Volkswagen Transporter van review (2023)

• Range of 2.0-litre TDI engines provide plenty of power and torque
• Comfortable driving experience that's getting ever closer to matching a car
• Improved steering and refinement for T6.1 facelift models

Though the Transporter has never been a bad van to drive, the 6.1 facelift of 2019 brought a number of improvements. We sampled every engine available in the latest range, and driven the updated van around town and on the motorway at home in the UK and abroad.

If you're trying to find out what the electric version is like to drive, however, you'll need to check out our separate VW e-Transporter review.

VW Transporter 6.1 engines

The T6.1 was only available with 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel engines. Revised versions of the motor fitted in the pre-facelift T6 models, these now meet the latest Euro emissions regulations, and offer the following choice of power outputs:

• 90hp / 220Nm (single turbo)
• 110hp / 250Nm (single turbo)
• 150hp / 340Nm (single turbo)
• 199hp / 450Nm (twin turbo) - until early 2021
• 204hp / 450Nm (twin turbo) - from early 2021

The 90hp and 110hp motors are combined with a five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive (FWD); the 150hp engine comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and front wheel drive, with the option to upgrade to a seven-speed DSG automatic or 4Motion four-wheel drive (4WD).

The range-topping 199hp (later 204hp) version comes with the seven-speed DSG auto and FWD as standard, with the option to go 4WD if you want the most expensive set-up possible.

The 90hp van feels adequately powerful when driven around a city centre, even when loaded, but strains much more severely than the rest of the range once you throw in a few hills and faster roads. Given the choice, we'd spend the extra on the 110hp model to ensure enough performance in these situations.

The jump to 150hp makes a far bigger difference, though, especially as you get an extra gear in the transmission, helping to keep the engine quieter at higher speeds. The 110hp model is revving at around 2,500rpm at 70mph, and this does make it noisier, though not unbearably so.

The range-topping twin-turbo is fantastically fast for a van, and retains the Transporter's crown as the most powerful mid-size van around. The DSG automatic transmission suits its performance and its likely use as a lifestyle vehicle - this transmission is streets ahead of the conventional automatic available in the Transit Custom, for example. Even if it can be a bit abrupt at lower speeds.

VW Transporter 6.1 comfort and handling

In addition to the engines, the facelifted Transporter benefitted from a completely revised steering system, which switches from traditional hydraulic power assistance to the newer electromechanical assistance - already deployed in the VW Crafter.

This new system makes the steering feel both effortless and accurate, being light and lazy at low speeds without compromising stability when going faster. It also enables some clever safety features and saves a bit of fuel, helping to reduce running costs.

The suspension does a great job of soaking up bumps - certainly more so than the Transit Custom's - but T6.1 models we've driven in the UK still seem to suffer with that age-old Transporter problem of being rather noisy inside. These vans just don't seem to have much sound insulation, with engine, road and wind noise all being quite apparent inside.

Even so, as with its Crafter big brother, this is a very car-like van to drive now, proving to be comfortable on bumpy roads and over longer distances.

Both manual gearboxes have a positive and robust action, so no complaints there. It does seem a little tight that VW doesn't fit a six-speed transmission as standard, but presumably this helps to keep purchase costs down while making the less powerful models feel punchier at motorway speeds.

Though the 4Motion four-wheel drive system is very unobtrusive on the road, unless you regularly find yourself on slippery work sites or damp grass, the normal front-wheel drive models will do the job, and drink less fuel in the process.

VW Transporter pre-facelift engines

Prior to the T6.1 upgrade, engine power output in the VW Transporter ranged from 84hp to 204hp, depending on year; the least powerful models got five-speed manual gearboxes, with six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic transmissions fitted to faster versions.

We were disappointed when we drove the 84hp engine, which is sluggish off the mark and struggles on even modest ascents. Step up to the 102hp model and there is a world of difference.

You're much better off going for more power if you can afford it, though. Even early 140hp models make light work of cruising on the motorway thanks to the addition of that sixth gear, and the 180hp version is obviously even better (although it does appear to have some long-term reliability concerns).

With the arrival of Euro 6 in 2016, the 140hp and 180hp engines were swapped for 150hp and 204hp units, giving greater performance still. The 204hp models are more powerful than any contemporary medium van rival.

Transporters with 180hp and 204hp will do 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds, which is very good going.

Are the VW Transporter petrol engines any good?

In 2017 VW added a choice of two 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engines to the Transporter range, offering either 150hp or 204hp.

These are intriguing power units - while they can't match the fuel economy of their diesel equivalents, they are quieter, super-smooth and urgently enjoyable to drive. Even the 150hp model feels very fast, while the 204hp is practically a load-carrying GTI.

Both petrol engines suffer from a surprising amount of vibration around 1,500rpm, however - something that the optional DSG transmission available on the more powerful model ably manages to drive around.

Not for everyone, but if you're - say - a lifestyle buyer who places a greater emphasis on the driving experience than fuel economy, they are worth seeking out.

Sadly, if you do want a petrol-powered T6, you'll now have to search for a secondhand example as they were dropped from the UK pricelist in autumn 2018.

Pre-facelift comfort and handling

The previous generation T5 Transporter had become quite utilitarian by rival standards. But the T6 has always been a smooth performer on the road, if not quite as sharp as the Transit Custom or Renault Trafic family, and not quite matching the assured comfort and luxury of the fanciest Mercedes Vito models.

The steering is light, which makes it feel nimble. But you soon learn that the Transporter isn't overly keen on turning into corners quickly, feeling almost as if it is going to trip over its outside front wheel.

And despite a firm-ish ride, there is quite a bit of bodyroll, too, although the lowered suspension of the Sportline models successfully reduces this rolling around.

Regardless of version, once you're in the corner, clever XDS electronics deliver plenty of grip, and the more powerful engines can propel you away from roundabouts with enough speed to surprise all but the most enthusiastically driven cars.

These earlier T6 Transporters are noisy inside - especially on models without a bulkhead such as the kombi, which has a second row of seats.

• Smart new dashboard design for T6.1 facelift
• Lots of on-board technology - including built-in SIM card
• But is it less practical than before?

While the T6 Transporter's cab has always been cleanly designed and very functional, and a welcome change from the dated and rather drab interior of the previous generation, some buyers felt it lacked the design flair of the best rivals.

Safe to say the T6.1 facelift has made a dramatic improvement in this regard, with a completely new dashboard, new seat finishes and new door cards.

Updated interior for Transporter 6.1 brings style and tech upgrade

Available with a choice of two infotainment systems in the UK - Composition Colour and Discover Media - the way the central screen is now integrated into the dashboard looks super slick.

Using the latest VW software and technology - called MIB3 - the Discover Media system comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a degree of customisation, thanks to the ability to assign driver profiles and the way you can shift things around within the menus to suit the way you use them.

However, it's not the fastest system to come to life when first starting the van (which is frustrating, and sometimes means the reversing camera doesn't work), and isn't always the most intuitive. Going back after you've selected the wrong menu item can be confusing, for example.

The good news is that the basic Composition Colour system now fitted as standard features a 6.5-inch screen and can mirror your smartphone, allowing you to use some apps on the move.

Caravelle and California buyers still get a slight tech advantage over the Transporter, as they are also available with a 9.2-inch Discover Media Pro system combined with VW's Digital Cockpit - a 10.2-inch display that replaces the conventional dials with the ability to show more information, including the sat-nav map and directions.

While this is certainly clever, we're not sure you're really missing much here. We found using the conventional sat-nav screen in the central location to be much less distracting, for example, as you don't have to look so far from the road. The standard dials are also very clear and easy to read.

Built in SIM card and Volkswagen We Connect

All Transporter 6.1 models also come with a built-in SIM card known as an eSIM, allowing you to link to the van remotely using your phone via VW's We Connect services.

At the basic level this allows you to carry out various tasks related to the vehicle's health and remind yourself where you parked it.

Upgrade to We Connect Plus, however, and you'll be able to remotely lock and unlock the van, set speed alerts, use additional anti-theft functions, find out about fuel stations and car parks, and use a 'Hey Volkswagen' voice control system (similar to the 'Hey Mercedes' functionality available in the Sprinter).

This isn't the most impressive voice control we've ever used, so if you think this is something important to the way you'll use the van, do make sure you try it out at the dealership.

UK Transporter buyers get a year's free subscription to We Connect Plus, but after the first 12 months you'll have to pay a fee to continue it.

There's also We Connect Fleet, which adds maintenance management tools, geofencing and a digital logbook to the service. It's intended to be particularly useful to small fleet customers (10-15 vehicles) that wouldn't otherwise bother with any fleet management software.

Less practical than before? Yes and no...

One problem with the new dashboard design is that it seems to have a reduced amount of storage compared with the previous version - and it doesn't solve the issue regarding the lack of covered storage, either. So while there are a couple of dash-top bins, they don't have lids, which means people can see what you've put in them and that stuff will likely reflect in the windscreen while you're driving.

The Transporter has half-heartedly adopted dash-wide shelf from the Crafter, too. But this, together with the need to find room for the latest exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology under the bonnet, has brought the dashboard closer to the passengers' knees.

If your mates are over six foot or have long legs, they may find it more cramped than the older T6 Transporter interior as a result.

That said, VW has added the option to accommodate longer loads, thanks to the new ability to load through under the front passenger bench - a gain of 400mm.

You can also get a 230v socket for this under-seat area, situated within a locker - allowing you to secure items such as laptops while you charge them.

Pre-facelift interior and dashboard

The pre-facelift T6 interior is pictured below. As you can see, it is far less fancy than the T6.1, but to our eyes it does have an appealing practicality that suits a van.

Even on the Highline models, which come with a lot of gadgets and features, the layout of the buttons and switches is methodical and sensible on the earlier dash. This is a boon over some rivals - including the Transit Custom - where secondary controls have been scattered all over the cab.

All that said, in our experience, it can be tricky to set a comfortable temperature in the cab for some reason, with the Transporter often feeling either hot or cold, with little adjustment in between.

VW Transporter long-distance comfort

On all models, the seats are made from hard-wearing upholstery and are fully adjustable for height, lumbar, reach and rake.

As first encounter, you may find the seat bases rather firm, seeming someway short of the ergonomic comfort now offered by the 2017-onwards VW Crafter.

However, we've done day-long, pan-European journeys in these Transporters, and they always seem to pass without causing the driver any aches and pains. VW's seat designers do apparently know what they're doing.

• Holds its value better than any other medium van
• Fuel economy typically a strong point
• Some trim and equipment changes for T6.1

The Volkswagen Transporter has never been a cheap van to buy new, and this model is no exception.

However, it also commands strong secondhand prices, and these residual values mean that overall ownership costs remain competitive. Which should also help keep lease and other finance rates down, reducing monthly payments.

VW Transporter mpg

According to the official figures, the most economical version of the T6.1 is capable of a claimed 40.4mpg at the end of its time on sale, although this was the case throughout its life too. This figure applies to the most efficient versions of the 90hp, 110hp and 150hp vans.

The least economical Transporter delivered a claimed 29.4mpg but this was the least efficient 199hp model that was then replaced by the newer 204hp version that managed to be is up to 5.5mpg more efficient, somehow.

These figures look pretty unimpressive on paper compared with the pre-facelift T6 model, which offered up to 51.4mpg, and it wasn't even in the top three vans in its sector at the time.

However, the fuel economy testing regime has changed to a newer, tougher WLTP standard since the T6 was launched, and it's this the T6.1 is measured against.

It's also worth noting that there are no special fuel-saving versions or measures available for the facelifted Transporter.

VW Transporter warranty and servicing info

You get a three-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard from new, which isn't as generous as some rivals.

But the Transporter is one of the most reliable vans around, according to the FN50 fleet reliability survey, so you shouldn't need to visit the dealer too often.

As for service intervals, you can choose between a fixed or variable scheme.

Fixed intervals come every year or 10,000 miles, while the variable intervals are once every two years or 18,000 miles, or whenever the vehicle detects it needs attention.

Which is better for you will depend on how and where you drive.

VW offers a wide range of servicing plans for new and used vans to help keep costs down, including the option to spread payments over 12 or 18 months.

Plus it added an augmented reality facility to all of its Van Centres and Authorised Repairers to help solve complex and unusual problems more quickly. This should get you back on the road quicker, VW claims.

AdBlue and insurance

Euro 6 models feature a 13-litre AdBlue tank, which is not especially large, and delivers a range of between 3,720 and 5,500 miles - very much depending on driving style and use.

Be advised there is no ‘limp home mode’ and the engine will refuse to start once the AdBlue has completely run out, although you will have ample warning that it's getting low.

VW Transporter 6.1 standard equipment

UK specification for the T6.1 Transporter, which went on sale in early 2020 in Startline and Highline trims only, is as follows; for details of safety equipment see the safety section. In 2021, the Sportline trim joined the range.

VW Transporter 6.1 Startline standard equipment highlights:

• Composition Colour infotainment system with 6.5-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth and two USB connections
• Volkswagen App-Connect
• Electric front windows
• Electric, heated door mirrors
• Electromechanical power steering
• Reach and rake steering wheel adjustment
• Multifunction steering wheel with leather rim
• LED interior lighting
• Rubber floor lining in cab
• Remote central locking
• Load lashing rings

VW Transporter 6.1 Highline standard equipment highlights (in addition to Startline):

• Body-coloured bumpers, door mirrors and door handles
• Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter
• Automatic headlights and wipers
• Air-conditioning
• Heated windscreen
• Electric, heated and folding door mirrors
• Front foglights with cornering function
• Parking sensors front and rear
• Alarm system

VW Transporter 6.1 Sportline standard equipment highlights (in addition to Highline):

• 30mm lower Eibach springs
• Bespoke front bumper with lower diffuser
• Illuminated chrome side bars
• Nappa leather and Alcantara heated seats with red stitching
• Rear spoiler
• Sportline carpet mats
• 18-inch black alloys
• Digital cockpit
• Auto lights and LED headlights and rear tail lights
• Rear-view camera

There are some interesting options packs for the T6.1. These include the great value Business Pack for the Startline model, which adds an alarm and air-con for a modest extra fee.

Then there's the Courier Package, which includes a 'more robust' alternator, battery and driveshafts. Make of that what you will...

VW Transporter T6 standard equipment

If shopping used, you may find this list of pre-facelift Transporter T6 standard equipment helpful.

The T6 Transporter comes in three regular trim levels: Startline, Trendline and Highline, with even the Startline offering plenty of standard kit. On top of this, however, more lifestyle-orientated versions have been added: the Sportline (from late 2016) and the Edition (from 2017).

VW Transporter T6 Startline standard equipment highlights:

• 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, SD card and USB connectivity
• Electric front windows
• Electric, heated door mirrors
• Single front passenger seat
• Two 12v sockets
• Full-height steel bulkhead (as of June 2018; panel van only)
• Half-height cargo area side lining
• Sliding side door on passenger side
• Black (unpainted) door mirrors, door handles and bumpers
• 16-inch steel wheels

In 2018, VW added a Business Pack as a great-value option designed to make T6 Startlines more useable for a modest extra fee. This includes:

• Air-conditioning
• Fixed, full bulkhead
• Alarm

The resulting vehicle, sometimes known as the Transporter Business Edition, is intended to appeal to those looking for maximum value.

VW Transporter T6 Trendline standard equipment highlights (in addition to Startline):

• Driver's armrest (and passenger armrest on Kombi models
• Comfort pack (including extra sound deadening)
• Cruise control
• Body-coloured door mirrors and bumpers
• Rear parking sensors

VW Transporter T6 Highline standard equipment highlights (in addition to Trendline):

• Air-conditioning
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Automatic lights and wipers
• Heated windscreen
• Leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel
• Front foglights with cornering function
• Alarm

VW Transporter T6 Edition standard equipment highlights (in addition to Highline):

• 150hp TDI or 204hp BiTDI engine and SWB only
• Discovery Media sat-nav infotainment system with 6.33-inch touchscreen and App-Connect
• LED headlights
• Dark-tinted LED rear lights
• Front and rear parking sensors plus reversing camera
• High-gloss black roof and door mirrors
• Power-folding door mirrors
• Power-latching side door
• 17-inch alloy wheels (150hp) or 18-inch alloy wheels (204hp)
• Edition graphics

VW Transporter T6 Sportline standard equipment highlights (in addition to Edition):

• 204hp BiTDI engine with DSG transmission only
• Sportline front bumper
• Carbonfibre door mirror housings
• Lowered suspension
• Sidebars with puddle lights
• Rear roof spoiler
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Leather quilted seats in black and red
• Dual front passenger seat

Sportline kombi models also feature:

• Carpet flooring in cab
• Comfort dashboard with wide centre console and bottle holder (which removes one of the 12v sockets
• Single front passenger seat with armrests
• Two-seater rear bench plus single individual seat

• Always scores highly in industry reliability survey
• Very few official recalls, but some reports of engine troubles

Over the previous generations, the Volkswagen Transporter has built up a reputation as a solid and reliable workhorse. This is one of the reasons the VW Transporter typically has the highest residual values in its class.

Backing up that reputation for good build quality, it consistently ranks in the top three vans in the UK for reliability in the annual FN50 fleet reliability survey.

It has also only been subject to one official recall in the UK since launch, with a small number of Transporters (235) troubled by an airbag issue.

That said, there have been consistent reports of issues with some 180hp engines, sometimes referred to as the BiTDI or Bi-Turbo, since it's one of the twin turbo versions. A professional inspection is recommended if you're considering one of these.

Less consistently there have also been reports of DSG and electrical problems.

For what it's worth, not a single thing went wrong with our T6 long-term test van over 8,000 miles of very hard driving.

Breakdown assistance and MOT insurance

For added peace of mind, new Transporters come with three years' (unlimited mileage) breakdown assist, which includes 24-hour call-out.

On top of this, in May 2018, VW launched a free MOT insurance scheme for qualifying vans and pickups aged up to 10 years old.

• Generous level of standard safety equipment
• Can be increased with a range of optional extras
• Security could arguably be better

Safety is an area where the Transporter T6 was considerably enhanced over the T5. A whole host of active systems for damage limitation or crash avoidance were added to this version, and the T6.1 facelift went even further.

VW Transporter standard safety equipment

Standard features on all models include ABS, electronic stability control, drive and passenger airbags, Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (helping you brake harder in an emergency; most people don't brake hard enough), and a Driver Alert System (which checks to see if you're about to fall asleep at the wheel).

As of June 2017, VW was the first to make autonomous emergency braking (AEB) - known as Front Assist with City Emergency Braking - a standard feature right across its van range in the UK - including the T6 Transporter.

T6.1 facelift models gain crosswind assist and a 'driver steering recommendation' system as standard, too, plus an upgraded AEB system that now also detects cyclists and pedestrians as well as other vehicles.

The steering recommendation helps the driver to counteract dangerous situations and can even make 'gentle' corrections if necessary, and is only made possible by the new electromechanical power steering.

VW Transporter optional safety equipment

We know that van buyers aren't always keen to spend the extra to make their vans safer, but the Transporter has plenty of kit available to tempt you.

For example, the T6.1 can be fitted with lane keeping assist, a side protection system, adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitors and trailer assist.

It can also park itself, models fitted with a tailgate can have rear traffic alert, and those with sat-nav can have traffic sign recognition.

The side protection system may well be worth the cost to reduce your accidental damage bill; it uses 12 ultrasonic sensors to spot objects all round the van and warns you if you're about to manoeuvre into them.

Euro NCAP Gold award

Euro NCAP has begun a van safety campaign, and is now rating them on their available safety equipment. Among the best and worst vans for safety, the Transporter was ranked right at the top, being one of just three to receive a Gold award. However, a tightening of the requirements saw it drop to Silver, even though the actual van's offering didn't change.

Security not so impressive?

We remain slightly disappointed with the lack of covered storage compartments within the cab area, which means valuable items have to be stowed in the glovebox to avoid exposure.

There was also no standard bulkhead between the cab and the cargo area on entry-level models up until around mid-2018, so if someone manages to break in, they have access to all areas. Similarly, an alarm system is only standard from Highline specification and above.

However, T6.1 models can be programmed with a more sophisticated locking process (allowing you to select which parts of the van are unlocked at the same time).

Meanwhile the new We Connect system works with the built-in SIM card to add further anti-theft features. These include a virtual alarm that notifies you via your smartphone if someone opens or moves the van, plus the ability to check it's locked remotely - and lock it if it isn't.