What is the average price of a new double cab van in 2026?

A new double-cab van will cost on average between €35,000 and €65,000 in 2026, depending on the make, engine version and equipment level. Electric variants are higher to buy, starting at around €50,000, but offer lower operating costs. The price is mainly determined by your specific business needs: what payload you need, how many people you regularly transport and which extra options are important for your work.

What determines the price of a new double cab van?

The price of a new double-cab van depends on several factors that together determine the total amount. The make and model form the basis, where you can choose from budget-friendly options starting from €35,000 to premium versions heading towards €70,000. The engine type also plays a big role in the final cost.

Diesel remains popular for its high torque and range, with prices often between €40,000 and €55,000 for a fully equipped variant. Petrol versions are often slightly cheaper to buy but less common for commercial vehicles. Electric powertrains start higher, from around €50,000, but we will come back to that later.

The equipment level often makes a difference of €10,000 to €15,000 between a base model and a fully equipped version. A base model usually has air conditioning, a radio and electric windows as standard. Fully equipped variants additionally offer navigation, cruise control, parking sensors, a reversing camera and sometimes even leather upholstery and advanced safety systems.

Payload also affects the price. A double cab with a payload of up to 1,000 kg is often cheaper than variants that can carry up to 1,300 kg. That extra capacity requires reinforced suspension, more powerful brakes and more robust construction, which translates into a higher purchase price.

Additional options and technology can add another €5,000 to €10,000 to the base price. Think automatic transmission, four-wheel drive, a towbar, special wheels or custom loadspace equipment. These additions are often worth the investment though if they contribute directly to your operations.

Why are double cabins More expensive than standard vans? The additional construction for the second row of seats requires a longer wheelbase and more material. The cargo area must also remain separate from the passenger compartment, requiring extra insulation and finishing. This combination of passenger and goods transport in one vehicle justifies the price difference of an average of €3,000 to €5,000 compared to a single cab.

How much does an electric double cab cost compared to diesel?

A electric double cab costs on average €15,000 to €20,000 more in purchase than a comparable diesel variant. Whereas you pay around €45,000 for a well-equipped diesel, with electric you start from €50,000 and top models run up to €70,000. However, that higher starting price is offset by significantly lower operating costs during use.

The daily costs of electric driving are much lower. Electricity costs around €4 to €6 per 100 kilometres, while diesel quickly costs you €10 to €14 for the same distance. With an average business use of 25,000 kilometres per year, that saves €1,500 to €2,500 in fuel costs. Over a period of five years, this will save you €7,500 to €12,500.

Maintenance of electric commercial vehicles is also more economical. There is no need for an oil change, no particulate filter to clog and less wear and tear on brakes due to regenerative braking. That easily saves €500 to €800 a year in maintenance costs. Add that to the fuel savings and you're at an annual cost savings of €2,000 to €3,300.

Subsidies and tax breaks make electric even more attractive. In 2026, as an entrepreneur, you can count on tax benefits such as 0% additional taxable benefit for electric company cars and accelerated depreciation. These schemes can further reduce the purchase price difference by several thousand euros, depending on your tax situation.

The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) shows when electric is more advantageous. With a purchase price of €50,000 for electric versus €45,000 for diesel, you have a difference of €5,000. With an annual saving of €2,500, you have already recouped that difference after two years. If you drive more kilometres or benefit from extra subsidies, the payback time can be even shorter.

A practical calculation example: suppose you buy an electric double cab for €55,000 and a diesel for €48,000. You drive 30,000 kilometres a year. The electric variant saves you €3,000 a year on fuel and €600 on maintenance. After five years, you'll have saved €18,000, which not only recoups the purchase price difference but is also €11,000 cheaper. For companies with high mileage, electric is therefore often the smarter choice.

Which brands offer the best value for money for double cabs?

The double cab market has different price segments, each with its own strengths. In the budget segment, you will find reliable options between €35,000 and €42,000. These brands offer solid basic quality with standard equipment that is sufficient for many businesses. You get a functional double cab with decent engine performance and practical equipment.

The midrange segment between €42,000 and €55,000 offers more comfort and better finish. Here you will find brands that offer a good balance between price and quality, with more extensive standard equipment such as climate control, better seats and modern safety systems. These vehicles also tend to have lower residual value depreciation, making them attractive for long-term use.

Premium brands from €55,000 upwards offer top quality in finish, handling and technology. The double cabs in this segment feel like passenger cars but retain their robust workhorse character. You pay more, but get refined engines, excellent sound insulation and advanced assistance systems in return.

Reliability varies by brand and is important for your overall cost. Some brands are known for their long life and few breakdowns, which translates into lower unexpected costs. Other brands have cheaper parts and a larger service network, making repairs more affordable. Always check maintenance costs and parts availability in your area.

Residual value also plays a role in your final investment. Brands with a good reputation retain 45% to 55% of their value after four years, while less popular brands can drop to 35% to 40%. If you plan to sell or trade in your van after a few years, this difference can save thousands of euros.

Tips for choosing the right brand based on your situation: if you mainly have shorter journeys in town, choose a compact double cab with economical engine. If you drive a lot of long distances with full load, then a brand with powerful diesel engines and comfortable suspension is the better choice. For construction and off-road work, brands with four-wheel drive and high ground clearance are ideal, even if you pay extra for it.

Should you buy or lease a double cab in 2026?

The difference between buying and leasing is mainly in how you pay and what you get in return. With buying, you pay the full purchase price in one go or via financing, after which the vehicle is yours. With leasing, you pay a fixed monthly amount for using the double-cab van, but the vehicle remains the property of the leasing company.

Buying has the advantage of full ownership. You can customise the van however you want, drive unlimited miles and sell it at your convenience. The depreciation is yours, but so is the residual value. For companies with sufficient capital and a preference for long-term ownership, this is often the logical choice.

The disadvantages of buying are the high initial investment and the risk you bear. If something breaks down after the warranty period, you are responsible for the repair costs. You are also stuck with the vehicle, which is less flexible if your business needs change. The full purchase price also directly impacts your cash flow.

Leasing protects your cash flow by not having to pay a large lump sum. You pay a predictable monthly amount that often already includes maintenance, insurance and road tax. This makes budgeting easier and you always have a relatively new van without worrying about major repairs or depreciation.

The disadvantage of leasing is that you don't own anything after the contract ends. You pay for use, not ownership. You are also often stuck with mileage limits and have to keep the car back in good condition. Extra kilometres or damage can lead to hefty back payments at the end of the contract.

Operational lease means you pay an all-in monthly amount that includes everything: depreciation, maintenance, insurance, road tax and sometimes even tyres. You just drive and pay one fixed amount per month. This is ideal for companies that want certainty about their monthly costs and don't want to worry about fleet management.

Financial lease is more like a financing where you become the owner at the end or have the option to take over the vehicle at its residual value. You pay a monthly amount that consists mainly of repayment and interest, but insurance and maintenance you arrange yourself. This gives more freedom but also more responsibility.

Practical scenarios will help you choose. Are you a sole trader or small business with a limited budget and do you drive a lot of kilometres? Then buying is often more advantageous in the long run, especially if you use the van for more than five years. Do you have a growing business that needs flexibility and always want modern vehicles? Then operational lease suits your situation better.

For companies with a stable fleet and enough capital, buying is usually the cheapest option over a period of six to eight years. For companies that are growing rapidly, have seasonal work or prefer to invest their capital in their core business, leasing offers more advantages due to its predictability and flexibility.

How Van Den Hurk helps with your double cab purchase

We understand that buying a double cab is an important investment for your business. With over 60 years of experience, we help you find the right van within your budget and tailored to your specific operations. Whether you choose new or used, buying or leasing, we think along with you personally.

Our approach is practical and transparent:

• Large stock: Choice of 400 commercial vehicles including several double cabs in different price ranges and versions
• Transparent pricing: Clear information on all costs with no surprises afterwards
• Personal advice: Our advisers look with you at seating comfort, load capacity, ride comfort and manoeuvrability based on your daily use
• Flexible financing: Options for both purchase and financial lease, tailored to your business situation
• Stock alert service: Automatic notification when the double cab you are looking for arrives in our stock
• Full service: From advice to delivery, including options for insurance and accessories

View our current range of double cabs on our website or plan a visit to our showroom in Helmond. This way, you can see different models in real life and take a test drive. We take our time and help you make the right choice for your business. Contact us for personal advice on the best double cab within your budget.