Hyundai iMax vs Volkswagen Crafter
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular People Movers 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.
Hyundai iMax
Price TBC
People Mover
Diesel
—
125kW
9 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
842L
Volkswagen Crafter
From $70,990
People Mover
Diesel
Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI
130kW
8.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
2530L
Track the Hyundai iMax & Volkswagen Crafter
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Volkswagen Crafter counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai iMax gets tricot suede cloth upholstery while the Volkswagen Crafter offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Hyundai iMax and 1-zone in the Volkswagen Crafter.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai iMax lines up producing 125kW and 441Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed automatic to a RWD layout.
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 Volkswagen Crafter has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai iMax measures 5,125mm long on a 3,200mm wheelbase, 861mm shorter than the Volkswagen Crafter at 5,986mm (3,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Crafter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 842L in the Hyundai iMax and 2530L in the Volkswagen Crafter, giving the Volkswagen Crafter a 1688L advantage. The Volkswagen Crafter seats 12 vs 8.
For towing, the Volkswagen Crafter leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 14.0m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 14.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,565/year for the Hyundai iMax and $2,423/year for the Volkswagen Crafter. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Crafter.
Warranty: 5 years / 160,000km (Hyundai iMax) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Crafter). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai iMax if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Crafter takes 4 of 4 key spec categories. The Volkswagen Crafter will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Crafter has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai iMax and Volkswagen Crafter?
The Volkswagen Crafter is the cheapest at $70,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Crafter uses the least fuel at 8.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai iMax holds a 4-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Volkswagen Crafter, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Crafter has the largest boot at 2530L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Crafter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Crafter makes the most power at 130kW.
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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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