Head to head
Ford Transit Custom vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter takes loads 2.25m (7.5ft) longer. The Ford Transit Custom carries 18kg more.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Load length: the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter takes loads 2.25m (7.5ft) longer.
- Payload: the Ford Transit Custom carries 18kg more.
Specifications side by side
| Ford Transit Custom | Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 1079-1207 kg (300 L1H1); 1262-1361 kg (320 L2H1) | 1061-1229 kg (Medium CR35, 3.5t); 881-1117 kg (Long CR35, 3.5t); 2352-2410 kg (Medium CR50, 5.0t) |
| Load volume | 5.8 m3 (L1H1); 6.8 m3 (L2H1) | 9.9-11.3 m3 (Medium); 14.4-16.1 m3 (Long); 16.4-18.4 m3 (Long Maxi) |
| Load length | 2602 mm (L1H1); 3002 mm (L2H1) | 4855 mm (Long Maxi) |
| Towing capacity | 2500-2800 kg (diesel) | up to 3000 kg braked (3.5t models); up to 3500 kg braked (5.0t CR50) |
| Gross weight | 3225 kg (320 derivative) | - |
Sources: Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the Custom if...
- you want one that carries 18kg more
The Transit Custom is the van most UK hire firms stock as their default medium van, and its L1/L2 length and 280/300/320 weight choices cover most trade and removals jobs without stepping up to a large van.
Full Custom specifications →Buy or hire the Crafter if...
- you want one that takes loads 2.25m (7.5ft) longer
The Crafter's wide GVW range, up to a 5.0t CR50 derivative, lets it cover jobs that would otherwise need a 7.5t truck, and it is commonly chosen by fleets that also want a driver-friendly cab.
Full Crafter specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Ford Transit Custom and the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter?
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter takes loads 2.25m (7.5ft) longer. The Ford Transit Custom carries 18kg more. The Ford Transit Custom is a medium panel van, Ford's best-selling UK van and the segment benchmark for self-drive hire.; the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter is a large panel van offered from 3.0t to 5.0t GVW, VW's rival to the Sprinter and Transit..
Which carries more, the Ford Transit Custom or the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter?
The Ford Transit Custom, by 18kg.
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