Introduction
If you own a pickup truck in the UK — or you're thinking about buying one — you need to be aware of some important changes coming in 2025.
New adjustments to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and tax classifications could impact both personal users and business owners.
Here’s a clear, jargon-free breakdown of what’s changing, who it affects, and how you can plan ahead.

📜 What Is Changing for Pickup Trucks in 2025?

From April 2025, the UK Government will adjust how certain vehicles are taxed under the Vehicle Excise Duty system. These changes are primarily aimed at reducing emissions and encouraging the uptake of cleaner vehicles, but depending on the truck's specification, they could affect some pickup owners.

Key changes:

• VED Reforms: New pickups registered after April 2025 could be taxed more like passenger cars if they don’t meet commercial-use definitions.

• Double Cab Pickups Under Scrutiny: Dual-purpose vehicles (like double-cab pickups with luxury features) may no longer qualify for commercial vehicle benefits if HMRC classifies them as passenger vehicles.

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Electric pickup trucks, which are currently VED-exempt, will start paying standard road tax rates from 2025 onwards.

❓ Who Will Be Affected?

You could be affected if you:

• Plan to buy a new double-cab pickup after April 2025.

• Use a pickup primarily for personal rather than commercial/business use.

• Want to claim commercial vehicle benefits (e.g., lower Benefit in Kind rates if you drive the truck for work).

Examples of models that might be scrutinised:

• Ford Ranger Wildtrak

• Toyota Hilux Invincible X

• Isuzu D-Max V-Cross

• Volkswagen Amarok Aventura

These higher-spec pickups are popular for both lifestyle and work, making them the target of stricter classification rules.

📈 How Will the Costs Change?

For pickups reclassified as passenger vehicles:

• You could pay standard VED rates (currently over £500+ in year one based on CO₂ emissions).

• The benefit-in-kind (BiK) tax on company vehicles would be significantly higher—it would be aligned with company cars, not commercial vehicles.

For pickups that retain commercial classification:

• Expect VED to stay relatively low (usually a flat commercial vehicle rate).

• BiK tax will remain much lower compared to passenger vehicles.

🚙 How to Prepare if You're Buying a Pickup

• Check the Classification: Confirm with the dealership whether the truck qualifies as a commercial vehicle.

• Prioritize Payload: Pickups with a payload over 1 tonne usually remain classified as commercial.

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on HMRC's evolving definitions for "dual-purpose" vehicles.

• Consider Used Vehicles: Vehicles registered before April 2025 will be taxed under the old system.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Before 2025?

If you’re thinking about buying a new pickup truck, particularly a high-spec model, it could save you hundreds of pounds in annual taxes to buy before the April 2025 changes come into force.

By acting early, you lock in the current lower tax rates and avoid potential reclassification headaches later on.

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👉 Browse our wide range of pickup truck accessories, perfect for work, leisure, and everything in between!