9 Amazing Vauxhall Movano Conversions
Key takeaways
Considering a Vauxhall Movano Conversion for Van Life?
With great gas mileage, low upfront cost, and a square interior shape, the Movano is a great option for European vanlifers.
But how does it stack up against other popular models like the Sprinter, Transit, & ProMaster?
In this post, we’ll find out.
9 Amazing Vauxhall Movano Van Conversions
With square interior walls, 3 different wheelbases, and 4 different roof heights, the Movano provides tons of options for designing a layout… but which is the best?
Here are 9 of the coolest Vauxhall Movano conversions ever:
Build #9: Cozy Movano with Front Couch and Wardrobe
- Highlights: This Movano has a high fixed bed with enough room underneath for bike storage at the back. A large wardrobe separates the bed from the kitchen area, which is just a two-burner propane camp stove on a countertop and small sink. At the very front is a small cozy couch.
- Van: Vauxhall Movano MWB
- Owner: @sebsantabarbara
Build #8: Fixed-bed Movano with L-shaped Kitchen
- Highlights: This clean Opel Movano (same model as the Vauxhall but sold under the Opel name in Germany) features a fixed bed, slide out table, book shelf, and wrap around kitchen that separates the living area from the cab.
- Van: Vauxhall Movano SWB
- Owner: @van_jjourney
Build #7: Movano Build with Convertible Bed and L-Shaped Kitchen
- Highlights: This DIY build has a unique U-shaped couch that converts into a large bed. In the front is an L-shaped kitchen with lots of storage underneath.
- Van: Vauxhall Movano MWB
- Owner: @travelinginstyle
Build #6: Movano with Two-Wall Kitchen and Roof Deck
- Highlights: This Movano has a fixed bed in the back in front of a slide-out table for a dinette. The two-wall kitchen has gas stove and copper Morrocan sink on one side, and prep space on the other. It’s all topped off with a roof deck that fits a hammock.
- Van: 2006 Vauxhall Movano MWB
- Owner: @wherewetravelto
Build #5: Off-Grid Ready Movano with Unique No-Wall Shower
- Highlights: This professional Movano build from Off Grid Campers has a fixed bed and kitchen cabinetry made of reclaimed pine. The most notable feature is the no-wall shower, which sits in front of the kitchen. Instead of taking up extra space to install a shower “room”, they’ve just added a curtain that can be put up and taken down.
- Van: Vauxhall Movano MWB
- Owner: @off_grid_campers
Build #4: Modern-Build Vauxhall with Swing
- Highlights: This Movano Has a high fixed bed and a one-wall kitchen with a sink and two-burner stove. A dining table pulls out from the countertop, and owners Ashley and Stuart have installed a rope swing at the door.
- Van: Vauxhall Movano LWB
- Owner: @ontheroadagaintravels
Build #3: Rustic-Style Movano with Wood-Burning Heater
- Highlights: This log cabin-esque Movano combines some rustic features like the all-wood cabinetry and the wood-burning heather, with some modern amenities like a Dometic fridge and induction stove top.
- Van: Vauxhall Movano MWB
- Owner: @vanlifetv.uk
Build #2: Bright Red Movano with Fixed Bed and Pull-Out Table Dinette
- Highlights: This firetruck red Movano build has a high fixed bed, with a slide-out table for the dinette, as well as a slide-out toilet. The kitchen is double-walled and has a cool industrial-looking copper faucet, laminate flooring, and a wooden coverup for the sink.
- Van: Vauxhall Movano LWB
- Owner: @sheisthelostgirl
Build #1: Movano with Lots of Wood Cabinetry and Wall-Separated Driver’s Cab
- Highlights: The smaller, sideways facing bed in this Movano makes for lots more room for the kitchen area. The kitchen has a two-burner stove, tons of cabinetry, and a small booth. It’s all separated from the driver’s cab by a wall.
- Van: 2009 Vauxhall Movano MWB
- Owner: @jordanbently_
10 Reasons Why Vanlifers Like the Vauxhall Movano
The Movano is spacious, comparatively inexpensive, & comes with a 100,000 mile warranty – but is it the best option for vanlife?
Here are 10 reasons why vanlifers like the Vauxhall Movano:
- Comes In Electric: The 2022 Vauxhall Movano now comes in a 100% electric option. If you want to reduce your emissions and have access to car chargers, this is a huge plus.
- Lots of Interior Room: The largest Vauxhall Movano option offers tons of interior room for a large van build – though it’s not quite as large as the largest Sprinter.
- Long-Lasting Engine: Diesel engines in general, but specifically Movano engines are known to be robust and last a very long time.
- Great Gas Mileage: Compared to the Transit, Sprinter, and Promaster, the Movano has the best gas mileage at 24.9 MPG combined and 30.6 MPG highway.
- Inexpensive New and Used: The Movano is relatively inexpensive new, and much cheaper used than comparable options because there is far less demand for these cars compared to Sprinters and Transits.
- Oil Service Every 25,000 Miles: The Movano only needs to have an oil change every 25,000 miles, which means you can go way longer between oil services compared to other cars.
- Lots of Height and Length Options: The Movano offers four different height options and three different wheelbase lengths.
- Newer Models Look Cool: The Movano recently underwent a “facelift” and the new models are pretty cool to look at (almost as cool as Sprinters).
- Can Handle Heavy Builds: The Movano offers a generous payload so it can handle the heaviest of interior builds.
- 100,000-mile Warranty on New Vehicles: Vauxhall offers a 100,000-mile warranty on all Movanos–way more than the 30,000-mile warranty Ford offers for Transits.
8 Reasons Why Vanlifers Dislike the Vauxhall Movano
As with every vehicle, there are downsides to the Movano.
Here are 8 reasons why vanlifers dislike the Vauxhall Movano:
- Needs to be Imported: Vauxhall manufacturers and operates in Europe, so if you live in the U.S., you’ll need to import the vehicle or purchase it used from someone who has imported it.
- Few Aftermarket Options: The Movano is much more commonly used as a work van than it is for vanlife, so there are fewer aftermarket roof boxes, and interior kits compared to the very popular vanlife vans.
- Uncomfortable to Drive: Owners say the driver’s seat gets uncomfortable during long drives.
- Fewer Conversion Companies Work on Them: It will be way more difficult to find a conversion company to convert a Movano compared to the more popular vanlife vans.
- Engine Not Powerful Enough for Largest Size: Owners say that the larger Movanos can overload the engine and they have trouble getting up to speed.
- Steering Wheel Height Not Adjustable: The Movano’s steering wheel is fixed in place and can’t be adjusted if you’re taller or shorter than the average height.
- Plasticky Interior: The interior of the Movano–like other less expensive vans has a cheap and plasticky feeling.
- Not Easy to Service in The U.S.: If you own a Movano in the U.S., it will be difficult and costly to service since not many mechanics in the U.S. are familiar with these vehicles.
Cost, Dimensions, & Fuel Economy
Now that you know a little more about the Movano, let’s see how it stacks up against the Sprinter, Transit, & ProMaster.
Vauxhall Movano Cost
Cost: Movana vs Sprinter vs Transit vs ProMaster
| Model | New | Used | Price |
| Vauxhall Movano SWB | $38,501 | $17,621 | Check Price |
| Vauxhall Movano MWB | $40,447 | $20,049 | Check Price |
| Vauxhall Movano LWB | $43,036 | $23,867 | Check Price |
| Vauxhall Movano Electric | $59,016 | N/A | N/A |
| Ram ProMaster 118” | $39,490 | $28,000 | Check Price |
| Ram ProMaster 136” | $41,250 | $30,000 | Check Price |
| Ram ProMaster 159” | $44,450 | $32,000 | Check Price |
| Ford Transit 130” | $41,665 | $30,000 | Check Price |
| Ford Transit 148” | $42,940 | $31,000 | Check Price |
| Ford Transit 148” Ext | $48,085 | $34,000 | Check Price |
| Mercedes Sprinter 144” | $41,300 | $60,000 | Check Price |
| Mercedes Sprinter 170” | $45,340 | $70,000 | Check Price |
| Mercedes Sprinter 170” Ext | $50,660 | $75,000 | Check Price |
Vauxhall Movano Dimensions
Dimensions: Movana vs Sprinter vs Transit vs ProMaster
| Model | Interior Height | Interior Length (cargo) | Interior Width | Ext Length |
| Vauxhall Movano SWB | 74.6 inches | 121.4 inches | 69.5 inches | 218.4 inches |
| Vauxhall Movano MWB | 80.6 inches | 147 inches | 69.5 inches | 244 inches |
| Vauxhall Movano LWB | 84.4 inches | 172.6 inches | 69.5 inches | 269.6 inches |
| Ram ProMaster 118” | 66 inches | 96 inches | 75 inches | 195.4 inches |
| Ram ProMaster 136” | 66 inches | 120 inches | 75 inches | 213.2 inches |
| Ram ProMaster 159” | 77 inches | 144 inches | 75 inches | 236.2 inches |
| Ford Transit 130” | 56.9 inches | 126 inches | 69 inches | 219.9 inches |
| Ford Transit 148” | 56.9 inches | 143.7 inches | 69 inches | 235.5 inches |
| Ford Transit 148” Ext | 81.5 inches | 172.2 inches | 69 inches | 263.9 inches |
| Mercedes Sprinter 144” | 67.7 inches | 132.9 inches | 70.4 inches | 233.5 inches |
| Mercedes Sprinter 170” | 79 inches | 173 inches | 70 inches | 290 inches |
| Mercedes Sprinter 170” Ext | 79 inches | 189 inches | 70 inches | 274 inches |
Vauxhall Movano Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy: Movana vs Sprinter vs Transit vs ProMaster
| Model | City | Highway | Combined |
| Vauxhall Movano -2.2 L Turbo Diesel | 19.2 MPG | 30.6 MPG | 24.9 MPG |
| Ram ProMaster – 3.6 L V6 | 19 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG |
| Ram ProMaster – 2.4 L V4 | 21 MPG | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| Ford Transit – 3.5L PFDi V6 | 14 MPG | 18 MPG | 16 MPG |
| Ford Transit – 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 | 18 MPG | 24 MPG | 21 MPG |
| Ford Transit – 2.0L GDI I-4 | 19 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG |
| Mercedes Sprinter – 2.1L L4 Gas | 21 MPG | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| Mercedes Sprinter – 2.1L L4 Diesel | 21 MPG | 24 MPG | 22 MPG |
| Mercedes Sprinter – 3.0L V6 Diesel | 18 MPG | 21 MPG | 19.5 MPG |
Conclusion: Is the Vauxhall Movano Right for you?
There are a lot of reasons to like the Vauxhall Movano: It’s affordable, reliable, & gets great gas mileage – but it may not be for you.
Biggest factors:
- Inexpensive new and used
- Great gas mileage (30.6 MPG highway)
- Square interior shape with lots of wheelbase and roof heigh options
- 100,000 mile warranty
So should you get one?
Yes! We’d recommend the Movano over the Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster for Europe based vanlifers who want a more budget friendly build.
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