Commercial Van Ratings
Since 2021, Euro NCAP has been publishing dedicated safety ratings for light commercial vehicles, recognising the essential role vans play in transport, logistics, and local services. In 2025, Euro NCAP updated the programme to adopt the familiar 1- to 5-star rating system, aligning van assessments with other vehicle categories and offering clearer, more accessible safety information to consumers and fleet managers alike.
The 2025 ratings replace the previous medal-based system and are designed to reflect a van’s safety performance across three critical areas: Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, and Post-Crash Safety
Understanding Van Safety
Although vans may not be involved in more crashes than passenger cars, their size, weight, and longer service life increase the severity of outcomes, particularly for other road users. Crashes involving vans are more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities for pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of lighter vehicles. Despite this, vans are often less equipped with the latest safety technologies than passenger cars.
To address this gap, Euro NCAP evaluates both the availability and effectiveness of safety technologies, ensuring that ratings reflect real-world safety benefits. The assessments consider not only vehicle occupants, but also those most vulnerable in mixed traffic environments, such as urban roads and delivery zones.
From Technology to Performance
Each van tested under the 2025 protocol undergoes a series of evaluations based on Euro NCAP’s Safety Assist procedures, adapted for commercial vehicle characteristics such as higher mass and frequent urban use. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Support, Speed Assistance, and Occupant Monitoring, are assessed in terms of both presence and functionality.
Why This Matters
Commercial vans are everywhere: in city centres, on motorways, and in residential streets. With the rise of e-commerce, logistics and delivery services, and infrastructure development, they are more present than ever. Ensuring that these vehicles are equipped with effective safety systems is essential not only for drivers but also for the people they share the road with.
The updated star rating system delivers clearer, more consistent, and more rigorous insights into van safety, supporting businesses, policymakers, and drivers in choosing safer vehicles. Please note that the underlying safety tests for passenger cars and vans are different, so their star ratings are not comparable.