Nissan’s largest light commercial vehicle has secured one of the UK industry’s most respected accolades, as the Nissan Interstar is officially crowned ‘Large Van of the Year’ at the 2026 What Van? Awards. The judging panel celebrated its blend of practicality, refinement and comfort, underscoring its growing reputation as one of the sector’s most advanced and versatile workhorses.
Introduced to the UK market last year, the latest Interstar arrives with serious engineering credentials. It has already achieved a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating, reinforcing Nissan’s commitment to safe, dependable mobility for business operators. Positioned as the most cutting-edge member of the brand’s LCV lineup, the Interstar has been designed to deliver capability without compromise, whether customers opt for diesel or Nissan’s new fully electric powertrain.
Versatility at the Core
One of the Interstar’s defining strengths is its remarkable adaptability. With three roof heights, four body lengths and maximum payloads reaching 1.6 tonnes for electric and 1.9 tonnes for diesel models, it caters confidently to a vast array of industries. Cargo volume tops out at an impressive 14.8 cubic metres, ensuring the Interstar can accommodate the equipment, materials or goods needed by demanding operators.
Nissan’s factory conversion programme strengthens this flexibility even further. Customers can choose from dropside, tippers, Luton and Low Luton configurations, enabling fleets to select a model tailored precisely to their operational realities. Whether supporting construction, logistics, retail or service-based businesses, the Interstar provides a scalable platform capable of evolving with its owner’s needs.
Multi-Energy Performance, No Compromises
The Interstar is also the first large Nissan van to introduce a 100 per cent electric powertrain. Offering smooth, near-silent operation and a range of up to 285 miles, it is engineered to excel in urban environments where efficiency and clean mobility matter most. This electric variant maintains the robust performance expected in the segment, offering operators zero emissions without sacrificing capability.
For those seeking traditional power, the Interstar’s diesel lineup remains compelling, pairing low CO₂ emissions with advanced engineering. Customers can opt for an all-new nine-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox, ensuring the right blend of response, fuel economy and driving comfort.
Across the range, buyers also benefit from Nissan’s confidence-inspiring five-year / 100,000-mile warranty and five years of roadside assistance, offering reassurance for organisations that rely on continuous uptime.
Judges Praise Performance and Practicality
The What Van? Awards are widely regarded as the benchmark accolades for the UK’s light commercial vehicle sector. A panel of independent, experienced judges from across the industry evaluates each entry, before winners are announced at an annual ceremony in London.
In naming Interstar the UK’s best large van for 2026, James Dallas, editor of What Van?, noted:
“The Nissan Interstar is practical, refined, handles well on the road and possesses a cabin that provides a comfortable working environment. The fact that it is built on a multi-energy platform means operators can find the best fuel type for their applications.”
A Reliable Partner for the UK’s Working Backbone
Collecting the award on behalf of Nissan GB, Allan Newman, LCV Product Manager, praised the Interstar’s role in supporting businesses nationwide:
“Interstar is the ultimate ally for the businesses that keep society running. With an all-electric version, an impressive load capacity and a diverse range of conversion options, it provides exactly what the UK’s everyday champions – the SMEs of the world – need to keep the economy moving. We’re delighted to accept this award from What Van? and we thank the judges for recognising Interstar’s many qualities.”
As the demands on commercial fleets grow, the Nissan Interstar stands out as a dependable and forward-thinking partner. With its award-winning versatility, performance and customer-focused engineering, it continues to cement its place at the forefront of the UK’s large van segment.
