Van-Based Vehicles Replaced Traditional MPVs in 2025
As families seek more interior space, registrations for van-derived vehicles have surpassed traditional MPV designs.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Car Types
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In 2025, global registration data showed a clear shift in vehicle preferences as families increasingly opted for van-based models over traditional MPV designs. This transition follows a decade-long decline for classic people-movers, which saw registrations plummet by 98% since 2014.
Why it matters
Drivers are prioritizing the practical interior space and design flexibility of van-derived vehicles over the limitations of many current SUV models. This shift highlights a change in family logistics and transportation priorities, favoring utility-focused body styles for everyday hauling.
Total MPV registrations reached 57,875 in 2025, marking a 39% increase from the 2022 low point. During the same period, the number of models with at least 200 registrations rose from 42 in 2021 to 50 in 2025.
The players
Vehicle Data Global
An automotive market research firm that tracks international vehicle registration statistics and identifies emerging consumer trends.
Ford
A major global automaker that produces the Tourneo Custom, a van-derived passenger vehicle currently gaining popularity among families.
Peugeot
A European manufacturer that produces the Rifter, a van-based model that recently surpassed 2,000 annual registrations.
Vauxhall
A vehicle manufacturer that produces the Combo Life, a popular van-derived model serving the family transportation market.
The details
As manufacturers prioritized SUV production, traditional MPV options dwindled until the market reached a nadir in 2022. Consumers have since pivoted toward van-derived vehicles, such as the Ford Tourneo Custom, which saw nearly 5,000 registrations in 2025, and the Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life, which each exceeded 2,000 units. These models offer a more efficient use of internal cabin space compared to many traditional MPVs and SUVs.
Timeline
Traditional MPV registrations began a steep decline in 2014.
The industry saw 42 models meet a 200-registration baseline in 2021.
Total MPV market registrations hit a low point of 41,610 in 2022.
Registration data for the current van-based shift was recorded throughout 2025.
The Home Front
This move toward van-based vehicles marks a departure from the industry-wide trend of prioritizing SUV designs for family transit. It signals a shift in consumer demand toward utility-focused platforms as the primary choice for household mobility.
If you are currently evaluating vehicles for your family, look beyond standard SUV categories to include van-derived models that offer improved interior spatial efficiency. Assess your specific storage and seating needs, as these van-based designs often provide greater cabin versatility than traditional MPVs.
The takeaway
The rise of van-derived models suggests that automotive utility is becoming a higher priority for family logistics than the aesthetic trends of SUVs. When shopping, prioritize test-driving vehicles that offer modular seating arrangements to see if they better suit your daily transport requirements.
Further reading
To compare the utility of different vehicle segments, explore our Car Types guide.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fleetnews.
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