Volkswagen Crafter vs Toyota Prado
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.
Volkswagen Crafter
From $70,990
People Mover
Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI
130kW
—
ANCAP: no data
—
Toyota Prado
From $73,200
SUV
2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active
150kW
10.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
390L
Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Crafter starts from $70,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Prado opens at $73,200. That makes the Volkswagen Crafter the more affordable entry point by $2,210.
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 $78,089 and $80,520 respectively.
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 Volkswagen Crafter features a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Prado gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Crafter stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota Prado. The Toyota Prado counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Crafter uses a Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI producing 130kW and 410Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic w/ torque converter to a FWD layout.
The Toyota Prado responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Toyota Prado has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 130kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Crafter measures 5,986mm long on a 3,640mm wheelbase, 996mm longer than the Toyota Prado at 4,990mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Crafter generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Toyota Prado leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. 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.
11.8m to 13.6m
Based on 13.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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: 5 years (Volkswagen Crafter) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Prado). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Prado if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Prado takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. 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 Toyota Prado?
The Volkswagen Crafter is the cheapest at $70,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Prado by $2,210.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Prado uses the least fuel at 10.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota Prado all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Prado has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Prado makes the most power at 150kW.
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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