Volkswagen Crafter vs XPeng X9
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.
Volkswagen Crafter
From $70,990
People Mover
Diesel
Diesel I4 Bi-Turbo TDI
130kW
8.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
2530L
XPeng X9
From $89,900
People Mover
Electric
Electric
235kW
—
ANCAP: no data
721L
XPeng X9: we're still completing turning circle, braked towing and energy consumption.
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Crafter starts from $70,990 before on-road costs, while the XPeng X9 opens at $89,900. That makes the Volkswagen Crafter the more affordable entry point by $18,910.
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 $98,890 respectively.
The XPeng X9 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.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
94.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 537kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 537kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Crafter features a 10.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the XPeng X9 gets a 15-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The XPeng X9 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and V2L that the Volkswagen Crafter does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen Crafter gets cloth upholstery while the XPeng X9 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Volkswagen Crafter and 2-zone in the XPeng X9.
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 XPeng X9 responds with a Electric making 235kW and 450Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The XPeng X9 has the clear power advantage at 235kW 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, 693mm longer than the XPeng X9 at 5,293mm (3,160mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Crafter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 2530L in the Volkswagen Crafter and 721L in the XPeng X9, giving the Volkswagen Crafter a 1809L advantage. The Volkswagen Crafter seats 12 vs 7.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
14.0m diameter
Large
Based on 14.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 12.1 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
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 7 years (XPeng X9). The XPeng X9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Crafter if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the XPeng X9 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer XPeng's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The XPeng X9 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Crafter has a clear edge. The XPeng X9 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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 XPeng X9?
The Volkswagen Crafter is the cheapest at $70,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the XPeng X9 by $18,910.
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?
None of Volkswagen Crafter and XPeng X9 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
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 has the best warranty?
The XPeng X9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The XPeng X9 makes the most power at 235kW.
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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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