Vauxhall Movano 2025 Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The Vauxhall Movano 2025 Refrigerated Van emerges as a formidable contender in the large van segment, blending modern updates with a proven refrigerated conversion pedigree. Designed for businesses that demand reliable temperature-controlled transport, this latest iteration builds on Vauxhall’s partnership with Stellantis, sharing DNA with the Fiat Ducato, Citroën Relay, and Peugeot Boxer. With a refreshed exterior, a revamped cabin, and Glacier Vehicles’ expert refrigeration conversions, the Movano 2025 is tailored for industries like food delivery, pharmaceuticals, and floral distribution. This comprehensive review explores every facet—performance, cooling capabilities, payload, running costs, and real-world utility—to determine if it’s the refrigerated van your business needs in 2025.
The Movano’s evolution reflects a strategic overhaul. Once tethered to Renault’s Master platform until 2021, it now leverages Stellantis’ robust framework, modernised in 2024 with a sharper nose, upgraded diesel engines, and enhanced driver aids. Glacier Vehicles, with over 25 years of expertise, takes this foundation and transforms it into a refrigerated powerhouse, offering bespoke solutions that elevate its practicality. Whether you’re a small operator or managing a fleet, this guide will unpack why the Movano 2025 stands out—and where it faces stiff competition.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Vauxhall Movano 2025 Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 1,370 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Transmission | Manual (6-speed) / Automatic (8-speed) |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 29-37 MPG |
| Load Volume | 13 m³ (L3H2 standard refrigerated spec) |
| Noise Level | 40dB (GAH system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Food Delivery, Pharma, Catering |
Van Overview
The Vauxhall Movano 2025 isn’t a ground-up redesign but a polished evolution of a platform that’s been hauling goods since 2006. Under Stellantis’ stewardship, it’s shed its Renault roots for a shared architecture with its French and Italian cousins, gaining a 2024 facelift that keeps it competitive. Measuring 5.99m long and 2.52m high in its L3H2 guise—the standard for Glacier’s refrigerated conversions—it balances size with manoeuvrability. The exterior sports a sleek “Vizor” grille, a nod to Vauxhall’s passenger cars, while the interior gets a tech-forward refresh, making it a more compelling workspace.
Glacier Vehicles elevates this base with custom refrigeration, offering load volumes from 7.8m³ to 17m³ across configurations, though 13m³ is the sweet spot for most refrigerated needs. Available in three lengths (L2, L3, L4) and three heights (H1, H2, H3), the Movano adapts to diverse demands—think compact urban chillers or sprawling fleet freezers. Its diesel heart, a 2.2L turbocharged unit, comes in 140hp or 180hp flavours, paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed auto. This isn’t the flashiest van on the block, but its blend of practicality and Glacier’s cooling expertise makes it a workhorse worth considering.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The Movano 2025’s refrigeration system, crafted by Glacier Vehicles, is where it truly shines. At its core is the GAH SRF351 unit, a British-made powerhouse delivering 2.5kW of cooling capacity. This system excels with a temperature range from +5°C for chilled goods to -25°C for deep freeze, and it’s dual-zone capable—imagine one side at +5°C for dairy, the other at -20°C for ice cream, all in a single haul. Operating at a quiet 40dB, it won’t rattle your nerves on long runs, and its efficiency is proven: tests show it holds -20°C steady even at 40°C ambient temperatures, a feat budget units struggle to match.
Insulation is another triumph. Glacier opts for 50mm Styrofoam for chilled specs and 75mm for freezers, layered with hygienic GRP resin interiors. This setup cuts energy loss by 15% compared to thinner 40mm rivals, saving £200-£300 annually on fuel. An electric standby option keeps the chill going overnight—8 hours at full capacity—without engine idling, trimming costs further. Real-world trials confirm zero temp drift over 12 hours, making it a reliable choice for pharmaceuticals or perishables where precision is non-negotiable.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
When it comes to hauling, the Movano 2025 delivers. Its 1,370kg payload in the L3H2 refrigerated spec outmuscles the Citroën Dispatch (1,000kg) and edges closer to the Mercedes Sprinter (1,500kg). With a 13m³ load volume, it fits 10 Euro pallets—30% more than the Dispatch’s 6.1m³—though it trails the Sprinter’s 17m³ top-end. Glacier’s conversion preserves this space with lightweight insulation, avoiding the payload penalties heavier systems impose.
Inside, customisation reigns. Optional shelving, movable partitions, and six tie-down points let you tailor the cargo bay—perfect for mixed loads like catering or floral runs. The rear doors swing 270° for easy access, and a low load height (thanks to front-wheel-drive options) simplifies loading. Compared to the Peugeot Boxer’s 1,250kg and 10m³, the Movano offers a practical edge for businesses needing volume and flexibility without stepping up to a pricier class.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
The Movano 2025’s 2.2L diesel engine strikes a balance between power and thrift. Rated at 29-37 MPG (WLTP), it varies by spec—140hp manual hits 37 MPG, while the 180hp auto dips to 29 MPG. Against the Sprinter’s 28 MPG, it saves £400 annually (£1,600 vs. £2,000 at 12p/mile, 10k miles), and its GAH system’s low draw shaves another £250 off vs. generic units. Compare that to the Boxer’s 32 MPG (£1,750/yr)—the Movano’s £36k price tag nets £8k savings over 5 years (£44k TCO vs. Boxer’s £52k).
Upfront, it’s £36k vs. the Boxer’s £31k—a £5k premium—but residuals hold stronger (£12k vs. £10k after 3 years), and maintenance is cheaper with Ford’s vast network and Glacier’s £99 tune-ups. Electric rivals like the Movano Electric tempt with tax breaks, but diesel’s 500-mile range trumps their 261 miles, making this a cost-effective pick for high-mileage operators.
Maintenance & Reliability
Reliability is a Movano hallmark. Its failure rate hovers at 2%, half the Boxer’s 5% (clutch woes plague the latter), per fleet data. The 2.2L diesel, shared with Stellantis siblings, is a proven workhorse, and Glacier’s GAH system needs just a £99 annual service—£50 less than budget units. Vauxhall’s 3-year/100k-mile warranty pairs with Glacier’s 2-year refrigeration cover, outpacing the Transit’s 60k-mile cap.
Glacier’s UK-wide callouts and GAH Connect monitoring cut downtime—£500/yr saved vs. rivals’ roadside waits. Common issues? Early 2021 models had axle niggles, but 2025 units show no systemic flaws. At 25k-mile intervals, servicing aligns with fleet schedules, keeping costs low and uptime high.
Technology & Safety Features
The 2025 refresh brings the Movano’s cabin into the modern era. A 10-inch touchscreen with TomTom navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto anchors the dash, while a 7-inch digital cluster tracks fuel and temp remotely—handy for monitoring GAH performance. Keyless entry, auto AC, and a 230V socket (150W) add convenience for laptops or tools.
Safety’s robust: ABS, lane assist, blind-spot alerts, and level-2 autonomy (auto models) join traffic sign recognition. Crash-tested to 40 MPH, its GRP panels and 270° door locks bolster security. It lags the Sprinter’s adaptive cruise but matches the Transit’s urban agility with a 12.6m turning circle—practical, not cutting-edge.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
Users rave about the Movano 2025—4.9/5 from 30+ UK operators via Glacier’s logs. “My L3H2 hauls 1,200kg of fish daily—zero spoilage, £3k saved yearly,” says Mark, a seafood supplier. Drivers laud the quiet 40dB GAH and spacious cab, though some note the £36k price stings vs. the Boxer’s £31k. Fuel economy holds at 34 MPG loaded, and the 13m³ bay fits mixed loads effortlessly.
Downsides? The ride’s firm on potholes—less cushy than the Sprinter—and the auto gearbox lags slightly uphill. Still, uptime’s near-perfect, and Glacier’s support shines—operators report 98% satisfaction, a testament to its real-world grit.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | Vauxhall Movano 2025 | 13m³ + 37 MPG—beats Sprinter’s £2k/yr fuel |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg payload—tops Movano’s 1,370kg |
| Urban Transport | Citroën Dispatch Refrigerated Van | 5.3m³, 11m turn—30% tighter than Movano |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £31k, but 10m³ and 5% failure rate lag |
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing a refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need -25°C for frozen goods? The Movano’s GAH dual-zone excels. Hauling 1,000kg+? Its 1,370kg payload fits. Volume matters—13m³ suits fleets, but urban runs may favour the Dispatch’s 5.3m³. Compliance is key: the Movano meets ECWTA pharma standards and food safety regs, certified by Glacier.
Cost-wise, £36k upfront beats £31k Boxer long-term—£8k saved over 5 yrs (£44k vs. £52k TCO). Test payload, range (500 miles), and temp stability—Glacier offers demos. For fleets, the 180hp auto scales better than the 140hp manual. Prioritise uptime? Glacier’s service network seals the deal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
How long does the 2025 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 2025 Refrigerated Van, enhanced by Glacier Vehicles, is a cold chain champion. Its 1,370kg payload and 13m³ volume haul more than most, while the GAH SRF351’s -25°C precision and dual-zone flexibility outchill budget rivals. At 37 MPG and £8k 5-yr savings over the Boxer, it’s a diesel darling—range trumps electric vans’ 261 miles, and Glacier’s £99 service keeps it rolling. The Sprinter may edge it on payload, but the Movano’s value, reliability (2% failure rate), and real-world grit (4.9/5 user score) make it a top-tier pick for 2025. From Glacier’s UK workshops, this van’s ready to freeze your competition.
