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Volkswagen Crafter

Sprinter roots, Volkswagen reinvention: the 2017 Crafter offers up to 18.4 m3.12

Researched October 29, 2026 from 25 sources

Also called

  • LT3An internal name for the original Crafter, identifying it as the LT series' replacement.3

At a glance

0100200
87–177 hpPower
0250500
220–410 N·mTorque

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.114

Engine
2006–2011: 2.5 L I5 TDI; later 2.0 L I4 TDI/BiTDI; e-Crafter: electric110
Layout
First gen: RWD/4MOTION; second gen: FWD/RWD/4MOTION179
Gearbox
6-speed manual/Shiftmatic; gen 2: 8-speed auto; e-Crafter: single-speed1810
Built at
Gen 1: Düsseldorf/Ludwigsfelde, Germany; gen 2: Września plant, Poland1

The story

Built to replace the LT, the Crafter arrived in 2006 with Sprinter underpinnings and Volkswagen engines. The 2017 generation was Volkswagen's own design, shaped by teams riding along with working drivers.134

2006: Birmingham debut, Sprinter foundations20062011: 2.0 L diesels and BlueMotion savings20112012: Achleitner 4MOTION tackles the Dakar20122016: €2 billion and driver ride-alongs20162017: Września-built generation launches20172018: e-Crafter takes e-Golf power to work20182019: Grand California adds a full bathroom20192024: Digital cockpit and electronic brake2024 Volkswagen LT (first generation) (Typ 28/Typ 21): 1975–1996Typ 28/Typ 21Volkswagen LT (second generation) (Typ 2D): 1996–2006Typ 2DVolkswagen Crafter (first generation) (Typ 2E/2F): 2006–2016Typ 2E/2FVolkswagen Crafter (second generation) (Typ SY/SZ): 2017–presentTyp SY/SZ 19801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones138222324
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1975–1996Volkswagen LT (first generation) (Typ 28/Typ 21)
1996–2006Volkswagen LT (second generation) (Typ 2D)
2006–2016Volkswagen Crafter (first generation) (Typ 2E/2F)
2017–presentVolkswagen Crafter (second generation) (Typ SY/SZ)
2006Birmingham debut, Sprinter foundations
20112.0 L diesels and BlueMotion savings
2012Achleitner 4MOTION tackles the Dakar
2016€2 billion and driver ride-alongs
2017Września-built generation launches
2018e-Crafter takes e-Golf power to work
2019Grand California adds a full bathroom
2024Digital cockpit and electronic brake
  1. 2006

    Birmingham debut, Sprinter foundations

    The first Crafter debuts in Birmingham on April 25, replacing the LT with Sprinter underpinnings and Volkswagen engines.15

  2. 2011

    2.0 L diesels and BlueMotion savings

    A 2.0 L diesel replaces the 2.5 L; the 161 hp CR35 BlueMotion Technology MWB high-roof van cuts CO2 nearly 23%, to 199 g/km.15

  3. 2012

    Achleitner 4MOTION tackles the Dakar

    The Achleitner 4MOTION serves as a Dakar support van, with permanent 50:50 drive, 2.5:1 low range and locking center and rear differentials.6

  4. 2016

    €2 billion and driver ride-alongs

    Volkswagen unveils its independent redesign after over €2 billion of investment; development teams join drivers on daily rounds to learn their needs.1247

  5. 2017

    Września-built generation launches

    The new generation is built in a dedicated plant in Września, Poland, costing about €800 million, with three lengths, three roof heights and RWD GVW up to 5,500 kg.189

  6. 2018

    e-Crafter takes e-Golf power to work

    The e-Crafter targets urban deliveries with a 35.8 kWh e-Golf battery, 134 hp motor, single-speed gearbox and 90 km/h speed limiter.10

  7. 2019

    Grand California adds a full bathroom

    The Crafter-based Grand California launches as the 600 and 680, with 6.0 m and 6.8 m bodies, a full bathroom and an eight-speed automatic.111

  8. 2024

    Digital cockpit and electronic brake

    Digital instruments, an electronic parking brake and relocated auto selector arrive; two wheelbases, 3.64 m and 4.49 m, serve 6.0–7.4 m bodies.1213

Every generation

  • Volkswagen LT (first generation)
    Typ 28/Typ 211975–1996
  • Volkswagen LT (second generation)
    Typ 2D1996–2006
  • Volkswagen Crafter (first generation)
    Typ 2E/2F2006–2016
  • Volkswagen Crafter (second generation)
    Typ SY/SZ2017–present

Power over the years

From 87 hp to 177 hp in 11 years.

050100150200 20052010201520202025 hp 2006 · 87 hp · 2.5 TDI, 220 Nm2006 · 108 hp · 2.5 TDI, 280 Nm2006 · 134 hp · 2.5 TDI, 300 Nm2006 · 161 hp · 2.5 TDI, 350 Nm2011 · 141 hp · 2.0 TDI, planned November debut2011 · 161 hp · 2.0 BiTDI, 400 Nm2017 · 101 hp · 2.0 TDI2017 · 120 hp · 2.0 TDI2017 · 138 hp · 2.0 TDI2017 · 177 hp · 2.0 BiTDI Euro 62024 · 161 hp · CR35 rear-drive 2.0 TDI2024 · 175 hp · CR35 FWD/4MOTION 2.0 TDI 177 hp 2.0 BiTDI Euro 6 87 hp 2.5 TDI, 220 Nm
15913
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2006872.5 TDI, 220 Nm
20061082.5 TDI, 280 Nm
20061342.5 TDI, 300 Nm
20061612.5 TDI, 350 Nm
20111412.0 TDI, planned November debut
20111612.0 BiTDI, 400 Nm
20171012.0 TDI
20171202.0 TDI
20171382.0 TDI
20171772.0 BiTDI Euro 6
2024161CR35 rear-drive 2.0 TDI
2024175CR35 FWD/4MOTION 2.0 TDI

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Startline / Trendline / Highline (UK)

    2017

  • Standard

    Commerce / Commerce Plus

    2024

  • e-Crafter

    Standard

    e-Crafter

    134 hp
  • Grand California 600

    Special

    Grand California 600

    2019

    174 hp
  • Grand California 680

    Special

    Grand California 680

    2019

    174 hp
  • 4MOTION by Achleitner

    Special

    4MOTION by Achleitner

    2012

    161 hp

  • Special

    Torsus Terrastorm

    2020

  • Special

    Hero package

    2023

  • Limited

    Runner TDI300 (Australia)

    107 hp

  • Limited

    Crafter 50 Special Edition (Australia)

    2014

    161 hp

  • Limited

    Kampervan by Jayco GEN2 (Australia)

    2024

    174 hp

  • Limited

    ShadowX (Belgium)

How to spot one

Look for

  • 2011 facelift: VW roundel placed between the two rear doors.5
  • 2011 facelift: a deep body crease climbs from behind the front wheelarch to the C-pillar.5
  • 2017 generation: chrome grille bars run into the headlights.7
  • Second-generation UK CR50 vans have twin rear wheels.18

Year by year

  1. 2011

    The first-generation facelift changes the grille; inside, darker upholstery and new instruments mark the update.15

  2. 2017

    The second generation gains chrome grille bars meeting the headlights, sharper hood creases and a sculpted waistline.17

  3. 2024

    Exterior changes are slight; inside, digital gauges join a 10.4-inch center screen, or an optional 12.9-inch screen.13

  4. 2024 automatic models

    Automatic vans gain a relocated gear selector, while an electronic parking-brake switch replaces the handbrake lever.1213

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Volkswagen Crafter
    Crafter
    Photo of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
    Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

    Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

    The first Crafter shares its body; the VW-style nose and roundel between the rear doors are useful clues.1521

  • Photo of a Volkswagen Crafter
    Crafter
    Photo of a T6 Transporter
    T6 Transporter

    T6 Transporter

    The 2017-generation Crafter has similar lines, but is the larger van.8

Against its rivals

Prices

Price when new
$0$50K$100K$150K 2014201620182020202220242026 2014 · $47,691 · AU 50 SE drive-away; AUD ~x0.902016 · $31,073 · AU base; approx AUD x0.742016 · $35,668 · AU 35 TDI340 tested; AUD ~x0.742017 · $29,900 · UK Startline ex VAT; GBP ~x1.252017 · $31,588 · UK Trendline ex VAT; GBP ~x1.252017 · $36,525 · UK Highline ex VAT; GBP ~x1.252024 · $58,445 · Commerce, GBP; approx x1.282024 · $67,461 · Commerce Plus, GBP; approx x1.282024 · $104,273 · AU Kampervan Style; AUD ~x0.662024 · $109,223 · AU Kampervan All-Terrain; AUD ~x0.66
913181921
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2014Price when new$47,691AU 50 SE drive-away; AUD ~x0.90
2016Price when new$31,073AU base; approx AUD x0.74
2016Price when new$35,668AU 35 TDI340 tested; AUD ~x0.74
2017Price when new$29,900UK Startline ex VAT; GBP ~x1.25
2017Price when new$31,588UK Trendline ex VAT; GBP ~x1.25
2017Price when new$36,525UK Highline ex VAT; GBP ~x1.25
2024Price when new$58,445Commerce, GBP; approx x1.28
2024Price when new$67,461Commerce Plus, GBP; approx x1.28
2024Price when new$104,273AU Kampervan Style; AUD ~x0.66
2024Price when new$109,223AU Kampervan All-Terrain; AUD ~x0.66

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Dakar duty with a 2.5:1 low range”
    • “Boulay borrowed from the Constellation”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 3 things to check before buying one
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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 25 sources
  1. Volkswagen Crafter - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. The New Crafter - the New Dimension: Economical, Functional and Reliable Like Never Before prnewswire.co.uk
  3. Volkswagen Crafter (2006-2016) van review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  4. Le nouveau Crafter : développé avec les clients - Volkswagen | Espace Média Volkswagen France media.volkswagen.fr
  5. New VW Crafter for 2011 – Facelift Facts and Figures | Vanlocator mynewsdesk.com
  6. Der neue Crafter 4MOTION mit Achleitner Allradantrieb – mit schwerer Last ins Gelände | Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge Medienportal vwnf.media-corner.ch
  7. Volkswagen Crafter (2017 - 2024) used van review vanreviewer.co.uk
  8. Volkswagen Crafter van review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  9. Orders open for new Volkswagen Crafter priced from £24k | Business Motoring businessmotoring.co.uk
  10. Volkswagen e-Crafter review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. Der neue Grand California ist ab sofort bestellbar | Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge Medienportal vwnf.media-corner.ch
  12. Premier aperçu des améliorations apportées par Volkswagen Véhicules Utilitaires à son modèle à succès, le Crafter - Volkswagen | Espace Média Volkswagen France media.volkswagen.fr
  13. Volkswagen Crafter spec and trim levels for new £45k van vanreviewer.co.uk
  14. 2021 Volkswagen Crafter review | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  15. Torsus Terrastorm auf VW-Crafter-Basis: Bester Allrad-Bus der Welt? auto-motor-und-sport.de
  16. Volkswagen Crafter met Hero-pakket is heel A-team autoblog.nl
  17. CRAFTER AND AMAROK ADDED TO VW 'RUNNER' RANGE - JUST TRUCKS justtrucks.com.au
  18. VW unveils limited-edition Crafter cab/chassis - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  19. 2024 Volkswagen Crafter Kampervan review | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  20. Volkswagen Crafter ShadowX | Volkswagen Bedrijfsvoertuigen volkswagen-commercial-vehicles.be
  21. Review: Volkswagen Crafter 2016 - trucksales.com.au trucksales.com.au
  22. 1975-1996: Volkswagen LT I (Typ 28/Typ 21) - Cars w Encyklopedia motoryzacji | MotoBase.Pl - English version motobase.pl
  23. Volkswagen LT - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. 1996-2006: Volkswagen LT II (Typ 2D) - Cars w Encyklopedia motoryzacji | MotoBase.Pl - English version motobase.pl
  25. VW Crafter Common Problems: What to Check Before You Buy | SafeBuy safebuy.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • prnewswire.co.uk
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • media.volkswagen.fr
  • mynewsdesk.com
  • vwnf.media-corner.ch
  • vanreviewer.co.uk
  • businessmotoring.co.uk
  • carexpert.com.au
  • auto-motor-und-sport.de
  • autoblog.nl
  • justtrucks.com.au
  • carsales.com.au
  • volkswagen-commercial-vehicles.be

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