Vauxhall Van Range Explained: Combo, Vivaro & Movano Compared

Vauxhall offers commercial vehicles across the small, medium and large van categories, giving businesses several options depending on the amount of cargo they carry, the journeys they complete and the space they need. The core range consists of the Vauxhall Combo, Vauxhall Vivaro and Vauxhall Movano, with electric alternatives also available.

Each model serves a different purpose. The Combo prioritises compact dimensions and everyday usability, the Vivaro adds greater carrying capacity without moving into full-size van territory, while the Movano is intended for businesses that need maximum load space or more specialised body configurations. Specifications also vary between generations, trims and individual used vehicles, so it is important to compare more than just the model name.

This guide explores the main Vauxhall van models and specifications to help you decide which could work best for your business.

Vauxhall Combo

The Vauxhall Combo is the smallest commercial vehicle in the current Vauxhall van range. Its compact footprint makes it particularly suitable for businesses operating in towns, residential areas and locations where parking or manoeuvring space may be restricted.

Despite its smaller size, the Combo can offer up to 4.4m³ of load volume, a maximum load length of approximately 3.4 metres when using the available load-through arrangement and payload capacity of up to 1,000kg, depending on specification.

This combination makes it useful for tradespeople, local delivery drivers, service engineers and businesses that do not require the capacity of a larger panel van.

  • Vauxhall Combo Cargo: The conventional two or three-seat commercial version, designed around carrying tools, equipment and goods.
  • Vauxhall Combo XL: A longer version found within the range, providing additional space for businesses carrying larger or longer items.
  • Vauxhall Combo Crew Van: Adds a second row of seating, making it suitable for companies that need to move workers as well as equipment.
  • Vauxhall Combo Prime: A practical specification with the main comfort, safety and connectivity equipment required for daily business use.
  • Vauxhall Combo Pro: Adds further equipment and convenience features over the entry-level specification.

Vauxhall Combo Electric

The Vauxhall Combo Electric provides many of the practical characteristics of the conventional Combo while replacing the combustion engine with a fully electric drivetrain.

It is aimed particularly at businesses completing predictable local routes, such as urban deliveries, property maintenance, servicing and trade work. Vauxhall currently lists the Combo Electric with zero tailpipe emissions and an official electric range of up to 304 miles for certain versions under WLTP testing. Actual range will vary according to load, weather, driving style and other operating conditions.

Because the battery is incorporated into the vehicle without changing the basic purpose of the van, the Combo Electric can offer an alternative for businesses that want a smaller electric commercial vehicle without moving into the larger Vivaro category.

  • Compact dimensions make it suited to urban routes and tighter working environments.
  • Electric power can work well for vans returning to a depot or business premises where regular charging is available.
  • Cargo-focused design means it remains intended as a working commercial vehicle rather than simply an electric passenger car converted into a van.

Vauxhall Vivaro

Sitting above the Combo is the Vauxhall Vivaro, Vauxhall's medium-sized van.

The Vivaro offers substantially more cargo capacity while remaining smaller and easier to manoeuvre than a full-size van such as the Movano. This makes it a popular middle ground for builders, electricians, couriers, maintenance companies, mobile trades and businesses transporting larger quantities of stock.

Depending on version, diesel Vivaro models are available with different body lengths and engine outputs. Recent versions have included 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre Turbo D diesel engines, with manual and automatic transmission options across selected specifications.

Panel Van load volume reaches approximately 5.3m³ in the standard version and 6.1m³ in XL form, increasing further when the load-through facility is used.

  • Vauxhall Vivaro Panel Van: The standard commercial version, providing an enclosed cargo area for goods, tools and equipment.
  • Vauxhall Vivaro XL: Adds extra body length and greater load capacity for operators carrying bulkier items.
  • Vauxhall Vivaro Doublecab: Provides additional passenger seating while retaining a separate cargo area, making it useful for work crews.
  • Vauxhall Vivaro Prime: A practical specification aimed at everyday business use.
  • Vauxhall Vivaro Pro: Adds equipment such as the FlexCargo load-through bulkhead and additional driver comfort and convenience features on applicable models.
  • Vauxhall Vivaro GS: A more distinctive specification found on some versions, featuring sportier exterior styling and additional visual upgrades.

Vauxhall Vivaro Electric

The Vauxhall Vivaro Electric offers a fully electric option within the medium van category.

It can be a good fit for businesses that need more carrying space than the Combo Electric but still want a van that is manageable for urban and suburban work. Vauxhall quotes a single-charge range of up to 219 miles and a payload of up to 1,000kg for the Vivaro Electric, depending on specification and operating conditions.

For companies with scheduled routes or vans that return to the same premises each evening, the Vivaro Electric may make charging easier to incorporate into the working day.

  • Vivaro Electric Panel Van: Designed for operators that need an enclosed medium-sized electric cargo van.
  • Prime specification: Covers the core equipment needed for everyday commercial driving.
  • Pro specification: Adds further technology, comfort and cargo-management equipment on suitable versions.

When comparing used electric vans, check the specific battery, charging capability, stated range and vehicle condition, as these can differ between model years.

Vauxhall Movano

The Vauxhall Movano is the largest van in the Vauxhall commercial range and is aimed at businesses with more demanding carrying requirements.

Its increased body size makes it suitable for removals, logistics, construction, distribution and specialist conversions where a Combo or Vivaro would not provide enough cargo capacity.

Recent Movano panel vans are offered in several length and height combinations, with load volumes ranging from around 10m³ to as much as 17m³ depending on the configuration.

That choice allows operators to select a vehicle based on the physical dimensions of their loads rather than simply opting for the biggest possible van.

  • Movano L2H1: A comparatively shorter and lower configuration for businesses wanting a large van without maximum body dimensions.
  • Movano L2H2: Adds roof height for increased internal space.
  • Movano L3H2: Provides greater load length and volume for larger commercial requirements.
  • Movano L3H3: Combines the longer body with additional roof height.
  • Movano L4H2: Extends the load floor further while retaining the medium-height roof.
  • Movano L4H3: One of the largest panel van configurations, offering up to approximately 17m³ of cargo volume.

Vauxhall Movano Crew Van, Chassis Cab & Conversions

The Movano range is not limited to conventional panel vans.

Chassis cab, crew cab and conversion-based vehicles broaden the range considerably and can make the Movano suitable for more specialised industries. Recent specification information includes chassis cabs alongside factory-recognised dropside and tipper configurations.

  • Vauxhall Movano Crew Van: Combines additional passenger seating with a substantial cargo compartment.
  • Vauxhall Movano Chassis Cab: Provides a base for fitting a specialist commercial body.
  • Vauxhall Movano Dropside: Offers easy access from the sides and rear for transporting building materials, landscaping supplies and other awkward loads.
  • Vauxhall Movano Tipper: Designed for carrying and quickly unloading loose materials.
  • Vauxhall Movano Luton: Commonly used for removals, furniture transport and larger delivery work.
  • Vauxhall Movano Box Van: Provides a large enclosed body for distribution and logistics applications.

If you are buying a used converted Movano, inspect the fitted body as carefully as the cab and mechanical components. The condition and suitability of the conversion can be just as important as mileage or service history.

Vauxhall Movano Electric

For businesses requiring a large electric commercial vehicle, the Vauxhall Movano Electric sits at the top of the manufacturer's electric van range.

Current versions can offer an official electric range of up to 334 miles under the stated WLTP figures for certain specifications, although real-world range will depend on payload, weather, driving conditions and vehicle configuration.

The Movano Electric retains the large-van format, making it more relevant to operators carrying substantial loads than smaller electric vans.

It may be particularly worth considering for:

  • Multi-drop delivery fleets
  • Urban logistics businesses
  • Companies with depot charging
  • Organisations operating predictable daily routes
  • Businesses seeking a large van with zero tailpipe emissions

The right choice will depend on whether the vehicle's usable range and charging arrangements can comfortably support your normal working pattern.

Which Vauxhall Van Is Best?

The best Vauxhall van largely depends on how much you carry and where you drive.

The Vauxhall Combo is well suited to tradespeople, local delivery operators and businesses that value compact dimensions. Its load space and payload capacity make it more versatile than its small footprint might suggest. The Crew Van provides extra passenger flexibility, while the Combo Electric offers an alternative for businesses completing regular local journeys.

The Vauxhall Vivaro is likely to suit businesses that have outgrown a small van but do not require the size of a Movano. Its choice of body lengths, Panel Van and Doublecab formats gives it broad appeal, while the Vivaro Electric provides a fully electric option in the same medium-sized category.

For maximum cargo capacity, the Vauxhall Movano is the strongest option. Multiple length and roof-height combinations make it suitable for larger loads, while chassis cab, dropside, tipper and other configurations cater for specialist commercial applications.

Whichever model you consider, look closely at payload, load dimensions, wheelbase, roof height, seating configuration, engine, gearbox and body style. Used Vauxhall vans can differ considerably even when they share the same model name.

Find a Used Vauxhall Van at Big Van World

Big Van World offers a range of used Vauxhall vans for sale, giving businesses the opportunity to compare different sizes, body styles, ages and specifications in one place.

Whether you need a compact Vauxhall Combo, a versatile Vauxhall Vivaro or the greater carrying capacity of a Vauxhall Movano, choosing a vehicle around your normal workload can help ensure it remains practical long after you drive it away.

Browse the latest used Vauxhall vans at Big Van World or speak to the team for help comparing available vehicles, specifications, mileage and body configurations.