Denza D9 vs Volkswagen Crafter
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Denza D9 starts from $85,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Crafter opens at $70,990. That makes the Volkswagen Crafter the more affordable entry point by $15,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $94,589 and $78,089 respectively.
The Denza D9 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen Crafter, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Denza D9 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Crafter gets a 10.4-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Denza D9 stands out with Dynaudio audio that you will not find on the Volkswagen Crafter. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Denza D9 gets leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Crafter offers cloth. Climate control is 3-zone in the Denza D9 and 1-zone in the Volkswagen Crafter.
Drivetrain
The Denza D9 uses a Electric producing 230kW, sent through its transmission to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen Crafter responds with a Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI making 130kW and 410Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic w/ torque converter driving the front wheels.
The Denza D9 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 130kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Denza D9 measures 5,250mm long on a 3,110mm wheelbase, 736mm shorter than the Volkswagen Crafter at 5,986mm (3,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Crafter generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 13.6m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza D9) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Crafter). The Denza D9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza D9 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Denza's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Denza D9 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Denza D9 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Denza D9 and Volkswagen Crafter?
The Volkswagen Crafter is the cheapest at $70,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Denza D9 by $15,000.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Denza D9 and Volkswagen Crafter carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Crafter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Denza D9 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Denza D9 makes the most power at 230kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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