. The side doors are also large enough to allow loading of said pallets through the side.

What do we think of it?

Generally the Vivaro looks like a van fit for purpose, both reasonably aerodynamic and easy to load, the sliding doors on both sides a definite advantage alongside the wide-opening rear versions. Notably, however, Vauxhall does not offer a high-roof variant as do some rivals, though this does make the Vivaro able to use many height-restricted car parks.

The general design and finish of the van’s cabin has definitely been improved in the latest Vivaro, though it remains quite a cramped environment if carrying passengers. However getting comfortable in the cockpit is easy, the driver’s seat adjustable in six directions including lumbar control.

Our lower-capacity engined version is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. Go for the more powerful 2-litre engine and an eight-speed auto is an option. The manual gearbox is not one of the best aspects of the vehicle with a somewhat notchy gear change, though our test vehicle’s was not as bad as what we experienced when testing its sister Fiat Scudo.

The engine fitted to our test van may be the lowest-power unit but it does not feel in the least bit restrained – with a strong 300Nm torque figure it bowls the van along with acceptable pace even with a heavy load in the back. It’s also a refined unit, with little in the way of extraneous noise.

The Vivaro’s on-the-road dynamics are excellent in all respects. It is a very easy vehicle to drive and someone coming to it from a car will find little to faze them. Ride comfort is excellent and body roll in corners well controlled – only that less than impressive gear change detracts from the overall impression.

Manoeuvring the vehicle in tight spaces is also very easy. The steering is light to the touch while the Pro model comes fully equipped with parking sensors, a rear parking camera. Meanwhile in all driving activities the digital rear-view mirror, also standard on the Pro model, is definitely an advance that in our opinion should be fitted as standard to all light-commercial vehicles.

Overall the Vauxhall Vivaro has a lot to recommend it, particularly in the areas that matter most to operators, such as payload capacity. The gripes are generally minor and it is easy to see why it remains one of the most chosen alternatives to the Ford Transit Custom.

Business Vans Test Drives are the initial test of a new vehicle, of usually between 50 and 100 miles. Business Motoring Reviews are usually conducted over a full week, completing several hundred miles.