When choosing a new van for your business, security is about much more than locking the doors at the end of the working day.
A modern commercial vehicle can use advanced safety technology to help prevent collisions, detect pedestrians and cyclists, keep the vehicle within its lane and alert a driver who may be becoming tired. At the same time, businesses also need to consider how well a van can protect its tools, equipment, stock and other valuable items from theft.
For businesses that rely on their vans every day, choosing a vehicle with strong safety and security credentials can therefore be an important part of fleet management.
In this guide, we look at some of the most secure vans available in the UK, considering their latest Euro NCAP commercial-van safety ratings alongside the features that can help businesses protect their drivers, vehicles and loads.
Please note: Euro NCAP’s commercial-van ratings assess vehicle safety and driver-assistance technology rather than theft resistance. A high Euro NCAP rating should not be interpreted as meaning that a van is more difficult to steal. Vehicle security can vary according to specification, optional equipment, aftermarket systems and how the vehicle is used.
What Makes A Van Secure?
There are two sides to van security. A secure van should protect its occupants and other road users while also providing appropriate protection for the vehicle and its contents. Businesses should also consider wider commercial-vehicle standards and responsibilities when specifying a vehicle.
The first is active safety. This is the technology designed to help prevent collisions or reduce their severity. The second is vehicle and load security, which helps protect the van and whatever is being carried inside it.
Some of the most useful safety and security features include:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Can automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected |
| Forward Collision Warning | Alerts the driver to a possible collision ahead |
| Lane Support Systems | Can warn the driver or intervene if the van begins leaving its lane |
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | Helps identify vehicles approaching from areas the driver may not easily see |
| Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection | Helps the van recognise vulnerable road users |
| Driver Monitoring | Can identify signs of fatigue or reduced driver attention |
| Parking Sensors & Cameras | Helps reduce low-speed impacts when manoeuvring |
| Immobiliser | Helps prevent unauthorised starting of the vehicle |
| Alarm System | Provides an additional deterrent against unauthorised access |
| Secure Central Locking | Helps protect the cab and load area |
| Load-Area Security | Additional locks, grilles and security systems can provide further protection |
| Van Racking & Storage | Keeps tools and equipment organised and can help prevent loose items becoming hazards |
From security equipment and secure storage to racking and other specialist modifications, businesses can tailor their vehicles around the work they need to perform. Our guide to commercial vehicle conversions explains the different options available to UK businesses.
For businesses carrying expensive tools or equipment, security should be considered when the van is specified rather than treated as an afterthought. Choosing the right storage, racking, security gates and other equipment from the outset can help create a vehicle that is better suited to the demands of the business.
Businesses looking for a vehicle with specialist equipment or modifications can also explore bespoke van leasing and customisation.
It is also important to remember that equipment can vary between trims and specifications. A fleet manager should always check exactly which safety and security features are included with the vehicle being ordered, as well as understanding the wider responsibilities of running a leased commercial vehicle.
Which Vans Have The Best Safety Ratings?
Euro NCAP introduced its commercial-van testing programme to provide a more meaningful comparison of the safety technology fitted to modern vans.
The latest ratings show just how far commercial-vehicle safety has developed. Vans such as the Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter and Ford Transit now offer levels of driver-assistance technology that would have been unusual in the commercial-vehicle sector a few years ago.
The current Euro NCAP rankings include the following leading vans:
| Van | Euro NCAP Overall Score / Result | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit Custom | 96% | Five Stars |
| Volkswagen Transporter | 96% | Five Stars |
| Ford Transit | 95% | Five Stars |
| Ford Transit Courier | 85% | Five Stars |
| Renault Master | 84% | Five Stars |
| Nissan Interstar | 84% | Five Stars |
| Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo | 83% | Five Stars |
| Volkswagen Caddy Cargo | 83% | Five Stars |
| Ford Transit Connect | 83% | Five Stars |
| Maxus eDELIVER 5 | 82% | Five Stars |
| Renault Kangoo Van | 78% | Five Stars |
| Nissan Townstar | 78% | Five Stars |
| FIAT Ducato | 78% | Five Stars |
| Volkswagen Crafter | Bronze Medal | 2023 Assessment |
Note: The Volkswagen Crafter was assessed by Euro NCAP in 2023 under its commercial van safety programme, which used a medal-based rating system rather than the five-star system used for newer assessments. The Crafter received a Bronze Medal. This is not equivalent to a five-star rating, so the result should not be directly compared with the percentage scores and five-star ratings shown for the other vans in this table.
These are Euro NCAP’s published commercial-van results and relate to the specific vehicles and specifications tested. The organisation’s current commercial-van programme has placed considerably more emphasis on active safety and driver-assistance technology than older van safety assessments.
Ford Transit Custom
The Ford Transit Custom is one of the strongest choices for businesses looking for a van with advanced safety technology.
It achieved an overall Euro NCAP score of 96% and a five-star rating, placing it at the top of the current commercial-van rankings alongside the Volkswagen Transporter.
One of the key strengths of the Transit Custom is its autonomous emergency braking system. Euro NCAP found that its radar-and-camera system can detect vehicles as well as vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
The van also benefits from lane-support technology, including lane-departure warning and emergency lane keeping. Blind-spot monitoring is available to help prevent the driver from moving into the path of an overtaking vehicle.
Driver monitoring is another useful feature, with the system able to recognise steering behaviour associated with fatigue and alert the driver that a break may be required.
For businesses that spend long hours on the road, this combination of collision avoidance, lane assistance and driver monitoring makes the Transit Custom a particularly compelling option.
Volkswagen Transporter
The latest Volkswagen Transporter is another standout when it comes to commercial-van safety.
It achieved the same 96% Euro NCAP score as the Transit Custom and received a five-star rating. Importantly, Euro NCAP notes that the latest Transporter is a twin of the Transit Custom and shares much of its safety technology.
Its autonomous emergency braking system uses radar-camera technology to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
The Transporter also incorporates lane-support technology, speed assistance and driver-fatigue monitoring.
For businesses already familiar with Volkswagen’s commercial-vehicle range, the latest Transporter therefore combines the practicality expected from a medium van with an exceptionally strong safety package.
Volkswagen Crafter
The Volkswagen Crafter is another strong option for businesses that need a large van with a combination of safety technology, driver assistance and practical security features. Its size and range of configurations make it particularly suitable for businesses carrying tools, equipment or larger loads.
The Crafter was assessed by Euro NCAP under its commercial van safety programme and received a Bronze medal in the 2023 assessment. Euro NCAP noted that the van offered a good amount of safety equipment, although its autonomous emergency braking system lacked some of the more advanced vulnerable-road-user recognition technology found on higher-performing vans.
Depending on specification, the Crafter can be equipped with features such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors and Crosswind Assist, while additional security equipment can also be specified.
For businesses carrying expensive tools or equipment, the Crafter can also provide a useful base for additional security and storage equipment. Security gates, racking, secure storage and other specialist modifications can be added according to the way the vehicle will be used.
Ford Transit
For businesses requiring more load space, the Ford Transit remains one of the strongest choices.
The latest Transit achieved a 95% overall Euro NCAP score and a five-star rating. Euro NCAP describes the current model’s safety technology as being on a par with modern passenger cars.
Its autonomous emergency braking system can detect cars, pedestrians and cyclists. Testing also showed good performance when dealing with stationary and slower-moving vehicles.
For larger fleets, the Transit is particularly attractive because businesses can combine substantial load capacity with a comprehensive range of driver-assistance technology.
Ford Transit Courier
Not every business needs a medium or large van.
For companies operating in towns and cities, the Ford Transit Courier provides a smaller alternative while still achieving a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
The latest Euro NCAP ranking gives the Transit Courier an overall score of 85%.
That makes it an interesting choice for businesses such as:
- Local delivery companies
- Tradespeople
- Maintenance businesses
- Couriers
- Small fleets
- Businesses operating predominantly in urban areas
Its smaller dimensions can also make it easier to manoeuvre and park than a larger panel van.
Mercedes-Benz Vito
The Mercedes-Benz Vito is another strong option for businesses looking for a safety-focused medium van.
The latest Vito achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with an overall score of around 90% in the current assessment. Euro NCAP says the latest model comes equipped with the latest safety technology and performed strongly throughout testing.
Autonomous emergency braking and forward-collision warning are standard in the tested vehicle, with the system designed to identify other vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
Lane-support technology is also fitted as standard, while blind-spot information is available.
This makes the Vito particularly worthy of consideration for businesses that want a premium medium-sized commercial vehicle without compromising on driver-assistance technology.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long been associated with large commercial fleets, and the latest model has made a significant step forward in safety.
The current Sprinter achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with an overall score of 86%. Euro NCAP notes that this represents a major improvement over its earlier assessment.
Autonomous emergency braking and forward-collision warning are standard, with the system capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
The Sprinter also has a standard-fit lane-support system, which can intervene if the vehicle begins to drift from its lane.
For businesses that need a large van, particularly those covering high mileages or carrying valuable equipment, the Sprinter’s combination of size, practicality and safety technology makes it a strong contender.
Renault Master
The Renault Master is another large van that has performed strongly under the latest Euro NCAP testing programme.
The latest Master achieved an overall score of 84% and a five-star rating.
Available with both conventional and electric powertrains, the Master provides businesses with a choice of configurations while maintaining a strong emphasis on modern safety technology.
This makes it particularly relevant to businesses that need substantial load capacity but are also considering the transition to electric commercial vehicles.
Volkswagen Caddy Cargo
For businesses that need something smaller, the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo is another five-star-rated option.
The Caddy Cargo achieved an overall Euro NCAP score of 83% in the current assessment.
Its compact dimensions make it suitable for businesses operating in urban environments, while its safety technology provides additional reassurance for drivers spending much of their working day on the road.
The Ford Transit Connect shares the same underlying vehicle tested by Euro NCAP and also carries a five-star rating for vehicles covered by the assessment.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
Businesses considering an electric van should not overlook the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo.
The electric van achieved an overall Euro NCAP score of 83% and a five-star rating.
As well as providing an electric alternative for businesses looking to reduce their reliance on petrol or diesel, the ID. Buzz Cargo benefits from a modern safety and driver-assistance package.
It therefore offers an interesting combination of electric power, distinctive design and a strong safety rating.
Renault Kangoo Van
The Renault Kangoo Van is another five-star option for businesses looking for a smaller commercial vehicle.
Its current Euro NCAP score is 78%, with the assessment covering the relevant vehicle configuration and safety equipment.
The Kangoo Van can be particularly appealing to businesses that do not require the load capacity of a larger panel van but still want modern driver-assistance technology.
Safety Ratings Are Not The Same As Theft Security
It is important to distinguish between vehicle safety and theft security. Euro NCAP ratings primarily assess how well a vehicle protects occupants and other road users in a crash, while theft security relates to features designed to deter unauthorised access, theft of the vehicle and theft of equipment or goods.
Euro NCAP assesses areas such as:
- Crash avoidance
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane support
- Driver monitoring
- Speed assistance
- Post-crash safety
It does not provide a simple ranking of which van is hardest to steal. For businesses carrying expensive tools, equipment or stock, this means it is worth considering additional physical security alongside the vehicle’s standard equipment.
The level of protection against theft can depend on the individual vehicle specification and the security equipment fitted to it.
For a business carrying expensive tools, equipment or stock, this is an important distinction.
How To Make Your Van More Secure
Even a van with excellent factory safety equipment can benefit from additional security measures, particularly where expensive equipment is being carried.
Depending on the type of business and vehicle, businesses can add security gates, secure storage boxes, racking and other specialist equipment to create a more secure working environment.
| Security Upgrade | Potential Benefit |
|---|---|
| Additional deadlocks | Provides an additional physical barrier against unauthorised entry |
| Slam locks | Automatically lock the load area when doors are closed |
| Alarm systems | Adds an audible deterrent against attempted entry |
| Security grilles | Provides additional protection between the cab and load area |
| Lockable tool storage | Helps secure valuable tools and equipment |
| Van racking | Keeps equipment organised and provides dedicated storage |
| Tracking systems | Can assist with vehicle recovery if a vehicle is stolen |
| CCTV / dash cameras | Can provide useful evidence following an incident |
| Secure parking | Reduces exposure to opportunistic theft |
| Security markings | Can help identify a vehicle and its equipment |
From security equipment and secure storage to racking and other specialist modifications, businesses can tailor their vehicles around the work they need to perform. Our guide to commercial vehicle conversions explains the different options available to UK businesses.
For businesses carrying expensive tools or equipment, security should be considered when the van is specified rather than treated as an afterthought. Choosing the right storage, racking, security gates and other equipment from the outset can help create a vehicle that is better suited to the demands of the business.
Businesses looking for a vehicle with specialist equipment or modifications can also explore bespoke van leasing and customisation.
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, security upgrades such as grilles, gates and alarms can be incorporated into bespoke van leasing solutions, alongside ply lining, racking, shelving and other vehicle customisations.
What Should Businesses Look For When Choosing A Secure Van?
There is no single van that will be perfect for every business.
The most secure choice will depend on what the vehicle is being used for, what it carries and where it operates.
| Business Requirement | What To Consider |
|---|---|
| Local deliveries | Compact dimensions, parking assistance and AEB |
| Tradespeople | Load-area security, racking and additional locks |
| High-mileage fleets | Driver monitoring, lane assistance and collision avoidance |
| Construction | Robust load security and secure tool storage |
| Courier work | AEB, cyclist/pedestrian detection and driver monitoring |
| Large-volume transport | Large load area combined with modern safety technology |
| Urban businesses | Compact dimensions, cameras and parking assistance |
| Electric fleets | Five-star safety ratings alongside suitable range and charging capability |
| Valuable equipment | Enhanced physical security, tracking and secure storage |
A tradesperson carrying expensive tools may have very different requirements from a courier transporting parcels, while businesses working in the security sector may have their own specialist requirements. Our guides to the best vans for tradespeople and best vans for security companies provide more specific advice.
Businesses should also consider how the van will be used by its drivers.
A vehicle carrying expensive tools might require a different security setup from a van transporting parcels. Similarly, a van covering hundreds of miles each week may benefit more from advanced driver-assistance systems and driver monitoring than a vehicle used for short local journeys.
The Most Secure Vans: Our Pick
If the priority is combining high levels of active safety with the practicality required by UK businesses, several models stand out.
The Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Transporter are particularly impressive, both achieving a 96% Euro NCAP score and five-star ratings.
For larger businesses, the Ford Transit is another standout with its 95% score, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter provide strong options for those requiring larger commercial vehicles. The Crafter combines a spacious load area with a range of safety and driver-assistance features, making it particularly well suited to businesses carrying tools, equipment and heavier loads.
For smaller businesses and urban operators, the Ford Transit Courier, Volkswagen Caddy Cargo and Ford Transit Connect all provide five-star-rated alternatives.
And for businesses considering electric vans, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo and Maxus eDELIVER 5 demonstrate that choosing an electric commercial vehicle does not mean compromising on modern safety technology.
Security and safety technology also needs to be supported by proper vehicle maintenance. Worn tyres, defective brakes and other mechanical problems can undermine even the most advanced safety systems, which is why regular vehicle maintenance remains essential for commercial fleets.
Our guide to faulty brakes and tyres explains why these remain an important safety and compliance issue for commercial fleets.
Our Top Choices At A Glance
| Van | Euro NCAP Score / Result | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit Custom | 96% | All-round medium-van fleets |
| Volkswagen Transporter | 96% | Businesses wanting a premium medium van |
| Ford Transit | 95% | Larger fleets and high-load applications |
| Mercedes-Benz Vito | 90% | Premium medium-van operations |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 86% | Large vans and high-mileage fleets |
| Ford Transit Courier | 85% | Urban businesses and smaller operators |
| Renault Master | 84% | Large-van fleets |
| Volkswagen Caddy Cargo | 83% | Compact business fleets |
| Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo | 83% | Electric van fleets |
| Maxus eDELIVER 5 | 82% | Businesses considering electric vans |
| Volkswagen Crafter | Bronze | Large businesses and high-load applications |
Choosing The Right Van For Your Business
The most secure van is not necessarily the van with the highest Euro NCAP score. For larger businesses, choosing secure vehicles is also part of a wider fleet management strategy.
For one business, it could be a Ford Transit Custom with advanced driver-assistance technology and additional load-area security. For another, it could be a large Ford Transit, a Volkswagen Crafter or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with secure racking and tracking equipment. A local delivery company might be better served by a smaller van with excellent parking assistance and pedestrian detection.
The key is to consider the whole vehicle rather than one specification.
That means looking at safety technology, physical security, load requirements, driver needs, operating environment and the type of work the van will perform.
Once you have established what you need from the vehicle, our vehicle leasing process explains how we can help you move from choosing the right van to arranging delivery.
With the right combination of vehicle, specification and security equipment, businesses can give their drivers greater protection while also taking additional steps to protect the vehicle and its contents.
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