Browse over 9,000 car reviews

2023 Ford Transit vs 2021 Volkswagen Crafter

What's the difference?

VS
Ford Transit
Ford Transit

2023 price

Volkswagen Crafter
Volkswagen Crafter

2021 price

Summary

2023 Ford Transit
2021 Volkswagen Crafter
Safety Rating

Engine Type
0.0L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Electric

Diesel
Fuel Efficiency
0.0L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
3

3
Dislikes
  • Six-figure price
  • No tow rating
  • No home-charging with wall socket

  • Big turning circle
  • Reverse camera optional
  • Some safety kit missing
2023 Ford Transit Summary

Ford has ventured into the pioneering world of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for commercial use with the launch of its E-Transit, which will compete for buyers in the Light Duty (3501-8000kg) segment of Australia’s Heavy Commercial market.

According to the company’s research, the new electrified member of its Transit fleet has a maximum driving range that’s more than double the average distance a typical commercial van travels each day in urban use.

So, we recently got behind the wheel for a week, focusing on the urban driving for which Ford claims the E-Transit is best suited (as opposed to long highway hauls), to see how it compares to diesel equivalents in its pure workhorse role.

 

View full pricing & specs
Interested in a Ford Transit?
2021 Volkswagen Crafter Summary

There aren’t many vehicles with more versatility than the Volkswagen Crafter. You could brand it multiple different models, that’s that much variation available.

Take the model tested here: the Crafter 50 LWB TDI410 SCC 8 speed auto RWD 4.49t GVM (with tray), or model code SZCD8DT. This van-based light truck is one of 47 variants available in the VW Crafter 2021 cab-chassis line-up. And there are also 32 van options and soon there’ll be four variants of Mini Bus, as well. Yes, there are more than 80 versions of the Crafter to choose from!

We’ve tested the Crafter van before, but this was our first chance to assess the cab-chassis model, which competes both against the likes of the Renault Master and Mercedes Sprinter cab models, but also the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter light truck.

Does it make sense for business buyers? Let’s find out.

View full pricing & specs
Interested in a Volkswagen Crafter?

Deep dive comparison

2023 Ford Transit 2021 Volkswagen Crafter

Change vehicle