Fiat Scudo Review 2024

Fiat’s fourth-generation Scudo replaces the third-gen model that was only on sale for 18 months, and is essentially a revised and improved version of what was already a great van. But is it worth considering over its rivals or its Stellantis sister models? Read our in-depth Fiat Scudo review to find out.

Introduced in April 2024, the fourth-generation Fiat Scudo shares its main bodywork, platform and engines with the Vauxhall Vivaro, Peugeot Expert and Citroen Dispatch.

Together with its sister models, it forms part of a range of vans that is among the most prolific across Europe and beyond.  

The four vans are essentially the same – they use the same choice of bodies (two body lengths, plus a crew van and a chassis cab option) but each has a few differences to set it apart.

Heavily revised in April 2024, the latest Fiat Scudo is more refined than before with a much-improved cabin, uprated tech and a new-style front end with Fiat’s new retro-styled grille badge and angular headlamps.

Sold under the Fiat Professional banner in the UK, the Fiat Scudo is sold primarily to fleet customers but SME and private users can still benefit from some keen pricing offers, especially on the higher-specification Primo models.

The van is based on what Stellantis calls its EMP2 platform, available in two lengths and with 1.5 or 2.0-litre diesel engines. An electric Fiat e-Scudo is also offered and is reviewed separately.

The entry 1.5-litre diesel is offered with either 100PS or 120PS engines and a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 145PS 2.0-litre adds the option of eight-speed automatic transmission as well as a flagship (but rare) 180PS model that is auto only.

Two trim levels are offered – the no-nonsense ‘Scudo’ and the more upmarket ‘Primo’, with standard (5.0 metre) and Maxi (5.3 metre) body lengths, with both getting a double cab crew van option and the longer van getting standard twin side loading doors.

All Fiat Scudos come with a 36-month, 100,000-mile warranty.

Despite its modest dimensions - the Fiat Scudo is quite small for a mid-sized van – there’s no

Gross vehicle weights range from 2635kg - 3100kg, depending on spec. It is available in two lengths - standard and Maxi – with a load volume ranging from 5.1 cubic metres to 6.6 cubic metres. An optional load-through bulkhead extends the load length of up to four metres, but needs to be ordered with a folding double passenger seat that also doubles up as a work table.

Only one roof height is available giving an access height of 1.4 metres and 1.6 metres of width, but the load bay is flat with minimal wheelarch intrusion. All models get twin side sliding doors as standard that will take a Euro pallet sideways, with keyless electric release on the Primo variant.

There are other medium vans that will carry a greater load volume, notably the Volkswagen Transporter and Renault Trafic, but 5.8 cubic metres of space will be enough for most.

The cabin is smart, car-like and comfortable, with seats that appear hard-wearing and sensibly laid-out controls. On three-seater models there is also a useful storage compartment under the middle seat to hide valuables such as small power tools and laptop computers.

The raised seating position provides a commanding view of the road, but rear visibility isn’t great and the mirrors could use a more all-round visibility. There’s also a new 10-inch touchscreen controlling most of the functions, a new flat-bottomed steering wheel for easier access and egress, inductive charging for mobile phones and the option of ‘Dynamic Surround Vision’ which uses a network of cameras to transmit rearward visibility to the driver through a screen in the rear-view mirror housing.

One of the key elements of the Fiat Scudo’s appeal lies in its car-like dynamics. All models have adaptive variable damping, which make it far less unsettled over bumps than some vans tend to be when unladen. The steering is light and precise and the handling superb for a tall vehicle. As vans go, it’s dynamically one of the best. 

The diesel engine range has been left largely untouched and is split between 1.5 and 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder units, with power outputs of 100PS, 120PS, 150PS and 180PS.

The range-topping 180PS unit comes as standard with an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic gearbox, while a six-speed manual transmission is the only choice on the other engines.

All are excellent units - even the least powerful 1.5-litre feels punchy. The 120PS 1.5-litre has 300Nm of torque, providing lots of pulling power, yet is also the most efficient, with 47mpg quoted on the WLTP cycle. It has a maximum payload of one tonne.

To get the maximum 1450kg load carrying ability, you’ll need to go for the 2.0-litre The 145PS engine is a fabulous all-rounder, while the 180PS unit is the liveliest and is astonishingly rapid for a van, while the eight-speed auto maximises efficiency.

The new Dynamic Surround Vision system is a clever feature – using a rear-view-mirror housing even on vans with solid bulkheads and no rear windows. It uses two separate cameras to show you what’s behind - a useful safety aid, our only criticism being it makes objects appear too close and it can often be easier to reverse using your mirrors in a more traditional way.

Go for the Primo model and you also get additional safety kit, including speed limit recognition, lane departure warning, Side Blind Spot Alert and Driver Attention Alert systems.