Volkswagen Crafter
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a large van that drives like a car but carries like a truck? The Volkswagen Crafter might be exactly what your business needs. This full-size commercial van combines German engineering with practical design, offering one of the most refined driving experiences in the 3.5-tonne sector. It’s the van for businesses that want professional capability without compromising on comfort or build quality.

From first glance, the Crafter looks purposeful and modern. Its clean lines and bold front grille give it a confident presence that stands out from utilitarian rivals like the Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter. The real transformation becomes apparent when you climb into the cab. The interior feels more like a quality car than a commercial vehicle, with well-designed controls and solid materials throughout. Everything from the steering wheel to the gear lever feels built to withstand years of daily use.

Driving the Crafter is surprisingly car-like for such a large vehicle. The engines are smooth and responsive, making loaded runs or empty deliveries equally comfortable. It handles with precision and composure, giving you confidence whether navigating tight city streets or cruising on the motorway. While it commands a premium price over some competitors, you’re investing in Volkswagen’s renowned build quality and engineering expertise that you’ll appreciate every working day.

What's the Volkswagen Crafter Like to Drive?

The Volkswagen Crafter is engineered for smooth, reliable performance rather than outright speed. The engine range centres around refined diesel units, with the 2.0 TDI being the most popular choice. Available in various power outputs from 102bhp to 177bhp, these engines deliver strong torque from low revs, making the Crafter feel responsive when loaded. The 140bhp version strikes an excellent balance, providing adequate power for most commercial applications while maintaining good fuel economy.

What sets the Crafter apart is its sophisticated driving dynamics. The steering is precise and well-weighted, feeling natural at both low and high speeds. The suspension setup manages to combine comfort with control, soaking up road imperfections while keeping the large van stable and composed. Whether you’re carrying a full load or running empty, the Crafter maintains its composure. The six-speed manual gearbox is smooth and precise, while the optional automatic transmission makes stop-start city work much easier.

How Comfortable Is the Volkswagen Crafter?

Step inside the Crafter and you’ll immediately notice the difference from traditional commercial vehicles. The dashboard design is modern and intuitive, featuring high-quality materials that feel durable yet refined. The central infotainment screen is easy to use and includes smartphone connectivity as standard. Controls are logically placed and operate with the solid precision you’d expect from Volkswagen. The instrument cluster is clear and informative, providing all the information you need at a glance.

The driver’s seat deserves special mention, offering excellent support and multiple adjustment options to suit different body types. Even after long days behind the wheel, fatigue is kept to a minimum thanks to the ergonomic design. The cabin is impressively quiet, with effective sound insulation reducing road and engine noise. Storage solutions are thoughtfully designed throughout, with plenty of space for paperwork, drinks, and personal items. Higher specification models add features like climate control and upgraded upholstery that further enhance the premium feel.

The Volkswagen Crafter stands out in the competitive large van market by delivering a genuinely premium experience. It successfully combines impressive load capacity with car-like refinement and driving dynamics. The interior quality and build standards are exemplary, making long working days more comfortable and professional. On the road, it’s quiet, stable, and surprisingly engaging to drive for such a large commercial vehicle.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Volkswagen Crafter Expensive to Run?

As a premium commercial vehicle, the Crafter’s running costs reflect its quality positioning, but they remain competitive for the sector. The efficient TDI engines are the highlight, delivering real-world fuel economy between 32-38 mpg depending on the power output and driving conditions. This translates to meaningful savings at the fuel pump, especially important for high-mileage commercial users. Insurance costs are reasonable for a vehicle of this size and value.

The initial purchase price positions the Crafter at the premium end of the large van market, reflecting its superior build quality and refinement. However, strong residual values help offset this, making it an attractive option for businesses considering commercial vehicle finance options. Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability means fewer unexpected repair bills, though servicing costs are in line with other premium commercial vehicles. The comprehensive warranty and extensive dealer network provide peace of mind for business users who can’t afford downtime.

Volkswagen Crafter Practicality & Boot Space

For a large commercial vehicle, the Crafter excels in practical design and usability. Load volumes range from 10.7 to 17.0 cubic metres depending on the body style, easily accommodating everything from small packages to large furniture. The loading area is well-designed with a low floor height and wide doors that make loading and unloading easier. Multiple tie-down points and optional storage systems help secure cargo effectively. The side and rear doors open wide, providing excellent access even in tight loading bays.

Where the Crafter really shines is in its thoughtful design details. The cab area provides excellent storage for paperwork, tools, and personal items. For businesses that carry passengers occasionally, crew cab versions offer reasonable rear-seat space. The compact dimensions relative to its load capacity make it surprisingly manageable in urban environments. Compared to other used Volkswagen vehicles, the Crafter represents the pinnacle of the brand’s commercial vehicle expertise. Its turning circle is tight for such a large vehicle, making it easier to manoeuvre in confined spaces.

The Volkswagen Crafter establishes itself as the premium choice in the large van segment through exceptional build quality and refined driving experience. It packages German engineering expertise with practical commercial vehicle capability in an impressively sophisticated package. While it commands a higher price than some competitors, it delivers in the areas that matter most for professional users: comfort, reliability, and operational efficiency.

You choose the Crafter because you want a commercial vehicle that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its car-like driving manners, excellent build quality, and thoughtful design make every working day more pleasant and professional. It’s perfectly suited for businesses that value image and driver comfort as much as payload capacity. If you’re looking for a large van that combines commercial capability with genuine refinement, the Crafter should top your shortlist, especially with cars under £10,000 options available in the used market.