Volkswagen Caddy Cargo dimensions (2021-on)

Like most small vans, the Caddy Cargo comes in two body lengths but only one roof height. The short-wheelbase (SWB) version is usually just called the Caddy Cargo, while the long-wheelbase (LWB) version is labelled the Caddy Cargo Maxi.

Compared with the previous model, the Caddy SWB is longer than before while the Maxi is slightly shorter. Both have increased internal loading height, however, and most significantly, increased space between the rear wheelarches means Euro pallets can be loaded sideways. The Caddy Cargo Maxi will now swallow two of them at last.

Regardless of body size, all Caddy Cargos come with a fixed bulkhead and six load-lashing points. VW has also stopped fitting rear doors with glass windows in as standard, bringing the Caddy into line with every rival and improving security.

You can still get glazed doors as an option, same if you prefer a top-hinged tailgate to the standard side-opening barn or wing doors.

SWB models come with a single sliding side door on the passenger side while Maxi models come with two, one on each side of the van.

VW Caddy Cargo exterior dimensions

How big is the Caddy Cargo? Well, the smaller model is now 4,500mm long – an increase of 93mm over the previous version. The wheelbase has also grown by 73mm to 2,755. The van is 62mm wider than before at 1,855mm (without the door mirrors) and 1,818mm tall, which is slightly lower than the previous 1,823mm height.

This sleekness helps with the aerodynamics, which should in turn improve the fuel economy, but thanks to redesigned rear suspension doesn’t compromise the interior load height, which is taller than before.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo exterior dimensions:

• Exterior length: 4,500mm
• Exterior height: 1,818mm
• Exterior width (without door mirrors): 1,855mm
• Wheelbase: 2,755mm

VW Caddy Cargo Maxi exterior dimensions

The Caddy Maxi is not quite as Maxi as it used to be – the 4,853mm exterior length being 25mm shorter than the previous model’s 4,878mm. Similarly, the wheelbase is down from 3,006mm to 2,970mm, a 36mm reduction.

And while the Maxi is still longer than LWB versions of key rivals, it’s overall load volume can’t match the best of the rest, most notably the technically identical Vauxhall Combo Cargo, Toyota Proace City, Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo Maxi exterior dimensions:

• Exterior length: 4,853mm
• Exterior height: 1,818mm
• Exterior width (without door mirrors): 1,855mm
• Wheelbase: 2,755mm

VW Caddy Cargo load area dimensions

Being bigger on the outside has – unsurprisingly – made the standard-length Caddy Cargo more practical on the inside.

Load length has increased by 20mm to 1,797mm, but even more usefully the width between the rear wheelarches has increased by a huge 60mm to 1,230mm – meaning a Euro pallet will now go in sideways. Add to this a rear door opening that’s 51mm wider than before and a load-space height that’s increased 28mm to 1,272mm.

Despite this, load volume is slightly smaller than the shorter versions of the rivals listed above. And there’s still no load-through bulkhead option.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo load area dimensions:

• Maximum load length: 1,797mm
• Maximum load height: 1,272mm
• Maximum load width: 1,613mm
• Width between the wheelarches: 1,230mm
• Width of rear opening: 1,234mm
• Width of side door opening: 701mm
• Load volume: 3.1 cubic metres

VW Caddy Cargo Maxi load area dimensions

This generation Caddy Maxi is smaller than the previous one on the outside, and has a similarly reduced amount of space on the inside – maximum loading length falling from 2,249mm to 2,150mm.

However, with the increased loading height and additional width between the wheelarches, it still manages to be more practical than its predecessor in some key areas. The ability to swallow two Euro pallets being one of them; the side door is wider on the Maxi to help with loading these.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo Maxi load area dimensions:

• Maximum load length: 2,150mm
• Maximum load height: 1,274mm
• Maximum load width: 1,613mm
• Width between the wheelarches: 1,230mm
• Width of rear opening: 1,234mm
• Width of side door opening: 846mm
• Load volume: 3.7 cubic metres

The Caddy Cargo's gross vehicle weight varies between models, so it's best to refer directly to the weight plate on each specific van when trying to work out what the payload is. We can give you the following guidance, though.

VW Caddy Cargo payload

Quoted maximum payload for the short-wheelbase standard model ranges from 606kg for the mostly highly equipped 122hp diesel version with the DSG automatic gearbox to 687kg for the 4Motion four-wheel drive model in entry-level specification.

The Maxi long-wheelbase model reaches a high of 700kg for the entry-level 1.5-litre petrol, falling to 646kg for the top-spec 122hp diesl auto.

VW includes 75kg for the driver in its unladen weight figues, which most rival van makers do not - meaning you may need to add 75kg to the above amounts in order to make a true comparison.

Even when you do, you'll find that the best rivals - which include the all-but-identical Citroen, Peugeot, Toyota and Vauxhall mentioned above, and special high payload versions of the Ford Transit Connect - can carry around 1,000kg. Substantially more than the Caddy Cargo can manage.

Caddy Cargo towing capacity

Every Caddy Cargo has a 1,500kg braked towing capacity, with the exception of the 75hp diesel and the 114hp petrol models, which are limited to 1,400kg.

The unbraked towing limit is 750kg. 

Also read:

>> Our Volkswagen Caddy Cargo review page

>> Best small vans