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Iveco Daily Panel Van (2019 - ) review

Now the largest of Iveco’s light commercial vehicles, the 3.5-tonne versions of the Daily large van boast truck-like toughness… and more than a few compromises

Tom Roberts

Words by: Tom Roberts

Published on 1 September 2026 | 0 min read

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The Autotrader expert verdict:

3.5

Few light commercial vehicles can claim to be purpose-built for the heaviest of duties, but the Iveco Daily (and the MANY configurations you can choose to drive) is definitely one of them. The van is available in a huge range of lengths, heights, body types and weights, with strong engines and a top-class automatic gearbox we much prefer to the manual unit. The test model we were loaned was enormous… like seriously enormous… with well over a metre of cargo length overhanging the rear wheels. There is little to dent the Daily’s reputation for practicality because it’s a tough-as-nails workhorse, but that used to be enough. Today, modern large/heavy vans combine car-like comfort with practical capabilities very well. But for the Daily, any semblance to a modern van ends at the door with the interior feeling tired and underequipped. It eschews comfort for durability, forgoes cutting-edge features for reliable tools, and for some drivers it will win their consideration because of these factors. I respect the stripped-back feel because it lets the van’s capabilities speak for themselves, but in the 3.5-tonne weight class for large vans there are more well-rounded packages to choose from. Also, with the launch of the eJolly and eSuperJolly, the Daily is now the largest LCV in Iveco’s range… it was once the smallest and now it’s the biggest. Funny how things go, eh?

Reasons to buy:

  • tickTruck-like looks and toughness
  • tickHi-Matic auto gearbox is excellent
  • tickHard to find a tougher van than this

At a glance:

Cargo & practicality

The Daily is built like a truck with load volumes spanning from seven to 19.6 cubic metres across three height and five length options, with the largest topping out at over 7.5 metres long. While payload figures vary widely across the range, standard front-wheel-drive 3.5-tonners generally carry around 1,200 kg, with the heaviest models carrying closer to 1,900 kg. However, it's the heavy-duty variants – reaching up to a seven-tonne Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) – that truly showcase its carrying power. Just keep in mind that driving large diesel vans that weigh over 3.5 tonnes requires a specialist licence, though Iveco does offer lighter-weight configurations of its largest body Dailys… such as the one we were loaned.
Expert rating: 5/5

Interior

While modern competitors have set new benchmarks for van cabins, this is one area the Daily is showing its age. Against slicker rivals like the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter, the dash feels utility-focused (not a bad thing) and dated (probably a bad thing). The small infotainment screen lags behind current market standards, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto help compensate for the clumsy native software. On the plus side, physical heating dials remain and are straightforward to use on the move. However, unless you go wild with the options list, the interior is likely to be full of uninspiring blank switch plates.
Expert rating: 2/5

Running costs

Official figures say the Daily will return around 36 mpg but reckon on lower for real-world use. Rivals can stretch closer to 40 mpg and those extra miles make a difference to bank balances. Where Iveco has real ground is aftercare: it boasts a strong five-year warranty and healthy service intervals. And it’s hard to underestimate the impact of practical design updates that also save money in the long run. For example, a three-piece front bumper allows cheaper, modular repairs after minor scuffs, and elevated headlights keep the glass out of harm's way during low-speed maneuvers. Pricing will vary depending on what model you choose, and that’s where a good finance or lease deal will help.
Expert rating: 3/5

Reliability

Iveco works most closely with the heavy goods sector, which means Daily owners benefit from a commercial dealer network that understands the high-stakes demands of keeping businesses on the road. The tradeoff is a smaller footprint in the UK as there are fewer Iveco workshops compared to mainstream brands like Ford or Renault. Powering most models is the brand’s proven 2.3-litre diesel engine, which enjoys a good reputation for mechanical durability and parts availability.
Expert rating: 4/5

Performance

Power comes from the brand’s reliable 2.3-litre diesel engine, and heavier models can opt for a bigger 3.0-litre unit. Gearbox options include a six-speed manual or a slick eight-speed Hi-Matic automatic – our loan van had the latter and we loved it. The automatic is by far the smoother, more desirable choice for urban driving, though its stop-start system is a little rough-edged at junction stops. Users praise its torque output saying it gives even the base model plenty of muscle for hauling heavy gear. That said, we did notice quite a bit of noise from the engine, and wind noise whipping around the side mirrors – the noise isn’t a deal breaker, it’s just something we noticed.
Expert rating: 3/5

Ride and handling

Our loan vehicle was very big so we had to take special care with it wherever we went. The suspension is stiff and the weight of the vehicle over urban speed bumps and down tighter roads made it feel very clumsy… especially when unladen. Thank goodness it had suspended seats (not something you get as standard) to give our backsides some relief. At motorway speeds steering felt a little wafty and imprecise, but the Daily is dependable and easy to place on the road. Sure, it lacks the car-like composure of some modern rivals, but it’s not really trying to be like them.
Expert rating: 3/5

Safety

The Daily offers drivers a packed list of modern driver assistance features including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, crosswind assist, and hill descent control. Queue Assist takes the hassle out of stop-and-go traffic jams, while configurable lane-keep assistance lets drivers set a preferred lane-centering tolerance (which is very clever). The only issue one might have is that some of the safety kit sits behind the options paywall rather than being bundled in as standard.
Expert rating: 4/5

Equipment

Some judicious pruning and streamlining of its well-known enormous options lists into packages keeps things simple. The baseline trims include essentials like air conditioning and cruise control, while stepping up to higher trims adds luxuries like a not-leather steering wheel, fog lights and the suspended driver seat. Functional packs layer on winter bits and things like telematics, while others add practical work site upgrades like 270-degree rear doors, heavy-duty load bay lighting and parking sensors.
Expert rating: 3/5

Why buy?

The Daily continues to be one of the most rugged and uncompromising LCV workhorses available. It’s designed for buyers who prioritise brute strength and payload over fluffy affectations. It’s very pure in its no-nonsense approach to being a van. While its unrefined ride, dated cabin, and dealer coverage means it won't suit every business, those needing a heavy-duty van for serious tasks will find few more capable alternatives in-market right now.
Expert rating: 3/5

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