Volkswagen Crafter vs Ford Transit
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans 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.
Data checked: specs 15 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Volkswagen Crafter: we're still completing price, width, height, kerb weight and 0-100km/h, plus 4 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$69,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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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.
Recalls on our record
Volkswagen Crafter
- REC-001398 · published 18 Oct 2020Windows for a limited number of Crafter vehicles may have been incorrectly stored during production and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
Ford Transit
- REC-006648 · published 1 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, Advanced Driver Assistance System may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006498 · published 10 Dec 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the main body wiring harness may chafe against the transmission housing and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006358 · published 16 Jun 2025Due to a software issue, the rear-view camera may not display the rear-view image whilst reversing as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- 6 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Crafter features a 10.4-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Transit gets a 12-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Crafter uses a Diesel producing 103kW and 360Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Ford Transit responds with a Diesel making 121kW and 390Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12 seconds.
The Ford Transit has the clear power advantage at 121kW vs 103kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Crafter measures 6,836mm long on a 4,490mm wheelbase, 855mm longer than the Ford Transit at 5,981mm (3,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Crafter generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Ford Transit leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Crafter) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Transit if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Ford Transit: Top CarSorted Score, 62 vs 54
The Ford Transit comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (62 vs 54), taking 2 of 2 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Ford Transit ahead by 32), practicality (Ford Transit ahead by 24), performance (Volkswagen Crafter ahead by 10). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Crafter and Ford Transit?
The Ford Transit is the cheapest at $69,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Transit uses the least fuel at 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volkswagen Crafter and Ford Transit carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Transit makes the most power at 121kW.
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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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