Volkswagen Crafter van review (2023)

• Choice of four 2.0-litre TDI engines with 102-177hp
• FWD, RWD and 4WD versions available
• Light steering, great comfort levels, very easy to drive

The second-generation VW Crafter was initially launched in early 2017 with front-wheel drive (FWD) only, immediately distinguishing it from its rear-wheel drive predecessor.

The first 4Motion four-wheel drive (4WD) versions became available in September 2017, with the first rear-wheel drive (RWD) examples following before the end of the same year.

It wasn't until 2018 that the full range of engine and drivetrain variants became available, however.

VW Crafter engines

The Crafter comes with a choice of four 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel engines:

• 102hp / 300Nm single-turbo
• 122hp / 300Nm single-turbo
• 140hp / 340Nm single-turbo
• 177hp / 410Nm twin-turbo

Not every engine is available with every bodysize and drivetrain layout; the 122hp version is only available on rear-wheel drive CR50 (5.0-tonne gross vehicle weight) versions with twin rear wheels, while the 102hp engine is limited to front-wheel drive variants.

We have driven examples of every format, as well as both the standard six-speed manual gearbox and the optional eight-speed automatic transmission.

Is a 2.0-litre engine big enough for a large van?

VW is not alone in using 2.0-litre engines in its large van range – the Ford Transit went down to 2.0 litres following the initial round of Euro 6 emissions regulations, as did the Citroen Relay and Peugeot Boxer (though this French pairing returned to 2.2-litre engines in 2019) – but should you be worried about it?

Our first impressions of the Crafter's new engine range weren't overly favourable. Around the mountain roads of Spain on the original launch we found the 140hp versions had to be worked hard, and while the 177hp version was unsurprisingly pokier, both sounded reedy and coarse under power.

As we've spent more and more time with the 140hp model we've come to better appreciate the new motor. Once the engine has covered 1,000 miles or so, the noise reduces and the smoothness increases.

We're yet to test either of the less powerful 102hp and 122hp choices, but anticipate these will feel rather slow. And frankly we'd expect the bestselling 140hp variants to be more fuel efficient in the real world as well.

Improvements over time

The engines perhaps don't produce quite the same level of instant urge as Ford's 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine in the Transit.

But driven back-to-back with the previous-generation Crafter there's a clear improvement, and you soon come to appreciate how quiet the new model is on the motorway, with little wind or road noise in the cab.

Meanwhile, the manual gearbox action feels precise, and is so light and easy you could be driving a car.

Is the eight-speed automatic worth considering in the Crafter?

In van terms, the Crafter's eight-speed automatic is a really excellent gearbox.

The extra gears make the Crafter even quieter when cruising, and it will happily trickle along in eighth gear at low rpm on the motorway, which is good news for fuel economy.

The auto costs more, of course. But in exchange you get added convenience in traffic – reducing driver fatigue – and the potential for reduced servicing costs as the automatic transmissions prevent excessive clutch and tyre wear.

Choosing between FWD, RWD and 4WD VW Crafters

Front-wheel drive makes a lot of sense for most uses. This configuration is the lightest, which helps with payload, and the most fuel efficient. It also has a load area floor 100mm lower than the alternatives, which is easier on operators.

We've experienced no traction issue with FWD, either – though it is easy to imagine why front tyre wear might be higher.

The 4Motion four-wheel drive Crafters are based on the FWD models, but add a Haldex system that delivers power to the rear axle as well. This is an 'on-demand' setup, which means that in normal road driving as much power as possible is sent to the front wheels alone, in order to maximise fuel economy.

However, as soon as the front wheels start to slip, up to 60% of power can be sent to the back, making light work of low-grip situations, including modest off-road work. You can add an optional locking rear differential for additional traction, too, but be aware that ground clearance isn't significantly increased.

VW is spinning this as an advantage – making these new 4Motion models easier to get in of out of and much less expensive than the previous generation. But they aren't as suitable for hardcore countryside bashing. They weigh around 150kg more than an equivalent FWD Crafter, reducing available payload.

The rear-wheel drive Crafters are significantly different to both of the above. Though the basic 2.0-litre engine is the same, it's mounted longitudinally inline with the prop shaft, rather than transversely in the direction of the axles.

Having drive at the rear wheels is good for loaded traction, as the weight of the load helps push the tyres into the tarmac. But it's less efficient, and heavier, adding around 100kg to the weight of an equivalent FWD model.

We have to say, the RWD Crafters are also the ones we've enjoyed driving the least; they transmit noticeably more vibration and harshness into the cab, making what is an otherwise extremely pleasant large van to drive in all other guises, somewhat less agreeable.

Impressive ride, nimble handling, electric steering

Regardless of drivetrain, one of the Crafter’s biggest strengths is its ride quality.

Both loaded and unloaded it deals very well with uneven road surfaces and bumps – regardless of whether you’re in a suspended driver’s seat or a regular item. This makes it an excellent long-distance companion.

It’s also nimble and responsive to steer, whether faced with narrow streets or winding country roads; though some owners have voiced disappointment with the turning circle we've never found this a glaring issue.

Even the highest roof variant resists rolling around too much in the turns, and the large, split-view mirrors make it easy to keep track of the rear overhang on the longest body length as well.

The electro-mechanical steering – which uses an electric motor in place of the traditional hydraulic pump – also allows a number of safety-related enhancements (see the Safety section below). It doesn't give masses of feedback, but it's light and accurate, and you quickly get used to it.

Overall, the Crafter is very fine large van to drive.

• Excellent functionality and high quality in the cab
• Storage space designed in conjunction with trades people
• Lack of covered storage the only (minor) grumble

We’re just going to go ahead and say it: the VW Crafter has, in our opinion, the best cab environment of any large van on sale.

In fact, from the quality of the plastics to the intelligence of the design, it’s not even a close contest. The instruments are clear, there’s a large touchscreen infotainment unit familiar from Volkswagen cars fitted as standard on all but the entry-level Startline model, and a vast amount of storage.

This last includes triple-decker door bins, large dash-top cubbies, sensibly-lipped overhead bins and a narrow shelf that runs across the front of the dashboard

There are four cupholders on the dash at different heights, too, and as is increasingly typical, the middle seat back folds down to reveal a secure storage tray that can function as a desk.

Add to this numerous power points ranging from 12v to USB to 230v, not to mention a wide selection of available creature comforts including air-con and not just heated seats but a heated windscreen and heated steering wheel as well, and you’ve got a van that’s genuinely a joy to spend time in.

You can even add on-board Wi-Fi and various VW Car-Net online functions, should you wish.

Nobody’s perfect

This is not to say the Crafter is perfect inside, however.

While there is plenty of storage, not much of it is lidded. Over-enthusiastic pilots may find their contents redistributed somewhat haphazardly, while anything lighter-coloured – such as paper and phone cables – placed in the open dash-top areas will reflect in the windscreen.

We also found the (optional) sat-nav to be a touch slow-witted and difficult to interpret at roundabouts, and although the Highline's heated windscreen is lovely on a cold winter’s morning, at night the tiny elements in the glass tend to diffract oncoming headlights in a rather distracting way.

Bouncy seat option

VW offers a suspended driver’s seat upgrade that’s independently sprung like those fitted in trucks and buses.

It takes a bit of getting used to, as you’ll find yourself moving in the opposite direction to the van when driving over rough surfaces. But it should save your lower back from the pain of constant repetitive compressions.

The ergoComfort version is weight-adjustable and comes with four-way lumbar support, while the ergoActive upgrade adds an electric massaging function. Indulgent, but a boon on particularly long journeys.

• On-paper mpg unimpressive - but Crafter is efficient in the real-world
• Unlimited mileage warranty as standard; 30k service intervals
• Good value Business Pack upgrade well worth considering

This generation of Crafter offers fuel economy savings of 3% over the previous model.

Doesn't sound like much, but Volkswagen is also claiming that actual real-world mpg – rather than that generated by the artificial official test – should be significantly improved.

The 2.0-litre engines help here, and so do the Crafter's aerodynamics, which VW says are the best in the large van sector.

VW Crafter mpg

Despite the bold claims above, with maximum claimed fuel economy of 38.2mpg, the Crafter is disappointingly close to the bottom of the table when comparing large van mpg on paper.

This is a pre-WLTP figure, too. WLTP is a new testing standard that's supposed to be more realistic, but not every van maker has provided updated figures at the time of writing (October 2019) - including VW.

The original 38.2mpg figure applies to 102hp and 140hp variants of the Crafter. Out on the road, we'd expect the more powerful engines to be better on fuel, as they'll be under less strain at normal speeds.

We averaged 33mpg over 7,000 miles in our early-build (2017) 140hp long-term test vehicle, which we think is pretty good for such a large van.

Owners' groups report that travelling much faster than 60-65mph can see fuel economy plummet, however, and if you do a lot of short journeys you should expect it to prove thirsty, too - but this is the case with any diesel van.

VW Crafter AdBlue range

As with all large vans, the Crafter needs AdBlue to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations, adding to running costs. Expect to get around 5,000 miles per tank of AdBlue, depending on how and where you drive.

Drive fast or do mostly short journeys and AdBlue consumption is likely to increase.

VW Crafter service intervals

VW has extended service intervals from 25,000 miles to 30,000 miles for this generation of Crafter - meaning it requires one less visit to the dealer over 100,000 miles of operation.

However, that 30,000-mile figure is a theoretical maximum; as with most modern vans, the Crafter has variable intervals determined by the on-board computer, so it is much more likely that servicing will be requested at shorter distances.

This depends on how and where the van is being driven. For 2021, VW has gone further, and recommends an oil service at no later than 12,000 miles - though the 30,000-mile maximum limit remains.

VW Crafter warranty

At launch in 2017, the Crafter was offered with a three-year / 60,000-mile warranty.

The mileage cap was dropped from 24 April 2018, meaning that from this point on the Crafter has a three-year / unlimited mileage warranty.

It is probably no coincidence that this matches the warranty cover offered by the Mercedes Sprinter.

Free MOT insurance

VW also introduced a free MOT insurance scheme for all its vans and pickups in May 2018.

Whether this will still be available in 2020 when the first of this generation of Crafter will require the annual test remains to be seen.

Interest-free finance for servicing and repairs

In May 2020, Volkwsagen further expanded the options available to customers when it comes to covering the cost of servicing and repairs. Now, thanks to 0% finance from VW Financial Services, you can opt to split payments over six months, rather the face a sudden, single lump sum.

VW Crafter Side-Protection System

You can have additional sensors similar to parking sensors added to the exterior as an optional extra to warn against bashing the sides of the van against low-lying obstructions.

This Side-Protection System works well, and could save you considerable panel repair costs.

Other potentially useful cost reducers include the Crafter’s all-round rubbing panels (the plastic cladding visible on the lower portions of all of the exterior panels).

VW Crafter trim levels and standard equipment

The Crafter was initially available in three trim levels: Startline, Trendline and Highline. However, Highline was discontinued at the beginning of 2019 as part of a range rationalisation process.

Each successive trim level builds on the equipment of the one before, unless otherwise stated.

For details of the extensive level of safety equipment, see the Safety and Security section.

VW Crafter Startline standard equipment highlights:

• 'Composition Audio' radio
• Bluetooth and USB connection
• Dual front passenger seat with storage box and folding tray
• Reach and rake steering wheel adjustment
• Remote central locking
• Full-height steel bulkhead
• Sliding side door (passenger side)
• 180-degree rear door opening

VW Crafter Trendline standard equipment highlights:

• 'Composition Media' 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• DAB radio and App Connect
• 'Comfort' driver's seat with two-way lumbar adjustment and armrest
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Load area grab handles
• Wooden load floor
• 270-degree rear door opening

Buyers of either trim level would do well to consider the optional Business Pack, which groups together a number of choice options into a more affordable bundle - including:

• Air-conditioning
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Overhead storage in the cab
• Alarm

For reference, when it was available the Highline model came with the following additional items of equipment over the original Trendline specification:

• Adaptive cruise control
• 'Comfort plus' driver's seat with four-way electric lumbar adjustment and two armrests
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Heated windscreen

• No signs of major or common faults
• Rare electrical gremlins and oil seal concerns
• Consistently finishes in the top 10 in the FN50 van reliability survey

Volkswagen doesn’t have a reputation for making unreliable products. In fact, most of its light commercial vehicles command something of a cult following and generally perform well in the FN50 van reliability survey.

The Crafter is proving no different, consistently finishing in the top 10, alongside its Caddy and the Transporter relations.

>> The UK's most reliable vans and pickups

Is the new Crafter proving reliable over time?

As the van has now been on sale since 2017, we would expect any common faults to have emerged by now.

But we've checked the government recall site, owners' groups and forums, and can see no sign that there is anything major to worry about.

One or two people have reported some electrical gremlins (indeed, we had a slightly inconsistent AdBlue warning light during our long-term test), and a few others have mentioned problems with engine oil seals.

That sort of issue will need attention quickly, as you don't want to be driving around with low oil levels. But routine maintenance should make such a fault easy to spot.

As with some other large vans, the side panels are prone to dents and occasionally, apparently random distortions. Worth checking for if buying used.

What's more, in March 2020 VW added a new augmented reality process for solving complex repair problems right across its Van Centre and Authorised Repairer network. This should in theory mean that any big problems get solved more quickly, getting your van back on the road faster.

VW Crafter long-term test

We ran a long-term test on one of the first examples in the country, and the only issue we had was an occasionally inconsistent AdBlue warning light.

• Electro-mechanical steering enables more active safety systems
• As a result this is one of the safest large vans on the road
• However, most trim levels require you to pay extra for an alarm

The VW Crafter set new safety standards in the large van class at its launch, though others are beginning to catch up.

VW Crafter safety

The Crafter comes with a number of safety innovations - including several that are only made possible by the new electro-mechincal steering system.

These systems include:

• Crosswind Assist - automatically applies tiny steering corrections to counteract crosswinds, which can be particularly problematic for large, high-sided vans; this is fitted as standard on all Crafters
• Driver Alert - monitors the driver for signs of tiredness (mostly through the steering wheel movement) and displays a warning if it thinks you need to take a break; standard on all Crafters
• Lane Keeping Assist – optional extra that adjusts the steering angle to keep you in lane; in practice this means it can steer the Crafter on its own for short periods, including around corners; can do slightly funny things to the steering feel at other times, but is also easily switched off*
• Park Assist – controls the steering to magically park the van in both perpendicular and parallel spaces, all the driver has to do is select the correct gear and ride the clutch; this is the latest version that will even brake the van if it detects you’re going fast enough to hit something*
• Trailer Assist – especially designed to help when reversing with a trailer, this allows you to reverse the van while steering it with the electric mirror adjustment knob rather than the wheel. Absolutely no kidding. It means you can stick your head out of the window to check the trailer’s position and still be in total control of the van. It’s very impressive*

Other active safety systems on the Crafter include:

• Front Assist with City Emergency Braking – this autonomous emergency braking system (AEB) works up to 18mph to automatically brake the van if it detects you’re about to crash into the vehicle in front; standard on Trendline and Highline models from launch in May 2017 and then standard across the range from June 2017*

• Adaptive Cruise Control - automatically maintains a safe distance behind the vehicle in front when travelling at a set speed; this is particularly amusing in combination with Lane Keeping Assist (allowing the van to essentially drive itself for very short periods). It will also bring the van to a complete halt and start it up again, useful for traffic jams but it isn't infallible; standard on Trendline and Highline models
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking – locks the brakes after a crash to stop further movement*
• ESP trailer stabilisation – uses the electronic stability control system to maintain safe control of a trailer while driving
• Rear Traffic Alert – helps you back out of parking spaces by using radar to watch for vehicles crossing behind you; will beep first, then if necessary slam on the brakes

Everything marked with an * was unique to the Crafter in the large van segment at the time of launch.

In addition to all this, the Crafter is also available with up to six airbags, blindspot monitors and a heated windscreen.

Euro NCAP Silver award

European crash safety body Euro NCAP launched a van safety campaign in December 2020, where it has begun to list the best and worst vans for safety based on their available safety equipment. The Crafter is rated Silver, a reasonable performance.

VW Crafter security

For the first time you can lock and unlock the cab independently of the load area for increased security.

However, neither the Startline nor the Trendline get an alarm system as standard.

Its modern design should mean the Crafter is less easy to break into that older rivals, but even the best locks don't stop power cutting tools. So as ever, we recommend you avoid leaving valuable or irreplaceable items inside the van if you can.