Large van

Volkswagen Crafter

The Volkswagen Crafter is the large van from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and covers the segment above the Transporter. The first generation (2006-2016) shared its engineering and body with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter; the second generation of 2017 is Volkswagen's own development and is built in Września (Poland), where the virtually identical MAN TGE also comes from. The Crafter is available as a closed panel van, chassis cab and pick-up, with three lengths, three roof heights and weight classes from 3.0 to 5.5 tonnes. Users are mainly construction and installation companies, courier and parcel services, rental companies and motorhome builders. From 2018 to 2023 there was also a fully electric e-Crafter for urban distribution.

Crafter 2nd generation (SY/SZ) (2017-present)

Completely newly developed van, no longer related to the Mercedes Sprinter but to the MAN TGE. New are the choice of front-, rear- and four-wheel drive, the 8-speed automatic and an extensive package of driver assistance systems. In 2024 a facelift followed with a new front end, digital instrument cluster, larger touchscreen and a revised engine range (140/163/177 hp).

Engines

Engine	Fuel	Contents	Power	Torque	Standard	Transmission
2.0 TDI 102 2017-2020	diesel	2,0 l	102 pk (75 kW)	300 Nm	Euro 6	6-speed manual
2.0 TDI 122 2020-2024	diesel	2,0 l	122 pk (90 kW)	–	Euro 6d	6-speed manual
2.0 TDI 140 2017-present	diesel	2,0 l	140 pk (103 kW)	340 Nm	Euro 6 / Euro 6d / Euro 6e	6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
2.0 TDI 163 2024-present	diesel	2,0 l	163 pk (120 kW)	–	Euro 6e	6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
2.0 TDI 177 2017-present	diesel	2,0 l	177 pk (130 kW)	410 Nm	Euro 6 / Euro 6d / Euro 6e	6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
e-Crafter 2018-2023	electric	36 kWh	136 pk (100 kW)	290 Nm	115 km	automatic, 1 gear

Trim levels

TrendlineBase version with equipment including a comfort driver's seat with armrest and height-adjustable lumbar support, radio with phone preparation, electric windows and the standard safety systems.

ComfortlineMid-range version that adds extra interior comfort to the Trendline, such as more extensive seat and steering wheel adjustment, better upholstery and more storage space.

HighlineTop trim level with equipment including the suspended ErgoComfort driver's seat with weight adjustment and AGR certificate and a larger infotainment system with colour touchscreen.

Economy Business / Business EditionDutch special-edition versions in which frequently requested options such as air conditioning, navigation, cruise control and parking sensors are combined as a package.

Crafter 1st generation (2E/2F, related to the Sprinter W906) (2006-2016)

Successor to the LT and technically largely identical to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (W906), with its own front end and Volkswagen engines. With the 2011 facelift the four-cylinder 2.0 TDI replaced the five-cylinder 2.5 TDI, the engine range moved to Euro 5 and the BiTDI top version was added, later also with 4MOTION.

Engines

Engine	Fuel	Contents	Power	Torque	Standard	Transmission
2.5 TDI 88 2006-2011	diesel	2,5 l	88 pk (65 kW)	220 Nm	Euro 4	6-speed manual
2.5 TDI 109 2006-2011	diesel	2,5 l	109 pk (80 kW)	280 Nm	Euro 4	6-speed manual
2.5 TDI 136 2006-2011	diesel	2,5 l	136 pk (100 kW)	300 Nm	Euro 4	6-speed manual
2.5 TDI 163 2006-2011	diesel	2,5 l	163 pk (120 kW)	350 Nm	Euro 4	6-speed manual
2.0 TDI 109 2011-2016	diesel	2,0 l	109 pk (80 kW)	300 Nm	Euro 5	6-speed manual
2.0 TDI 136 2011-2016	diesel	2,0 l	136 pk (100 kW)	340 Nm	Euro 5	6-speed manual
2.0 TDI 143 2011-2016	diesel	2,0 l	143 pk (105 kW)	340 Nm	Euro 5	6-speed manual
2.0 BiTDI 163 2011-2016	diesel	2,0 l	163 pk (120 kW)	400 Nm	Euro 5	6-speed manual

Trim levels

BasisBasic work version with cloth driver's seat, power steering, ABS/ESP and radio preparation; air conditioning and a right-hand sliding door were options.

TrendlineVersion with extra comfort compared with the base, such as better seat upholstery, electric windows and remote central locking.

ComfortlineBest-equipped van version of this generation, with equipment including comfort seats, air conditioning and a more extensive radio/navigation system as standard or as a package option.

The dimensions at a glance

Of the Volkswagen Crafter there are 14 versions, load length 260 cm to 486 cm, load volume 7,5 m³ to 18,4 m³. The full dimensions table by version, with wheelbase, exterior dimensions, width between the wheel arches and Euro pallets, is on the dimensions page.

All dimensions Crafter Compare with another model

What the Crafter is known for

Load volume of 9.9 to 18.4 m3 and payload up to approximately 2,000 kg, depending on weight class (CR30/CR35/CR50)
Second generation available with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and 4MOTION four-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive gives a lower load floor and therefore more load volume for the same exterior dimensions
Wide choice as a chassis cab and pick-up, which is why the model is often used as a base for conversions and motorhomes
Dense dealer and service network in the Netherlands and a large supply on the used market

What to look out for on a used example

On the 2.0 TDI, the EGR valve, turbo and particulate filter (DPF) are the usual wear points; ask about replacements and look out for fault messages on a cold start.
On Euro 6 versions, check the AdBlue system: sensor and dosing faults occur and lead to a start inhibit.
On the 2.0 TDI, have the timing belt replacement history checked; the interval differs by model year and at high mileages the belt is often replaced preventively.
On examples used commercially, check the sliding door rails, door hinges, clutch/dual-mass flywheel and the condition of the load floor; with the 8-speed automatic, a documented ATF change is a point of attention.

These points apply to the model in general. What applies to a specific vehicle depends on its maintenance history; we discuss this for every vehicle we sell.