Vauxhall Movano 2024 Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The Vauxhall Movano 2024 Refrigerated Van steps into the spotlight as a formidable contender in the large refrigerated van segment, blending modern updates with the practical DNA that has kept this platform relevant for nearly two decades. Built on the Stellantis shared architecture alongside siblings like the Citroën Relay and Peugeot Boxer, this 2024 refresh brings a sharper design, enhanced diesel powertrains, and a Glacier Vehicles-tuned refrigeration system that promises to meet the demands of temperature-sensitive transport. Whether you’re hauling fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, or floral arrangements, this van aims to deliver reliability, efficiency, and versatility. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore every facet of the Movano 2024—from its refrigeration prowess to its real-world performance—providing businesses with the ultimate guide to decide if this is the refrigerated workhorse they need.
This isn’t just another van; it’s a Glacier Vehicles masterpiece, crafted with over 25 years of expertise to ensure your goods stay chilled and your operations run smoothly. With a payload capacity reaching up to 1,975kg, a cavernous 17m³ cargo space, and a refrigeration system capable of dual-zone precision, the Movano 2024 is positioned as a premium option that justifies its price tag with long-term value. Let’s dive into the details and see how it stacks up in a competitive market.
Quick Comparison Table
The Vauxhall Movano 2024 Refrigerated Van offers a robust set of specs tailored for diverse refrigerated transport needs. Here’s a snapshot of its key features to give you a quick overview before we dig deeper:
| Feature | Vauxhall Movano 2024 Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | Up to 1,975 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone capable |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / 8-speed Automatic |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 29.1-37.7 MPG |
| Load Volume | Up to 17 m³ |
| Noise Level | 40dB (GAH refrigeration system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Food Delivery, Pharmaceuticals, Large Fleets |
This table sets the stage for what’s to come—a van that balances capacity, efficiency, and advanced cooling technology to serve a wide range of industries.
Van Overview
The Vauxhall Movano has been a staple in the large van market since its inception, and the 2024 model reflects a thoughtful evolution rather than a complete overhaul. Sharing its underpinnings with the Fiat Ducato, Citroën Relay, and Peugeot Boxer—platforms dating back to 2006—the Movano might not boast the newest chassis in the game, but its recent updates prove it’s far from outdated. For 2024, Vauxhall has sharpened the exterior with a new grille and headlights, modernised the cabin with a 10-inch touchscreen, and refined its diesel engines for better efficiency. Glacier Vehicles takes this solid foundation and elevates it with a bespoke refrigeration conversion, making it a standout choice for temperature-controlled transport.
Available in three lengths (L2, L3, L4) and three heights (H1, H2, H3), the Movano offers configurations from 10m³ to a massive 17m³, catering to everything from small urban deliveries to sprawling fleet operations. Its front-wheel-drive design keeps the load floor low, easing access for heavy goods, while the diesel powertrain ensures it can handle long hauls without the range anxiety of electric alternatives. This is a van that knows its audience—businesses needing durability, adaptability, and a refrigeration system that doesn’t falter under pressure.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The heart of any refrigerated van is its cooling system, and the 2024 Movano shines here with Glacier Vehicles’ integration of the GAH SRF351 refrigeration unit. This British-made system delivers 2.5kW of cooling power and excels with its dual-zone capability—think +5°C for chilled dairy on one side and -25°C for frozen seafood on the other, all within the same van. Operating at a quiet 40dB, it’s unobtrusive enough for urban deliveries without waking the neighbourhood. Glacier’s testing shows it holds -20°C steady even in 40°C ambient heat—a testament to its reliability in the UK’s unpredictable climate.
Insulation is another strength, with Glacier offering 50mm Styrofoam for chilled applications and 75mm for freezers. This high-density setup minimises thermal leakage, reducing energy demands on the GAH unit and saving roughly £200 annually in fuel compared to thinner, budget alternatives. Add in the electric standby feature—maintaining temps for up to 8 hours off-engine—and you’ve got a van that can sit overnight without compromising your cargo. Whether it’s a heatwave or a frosty morning, the Movano’s refrigeration system delivers consistency that businesses can bank on.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
When it comes to hauling goods, the Movano 2024 doesn’t mess around. Its payload capacity tops out at 1,975kg in the L4 H2 configuration, outpacing the Citroën Dispatch’s 1,000kg and even nudging ahead of the Ford Transit’s 1,220kg from our earlier review. The cargo volume stretches up to 17m³—enough for 10 Euro pallets—making it one of the roomiest in its class, surpassing the Peugeot Boxer’s 15m³ ceiling. This is a van built for scale, whether you’re stacking meat crates or medical supplies.
Inside, Glacier Vehicles enhances versatility with optional shelving, movable partitions, and six tie-down points as standard. Need to split your load between chilled and frozen? The partitions make it seamless. The low load sill, courtesy of front-wheel drive, simplifies heavy lifting, while the wide-opening rear doors (up to 270° with options) and dual sliding side doors ensure easy access. It’s a practical beast, designed to maximise every cubic metre for your business.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Efficiency matters in refrigerated transport, where every mile impacts the bottom line. The Movano 2024’s 2.2L turbodiesel engine comes in two flavours—140hp and 180hp—delivering 29.1-37.7 MPG depending on load and transmission (6-speed manual or 8-speed auto). The manual L3H2 hits 37.7 MPG, translating to roughly £1,200 in annual fuel costs at 20,000 miles—£400 less than the Mercedes Sprinter’s 28 MPG (£1,600/yr). The GAH system’s low power draw shaves another 10% off fuel use, a £150 yearly bonus over less optimised rivals.
Running costs tell a bigger storey. At £32,285 (ex. VAT) for the base L2H1, the Movano’s £5k pricier than a Peugeot Boxer (£27k), but the 5-year total cost of ownership (TCO) flips the script—£37k vs. £47k for the Boxer, factoring in £1,200/yr fuel savings, £3k higher resale value, and £500 less in downtime. The 180hp auto drops to 33 MPG, but its smoother operation suits high-mileage fleets. This is premium value—pay more now, save big later.
Maintenance & Reliability
Reliability is non-negotiable for refrigerated vans, and the Movano 2024 holds up well. Its failure rate sits at 2%, half the Peugeot Boxer’s 5% (often clutch-related), thanks to a proven Stellantis platform and Glacier’s meticulous conversion process. The GAH unit needs annual servicing (£99 via Glacier), while the van itself follows a 2-year/25,000-mile interval—low for the class. Vauxhall’s 3-year/100k-mile warranty pairs with Glacier’s 2-year refrigeration coverage, offering peace of mind.
Glacier’s UK-wide callout service and GAH Connect monitoring minimise downtime—think £500/yr saved vs. rivals with spotty support. Owners report 150k miles without major issues, a nod to the Movano’s durability. It’s not flawless—early 2024 units had minor electrical glitches—but Glacier’s after-sale support irons these out fast. This is a van you can trust to keep rolling, frost and all.
Technology & Safety Features
The 2024 refresh brings the Movano’s tech up to par. A 10-inch touchscreen anchors the cab, running TomTom navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto—crisp and responsive for route planning. Remote temp alerts via GAH Connect let you monitor cargo from your phone, a game-changer for pharma hauls. The 7-inch digital cluster tracks fuel and range cleanly, while a 230V socket powers tools or laptops up to 150W.
Safety’s robust too—ABS, lane assist, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring come standard. The 180hp auto adds Level 2 autonomy (adaptive cruise, lane centering) as an option, easing long drives. Reinforced GRP panels and LED headlights (30% brighter than halogen) round out a package that keeps you and your load secure. It’s not as flashy as a Ford E-Transit’s cockpit, but it’s functional and modern enough.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
In the field, the Movano 2024 earns its stripes. UK fleet managers rate it 4.7/5 for reliability and efficiency, praising its 17m³ capacity and steady cooling. A Birmingham caterer shared, “Two years, 80k miles—my Movano’s dual zones saved £6k in spoilage.” Drivers love the light steering (12.6m turning circle) for city runs, though the ride’s firm over potholes compared to the Renault Master. The 140hp engine pulls strong with 400kg aboard, while the 180hp auto shines on motorways, cruising quietly at 2,000 RPM.
Downsides? The £32k price stings next to a £27k Boxer, but users counter that £10k 5-yr savings and Glacier’s support justify it. Noise levels (40dB from GAH) barely register, a win for overnight deliveries. It’s a workhorse with finesse—practicality meets performance.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
The Movano 2024 isn’t the only player—here’s how it stacks up:
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | Vauxhall Movano 2024 | 17m³ + 37.7 MPG—beats Sprinter’s 28 MPG |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg payload—25% more than Movano’s 1,975kg |
| Urban Transport | Citroën Dispatch Refrigerated Van | 5.3m³, tighter turn—30% nimbler than Movano |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £27k, but 15m³ and 5% failure rate lag |
The Movano’s volume and efficiency make it a food delivery champ, though Sprinter’s payload edges out for pharma.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing the right refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need -25°C for frozen goods or +5°C for chilled? The Movano’s dual-zone GAH handles both. Volume matters—10m³ for small runs, 17m³ for fleets. Compliance is key—ECWTA for pharma, food safety for perishables; the Movano’s certified for both. Cost-wise, weigh £32k upfront against £10k 5-yr savings—premium now, profit later. Test drive for handling; the Movano’s light steering suits urban, less so bumpy backroads. Glacier Vehicles tailors it to your spec—custom partitions, standby power—ensuring a perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
How long does the 2024 Vauxhall Movano maintain its temperature?
Is it better to buy or lease the Vauxhall Movano refrigerated van?
What’s the best alternative to the Movano in its category?
Conclusion
The Vauxhall Movano 2024 Refrigerated Van emerges as a powerhouse—1,975kg payload, 17m³ volume, and a GAH system hitting -25°C with dual-zone precision. Its 37.7 MPG and £10k 5-yr savings over budget rivals like the Peugeot Boxer prove premium doesn’t mean pricey long-term. Glacier Vehicles’ conversion expertise—quiet 40dB cooling, robust insulation, UK-wide support—elevates it beyond the pack. It’s not flawless; the ride’s firm, and Sprinter edges payload. But for food delivery, fleets, or any biz needing reliable chill, the Movano 2024 delivers. Glacier Vehicles has your back—custom-built, ready to roll. This is refrigerated transport, perfected.
