If you’re looking for some 70-plate inspiration, we’ve chosen 10 of our favourites on the market.
Manufacturers introduced 70-reg vans in September 2020, so they’re still fairly new, and they’re reaching an age now where you may get a good deal on the used market.
From plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) to budget options, find your next ride below.
- Read more about the pros and cons of running an electric van in our guide.
Ford Transit Custom
The Ford Transit Custom combines an efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a battery and electric motor, meaning it can travel for up to 35 miles in pure electric mode.
Its PHEV status makes it a good pick for cities with Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZs), and its use of regenerative braking saves on fuel costs.
Its battery has a range of 343 miles too, and it’s rechargeable with a domestic or commercial charger.
We’ve covered how to charge a vehicle if you’re unsure how that works.
Ford Ranger
Ford’s Ranger is rugged yet comfortable, with versatility, genuine off-road ability and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
Available as a single cab, super cab or double cab, there's also the flagship Raptor version.
Ford Performance markets the Raptor as “Europe’s first-ever factory-built, off-road performance pick-up truck”.
It’s a good choice if you want a 70-plate vehicle with off-road ability.
Vauxhall Vivaro-e
With a range of up to 205 miles and a payload of up to 1,226kg, Vauxhall highlights that the Vivaro-e, with a maximum towing capacity of one tonne, is strong enough to pull trailers despite being an EV.
Add an impressive load volume of up to 6,600 litres and a maximum load length of four metres, plus lower running costs and tax benefits, and you have a van that could make sound business sense for you.
Maxus Deliver 9
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, this competitively priced large panel van comes in three body lengths heights and several variants, including a crew cab, chassis and minibus model.
There's a maximum load capacity of just under 13,000 litres, all UK models have a 3,500kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating and its highest payload capacity is 1,360kg.
It's also generously equipped, and there's even a Regen button, which activates a cleaning cycle on the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Volkswagen Caddy
Arguably one of the most important launches of 2020, the fifth-generation VW Caddy small van arrived 42 years and more than three million vehicles after the original.
Longer, lower and wider than older Caddy models, it boasts useful technology, connectivity and safety.
Offered in Caddy, Cargo and Maxi form, load space ranges from 3,300-4,000 litres (enough for two Euro pallets loaded sideways).
A 114bhp turbocharged petrol engine is available, along with three diesel units (74bhp, 100bhp and 120bhp).
Toyota Proace City
Available in two wheelbases and with a load capacity of up to 4,300 litres, the Proace City is also well equipped with goodies, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, and road sign assist standards across the range.
Inside, there's an 8.0-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay (including Siri assistant), Android Auto (including Google assistant) and Bluetooth and USB sockets.
Land Rover Defender Hard Top
Land Rover promises the Defender Hard Top has "a unique combination of cargo space, practicality and comfort", and with a 3,500kg towing capacity, there's serious pulling power on offer too.
It’s available in three-door 90 and long-wheelbase, five-door 110 versions.
Both boast ground clearance of 291mm with a wading depth of 900mm, so these are go-anywhere commercial vehicles.
SsangYong Musso Rhino long-bed
In 2020, South Korean 4x4 specialist SsangYong updated its Musso pick-up and added a long-bed version (adding 300mm to the load area).
Winner of the What Car? award for best pick-up under £28,000 twice, the Musso Rhino LWB offers a big double cab pick-up with a large load bed.
SsangYong says it can tow 3.5 tonnes and carry 1140kg, something few pick-ups can match.
Mercedes-Benz Vito Panel Van
Want a classy medium-sized van with badge appeal? The 70-plate Mercedes-Benz Vito might be right up your street.
Under the bonnet, there's an impressive 2.0-litre diesel engine with improved emissions and driving refinement.
A pure electric eVito is available, with a range of up to 93 miles. It has two lengths, with a maximum load capacity of 6,600 litres and payloads of up to 923kg. Charge time is around six hours.
LEVC VN5 Electric Van
Best known for its TX taxi cabs, the distinctive VN5 is LEVC's (London Electric Vehicle Company) is not a hybrid, but a range extender.
Look under the bonnet, and you’ll find a 1.5-litre petrol engine which doesn't power the vehicle but is used solely as a generator to supply charge to the batteries.
LEVC claims a total range of more than 300 miles and up to 58 miles in pure EV mode. With side and rear openings, it has a load capacity of up to 5,500 litres and a gross payload of 830kg.
A fine choice if you’re after a cost-effective 70-plate.
Gareth Herincx
Motoring journalist
I'm an experienced journalist, digital editor and copywriter, now specialising in motoring. I’m editor of Automotive Blog and have worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online for household names including the BBC, GMTV, ITV and MSN. I’ve produced digital content in the financial sector for Lloyds Bank, Nationwide and the Money Advice Service. I'm married with two children and live near Bath in Somerset.
