Expert Review
Vauxhall Vivaro GS (2025 - ) review
Vauxhall’s Vivaro GS is the flagship version of its popular van, and still feels worth it even now each Stellantis brand offers their own top-trim models
Words by: Tom Roberts
Published on 25 November 2025 | 0 min read
The Autotrader expert verdict:
4
Available new from £37,276
The Vauxhall Vivaro GS is not a ‘new’ flagship model having first launched in 2022. This latest version made its debut in 2025 (shortly after the multi-brand facelifts in 2024) and exists alongside similar flagship medium vans from the other brands owned by Stellantis – these include the Peugeot Expert Sport we recently reviewed, and the freshly-announced Fiat Scudo Onyx and Citroen Dispatch VTR. Toyota, by way of a commercial agreement with Stellantis, also has its own flagship medium van (another rebadged version of the ones above), the Toyota Proace Sport which drips with Toyota touches. If you’re looking for a comparison vehicle set currently in-market, Ford’s MS-RT versions of its vans and pick-up trucks are it. With that in mind you’ll know what to expect from the Vivaro GS – aesthetic upgrades inside and out, and tweaks to the powertrains. Whether those upgrades are worth the price increases over the standard Vivaros is down to you – the diesel GS vans, for example, start at nearly £40K (ex VAT) compared to just over £28K (ex VAT) for an entry-level Vivaro, and the electrics start at nearly £49K (ex VAT with Plug-In Van Grant applied) compared to just over £38K (ex VAT with Plug-In Van Grant applied). Reassuringly, the top-spec Vivaro loses none of its practicality in the GS transformation, so it really will come down to budget and personal taste. Our time with the vehicle has shown us that while getting into a GS is easy, getting out is quite another… we just wanted a bit more time with it!
Reasons to buy:
- Available as a panel van or crew cab
- The Vivaro GS looks great inside and out
- No practicality losses from standard models
Cargo & practicality
Payloads sit around 1100-1300 kilograms on the diesel panels and around 900-1000 kilograms on the electrics, depending on model and body type (panel or crew cab). The diesels can tow 2000-2500 kilograms and the electrics 1000 kilograms, but this is again dependent on body style and you will need to check the spec of the van you choose to ensure it does what you need it to. The GS is only available in the shorter L1H1 body size, with dimensions in the loadspace hampered by the single roof height limiting the vehicle’s maximum load height to just under 1.4 metres in all models. However, that does translate to a vehicle height around 1.9 metres, which means you can get into most height-restricted car parks. The load-through bulkhead is standard at the GS trim level, and is useful to have in this shorter version of the Vivaro. Two side sliding doors and 180-degree-opening rear doors make accessing the load space very easy, and there are plenty of lashing points in there. You can have a read of our review of the Vauxhall Vivaro standard panel van to get an idea of the practicality levels this van offers across the range, if the GS tickles your fancy (but not your wallet).
Expert rating: 3/5
Interior
The interior of the GS vans is lovely, making it a really tasteful place to spend some time. You get hand-crafted eco-leather seats with embossed GS logo, red diamond stitching, and perforated material which increases ventilation through the seats. There’s no shortage of tech either with dual-zone electronic climate control, keyless entry and start, and a neat wireless charging cubby for your phone. Comfort is enhanced by the heated leather steering wheel and heated driver’s seat, both of which are very welcome additions when you’re reviewing a van in a November cold snap. You also get a 10-inch instrument display behind the steering wheel and a 10-inch central touchscreen with sat-nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a host of apps. The GS trim also gets the useful load-through bulkhead and centre seat that folds flat providing a useful workspace. You’ll also notice the single GS decal running along the dashboard trim by the glovebox, which really nails home the tasteful approach Vauxhall has taken with this upgrade. It doesn’t scream ‘look at me’, it just says ‘have a look’ and lets you enjoy it.
Expert rating: 4/5
Running costs
Running costs will mainly be dictated by your choice of powertrain and your driving habits. The electric GS vans provide a range of up to 209 miles (WLTP) and can be rapid charged on public chargers (which will cost more than home charging). The GS diesels are powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, available in two power outputs – a 143 horsepower unit with a six-speed manual gearbox, or a 178 horsepower unit with an eight-speed automatic (we tested the latter). Obviously the GS vans cost more than the standard Vivaros, but a good finance or lease deal can help with that. The running costs are slightly mitigated by just how blooming lovely the GS is to drive and spend time in!
Expert rating: 4/5
Reliability
All new Vivaros (GS or otherwise) are covered by a three-year/100,000-mile warranty, unlimited mileage in the first year, which is slightly better than industry standard and some competing vans that only get 60,000-mile warranties over the same time period. The battery packs in the electric GS vans are also covered for eight years or 100,000 miles (we believe for up to 70 per cent of the battery’s charge. Reliability is also aided by the sheer volume of Vauxhall garages and shared parts with the other vans in the Stellantis stable. Vauxhall vans generally have a good reputation for reliability, so the GS should be considered as a worthwhile investment… just like any Vivaro.
Expert rating: 4/5
Performance
The GS performs just as well as any other Vivaro or Stellantis medium van, with only the lack of roof height options detracting from its performance as a workhorse. The dual side doors are a major plus, making the load space far more accessible than competing medium vans. The cabin is a great place to spend time, with enough tech and spec to satisfy most users. Minor quibbles are few and far between – only the transmission tunnel’s intrusion into the leg space of your middle passenger, or the annoying wait for the windscreen to demist and the leather seats getting cold in wintery months being things we’d be quick to point out.
Expert rating: 4/5
Ride and handling
The diesel unit we tested was packing the 2.0-litre engine at its maximum power output and automatic gearbox. It’s a great van to drive, as responsive as it is attractive. The gearbox is also very smooth, delivering power when needed with only a little lag at higher speeds. The suspension feels better when stiffened under a load (isn’t it always), but even unladen it didn’t wobble or roll around too much while cornering. The only minor quibble is the overly light steering, but it’s something you get used to quickly. So… good engine, good handling and a little more boost from a slightly more powerful engine. ‘GS’ could stand for ‘get some’.
Expert rating: 4/5
Safety
The Vivaro GS has a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating and is equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warnings, and automatic emergency braking with forward-collision alerts. The base vehicle already has front airbags for the driver and passenger, electronic stability, hill-start assist, automatic headlights and wipers, but the upgrade to GS also adds the useful 180-degree parking camera and sensors. Vivaro GS also gets the thorax side airbags added for even more impact protection.
Expert rating: 4/5
Equipment
The GS equipment list is extensive, and quite rightly considering this is the range’s top-spec model. You get a nice set of exclusive 18-inch black alloy wheels fitted with high-load capacity Nankang tyres. Most obvious is the external GS body kit, which features a front lip spoiler, side skirts with integrated front mud guards, a sharp-looking piano black rear spoiler and new rear bumper. On the inside, GS models get the full Comfort Pack you can add to standard Vivaros, which includes dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. You also get the heated leather steering wheel, heated driver’s seat and side airbags, normally available as part of the Winter Pack. The best addition for a medium van of this spec is the 180-degree parking camera and blind spot detection, which saved our bacon a few times. There’s also a choice of two premium paint colours, Quartz Silver and Mercury Grey, with the grey being our favourite (well, it is the colour of our test model).
Expert rating: 4/5
Why buy?
You’ll buy the Vivaro GS because you want all the practicality of an L1H1 Vivaro van and some (very nice) extra style and comfort to go with it. Is it worth the price hike over a standard Vivaro? Depends on your budget really. We’re not sure the alloys are worksite-friendly, but the GS is a real head turner and a genuinely nice van to spend time in while driving. As flagship vans go, it’s striking enough to be a noticeable upgrade from the standard van, and understated enough to look classy rather than garish. Do bear in mind that the other Stellantis brands also offer the same medium van in flagship trims, though. We’re not saying they’re better, just stating they’re also an option.
Expert rating: 4/5
