Different people have different requirements, therefore the answer to this question will differ, too.
But what if you need a decent amount of both? For example, a removal company would place equal emphasis on payload and loadspace, needing to accommodate both heavy and awkward items.
Sometimes, items may be large but lightweight while on other occasions you might be carrying heavy goods - meaning that you'll need a high capacity van, both in terms of payload and loadspace.
Here are three of our biggest capacity commercial vans.
High-capacity commercial vans
Mercedes Sprinter (LWB, High roof)
Loadspace: 14 cubic metres, Payload: 1129kg
The Mercedes Sprinter commercial van is one of the best on the market with excellent performance and economy for a large van. Offering a payload of 1129kg in a loadspace of 14 cubic metres, it isn't the biggest van in this list but this van's strength is in its overall package. It's worth noting that the Sprinter is free to drive in the London Congestion Charge zone.
Volkswagen Crafter (LWB, High roof)
Loadspace: 14 cubic metres, Payload: 1681kg
The Volkswagen Crafter panel vans' loadspace is created by its height, resulting in a very 'vertical' load area. This makes it best suited to awkward items or stacking goods. A huge payload puts the Crafter way ahead of the Sprinter in the capacity stakes, and due to the Mercedes' price-tag the Crafter may be the better choice if you're on a budget.
Peugeot Boxer (L4H3)
Loadspace: 17 cubic metres, Payload: 1410kg
One of the biggest commercial vans in our range, the Peugeot Boxer crams over 1400kg of cargo into a loadspace of 17 cubic metres. A product of the PSA/Fiat alliance, the Boxer is essentially the same van as the Relay and Ducato, so you can expect similar figures from those two. Ultimately your choice is down to personal preference.