Need something bigger than a Volkswagen Transporter? The Volkswagen Crafter is the answer to that, expanding all of the usual VW van sensibilities into a larger footprint with greater cargo volume and a heavier payload. It’s the biggest van VW offers, and with a huge number of variants, a van that can be specified to suit just about anybody’s needs.
The VW Crafter was first introduced in 2006 and today’s model has been around since 2017, with updates along the way to keep its equipment and features competitive in the large van market. Anyone already familiar with VW’s vans should settle right in, but its refinement and ease of use means it’s accessible to those trying a Crafter for the first time too.
It isn’t without strong competition however. Ford’s best-selling Transit is probably the most prominent alternative, with a similarly dizzying array of model variations, while the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is another popular alternative - and perhaps the one best able to outshine the VW for brand appeal.
Like the smaller Volkswagen Transporter, the Crafter is a product of Volkswagen alone, not sharing anything with other vans in the market. That wasn’t the case when the Crafter arrived in 2006, with that model co-developed with (and indeed built by) Mercedes-Benz, but since the current model arrived in 2017, it’s been a Volkswagen-only product.
That means you’ll probably be familiar with the Volkswagen Crafter’s lineup of TDI diesel engines, and with the general look and feel of the van both outside and in. If that appeals to you, it might be a good time to buy a Crafter too, since a partnership agreement with Ford will see the two brands sharing a lot more in future - as evidenced by the new Volkswagen Amarok pickup being effectively a rebadged Ford Ranger.
Like Ford’s rival Transit however, the Volkswagen Crafter is available in a wide range of body styles and with different drive options to best meet the varied needs of users. In addition to four different power outputs for the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine (with heavy duty tuning also available), buyers can also select either front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive (RWD), and 4Motion all-wheel drive, and depending on the engine and drive, six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearboxes.
Then there are medium and long-wheelbase, standard and maxi body lengths, and low, medium, high, and super-high roof options. 3.5-tonne versions of the Crafter can carry up to 1456kg and have space for six Euro pallets in the largest models, while heavy duty RWD variants expand that payload to 2557kg. Oh, and VW does offer chassis cab versions too, expanding the van’s potential even further.
The other thing the Volkswagen Crafter has on its side is a car-like driving environment. Just two trim levels are available but both are pretty reasonably equipped and have a variety of options, from different seating layouts and swivelling seats, to different storage options, infotainment systems, fuel tank sizes and more.
Not all of this is unique to the Crafter of course, and rivals such as the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are similarly useful and adaptable, but there’s no doubt the Crafter is a well-developed panel van.
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Of the four 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines on offer we reckon the 140PS variant is a strong all-rounder. It’s available in both standard and heavy duty RWD forms, the latter making the same power but slightly more torque from slightly lower revs so it’s up to the job of moving heavier loads. But it’s a strong engine even in standard form and is available in a wider range of models than the entry-level 102PS TDI.
The Volkswagen Crafter is also at its best when maximising its technological and comfort features, so we’d keep an eye out for the higher-spec Trendline models, which get welcome features such as a colour touchscreen, cruise control, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, and an upgraded driver’s seat. There’s a lengthy options list too so any van fitted with features like parking sensors, a rear-view camera, air conditioning or a heated windscreen will make day to day life just a little easier.
Vans aren’t as basic as they used to be so the Volkswagen Crafter may be nicer than you’re expecting, but equally van equipment levels aren’t quite up to the levels of VW’s cars. The Crafter is offered in two trim lines and both are very much focused on the job in hand, but between the higher-spec Trendline and a lengthy options list, spending every day behind the wheel of a Crafter may not be such a hardship.
The Volkswagen Crafter’s dimensions are:
The Volkswagen Crafter’s load capacity is:
Vans are subject to a flat VED or ‘road tax’ weight of £320 for the 2023/2024 tax year (or £176 for six months), for models with a gross weight of under 3500kg. The heavy duty models (over 3500kg gross but under 7500kg) actually attract a lower rate of £165 for 12 months.
Volkswagen doesn’t publish insurance group ratings for the Crafter, but given the enormous range of models on offer, and the possible variations, this will depend entirely on the van’s configuration, plus your type of business usage, so you will need to consult an insurance broker for more details.
Read our full Volkswagen Crafter review
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