Head to head
Ford Transit Large Van vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter takes loads 1.32m (4.5ft) longer.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Load length: the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter takes loads 1.32m (4.5ft) longer.
Specifications side by side
| Ford Transit Large Van | Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 1098 kg (350 L3H3) | 1061-1229 kg (Medium CR35, 3.5t); 881-1117 kg (Long CR35, 3.5t); 2352-2410 kg (Medium CR50, 5.0t) |
| Load volume | 12.4 m3 (L3H3) | 9.9-11.3 m3 (Medium); 14.4-16.1 m3 (Long); 16.4-18.4 m3 (Long Maxi) |
| Load length | 3533 mm (L3H3) | 4855 mm (Long Maxi) |
| Towing capacity | 2800 kg | up to 3000 kg braked (3.5t models); up to 3500 kg braked (5.0t CR50) |
| Gross weight | 3500 kg | - |
Sources: Ford Transit Large Van, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the Large Van if...
The large Transit remains a fleet mainstay for removals and trade work needing more room than the Custom, with this L3H3 350 spec representing a common mid-range hire configuration.
Full Large Van specifications →Buy or hire the Crafter if...
- you want one that takes loads 1.32m (4.5ft) 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 Large Van and the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter?
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter takes loads 1.32m (4.5ft) longer. The Ford Transit Large Van is a large panel van, the long-running Ford Transit in L3H3 350 form as offered on UK commercial hire fleets.; 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..
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