Volkswagen Crafter Large Panel Van | Tom Roberts Van Review 2021 |

The BIG VW Crafter is a large van that makes no compromises - it's packing space in the back, some tech in the front, new 2.0-litre diesel engines & a robust all-over feel. Let's see how Tom gets on with it, shall we?
00:00 Introduction
00:46 The VW Crafter In Brief
01:58 Drive & Visibility
02:50 NEW 2.0-Litre Diesel Engines
04:07 Into The Loading Bay
06:45 Cabin Comfort & Tech
12:08 Conclusion & Verdict
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#volkswagen #vw #crafter #vanreview #vangeek #vanarama

[@Dezarros]

When you said "handsome looking van" I totally agreed. I don't even need a van but I've seen a couple around and they are the best looking vans I've ever seen...

[@ervin8232]

Have one for 9 months now, so far so good, no issues at all. Very happy with the van.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Great to hear that, Ervin.

[@markmackie100]

Hi Tom, when you mentioned better drive trains ar good does this include the 140PS or just the 177ps variants. Good review by the way

[@caffeinedealer]

Hi Tom, great review as always. Do you see a review of the new Caddy Cargo coming as well?

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it. Yes, soon - in fact, I can confirm VW have one on its way to me once they come into port - to say I'm excited is a massive understatement.

[@alexhigh6907]

The sprinter came up with all these quirks and ideas. The sprinter will always be the large van king.

[@drawnbody51]

I want to like sprinters but the rust just seems like such an easy fix for mercedes. They're only single galvanised the crafters are double galvanised or am I wrong? Do they compete lifespan wise in terms of miles?

[@brianpotter4057]

Was thinking of getting one but hearing a facelift version I might wait and see. Any ideas when it is launched in the UK

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: At present, all we know is that the van's clearly approaching a mid-cycle refresh - we're awaiting details which I'll definitely share when we get them. :)

[@BoskiM]

@@vanaramauk as long as the fuel efficiency is improved. Everything else is good

[@tomquimby8669]

so I can either get 4 pallets in this but 5 in a competitor but I buy this because it looks nice. Somehow buying a van seems to have veered away from function to form

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Personally, I think the issue is really that most things are far more compactly packed on pallets these days. Also, I love that people choose vans on aesthetics - makes them as personal a choice as cars. What you reckon?

[@barneywebborn3934]

How tall are you? Trying to gauge scale

[@sandilemajiya7831]

Does it have an automatic crafter

[@drawnbody51]

THIS OR SPRINTER? I've heard unbelievably good experiences eith sprinters, but also I know people who've had them a year or 2 and have rust. Seems daft to get a van that will do 300k miles but will rust away before you get there.

[@domainnameguy]

the vw crafter is the best van by far the merc v vw is purely a persons preference etc ive driven vw crafter and merc sprinter and the ford transit and renault and vauxhall and iveco all newish over the years vw crafter has no conpetition ideal as campervans

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: I can totally understand your point of view there, but the Sprinter sales figures are intimidating. I like the Crafter's blend of good looks and no-nonsense interior, but I love the Sprinter's cabin. It's a tough one for me.

[@domainnameguy]

@@vanaramauk a merc sprinter can cope with high mileage and 250k miles is nothing on a merc sprinter as long as it has been serviced on the dot etc which gives a company confidence that a merc sprinter can do that sort of mileage easilt etc but merc sprinters and vw crafters arent cheap to buy but you get the value back in durability and reliability and these two vans can cope with multiple driving styles of many drivers over the years which most other vans cant as much etc vanorama should partner with universal credit to offer a vanlife option to those unemployed instead of living in rented rooms etc and live in a vw crafter or merc sprinter with universal cedit being a guarantor for payment etc as many vans are now being made in to campervans etc

[@BoskiM]

Crafter is poor with fuel the transit and even the boxer/partner are better with fuel

[@domainnameguy]

@@BoskiM driven most of the transits over the years and the peugeot boxer ocassionally but the crafter is a sturdier ride and easier to be in 10 hours a day day after day etc week after week etc vw crafters and merc sprinters arent cheap vans nothing of quality usually is but i watch a youtube channel js vans and they have sprinters and transits etc but vw crafters are hard to find as they are just such a sought after van

[@kennymasooa4488]

Am an experienced bus driver so with this one how do i turn with turning at corners should i use the same way when driving a bus

[@tawandatichareva4656]

Hmmmm back swerve

[@MayorSom]

Hemel Hempstead?

[@HrHaakon]

Hi Tom, since this is a work-vehicle, could I just ask you very nicely to tell us what type of USB connection it is? I can see it's a USB C, and not USB A, or USB B (or B mini or B micro), but is it USB 2.0? USB 3.0? USB 3.1? And in a year or two, we'll start seeing USB 4, which can deliver 100w as standard, but can also support up to 240w. You can run most normal laptops using that, and it might be really useful to know for people who might use a laptop or other similar equipment. It's not something that most of them bother telling us on the configuration stage, as if 7.5w was enough for everyone. (Lowest wattage USB C gives you, if you wondered.) It's just a small detail, but it makes a difference for work-cars. Of course, if this information is not available, I understand. I'm not trying to be critical, just stating a wish. :)

[@scottcaulfield7121]

Tom Roberts which van is the best?

[@Tiswhattitis]

Had one on a 61 plate 140k on clock. Absolutely loved it, unfortunately engine just gone bang, garage say it needs new engine!!🤨🤯 Gutted!!!

[@shaungilmartin1505]

why did it go bang?

[@djraymo]

It's not dated I bought one becouse the sprinter dash looks boring and ugly and I was a Vito guy for 20 years

[@hammeredhemi1223]

How to make a small fortune with a Crafter van, Start with a large fortune! Biggest P.O.S ever built, I've had 2 of these shitbox Hitler's Revenge vans and will NEVER buy another VW vehicle again. Underpowered, Poorly Geared, Super expensive to run, horrible aftersales service. If your using this thing for a camper then you might consider it, if its for your business Avoid it like the plague, and buy a Benz instead.

[@myeverythingworld8123]

Really are they that bad and that bad on fuel I was thinking of buying one next week but your scaring me seeing your post

[@hammeredhemi1223]

@@myeverythingworld8123 Absolutely yes its the truth, i have 30k of receipts to back it up.Please do yourself a favour get a Benz, i did and its been the best van to date. No regrets spend the extra its worth it.

[@TravelJay23]

Merc Sprinter is equally as bad, I've run Sprinters for years, problem after problem after problem, engine chains "engine out jobby, sensor after sensor, limp mode, 500 mile countdowns, adblue problem after problem, and the dreaded Nox sensor which has a world wide shortage, not even Mercedes can fix your Mercedes. All my Sprinter problems have been dealer maintained vans on no more than 75k on the clock.

[@Thesilverrat]

Dam trying to listen when awful music is getting in your ear is just amateur 101.

[@boggo58]

Same as the Mercedes Sprinter.