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Ford Transit Connect vs VW Crafter - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (150 HP vs 177 HP), boot space and price (26700 £ vs 47100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Transit Connect or VW Crafter?

Transit Connect

Ford Transit Connect vs. VW Crafter: A Cargo Van Showdown

In the world of cargo vans, the Ford Transit Connect and VW Crafter stand out as leaders, each offering a blend of practicality, performance, and innovation. As businesses continue to demand reliable and efficient solutions for transportation needs, these two contenders have carved their own niches. Let's dive into the technical aspects, innovations, and unique features of each vehicle to understand what they bring to the table in 2024.

Transit Connect

Engine and Performance

The Ford Transit Connect is known for its versatility, offering both diesel and plug-in hybrid engine types. With power outputs ranging from 102 HP to 150 HP, the Transit Connect is designed to cater to different performance needs while offering the additional benefit of a plug-in hybrid option. Its engines come with a dual-clutch automatic or a manual transmission, ensuring drivers have control over their driving experience. The model offers a front-wheel-drive system, optimizing its road handling capabilities.

On the other hand, the VW Crafter delivers robust diesel power across its lineup. It offers a range of power outputs between 140 HP and 177 HP, with a variety of drive types including rear-wheel, front-wheel, and all-wheel drive. This flexibility makes the Crafter well-suited for a variety of terrains and purposes. Coupled with a manual or automatic gearbox, it ensures adaptability to driver preferences and road conditions.

Transit Connect

Dimensions and Payload

For businesses focused on specific dimension needs, the Ford Transit Connect measures between 4500 mm and 4868 mm in length, a width of 1855 mm, and a height of up to 1860 mm. This compact size is especially beneficial for urban environments where maneuverability is key. The van provides seating for up to five passengers, making it versatile for both cargo and crew transport.

The VW Crafter, however, leans towards being the workhorse for larger jobs. With lengths stretching from 5986 mm to a significant 7391 mm, along with a payload capacity that can reach up to 2963 kg, it's designed to tackle demanding transportation tasks. Its body height varies significantly with a maximum of 2830 mm, allowing for various cargo configurations. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses requiring substantial cargo space.

Technology and Innovation

Both the Ford Transit Connect and VW Crafter are packed with features aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and driver experience. The Transit Connect capitalizes on its hybrid technology, offering a 19.7 kWh battery capacity which aids in reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency for urban deliveries.

The VW Crafter features advanced diesel engines known for their durability and efficiency, with rolling efficiencies like a CO2 efficiency class G. It also excels in cargo space customization, enabling businesses to tailor the vehicle to specific needs, whether transporting delicate equipment or heavy goods.

Fuel Economy and Sustainability

Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for any fleet manager. The Ford Transit Connect offers a competitive edge with its hybrid option, reducing reliance on diesel and improving overall fuel efficiency. This makes it a favorable option for businesses looking to minimize environmental impact while retaining performance.

The VW Crafter’s range of diesel engines offers average consumption figures between 8.4 L/100km and 12.6 L/100km, which is commendable for a vehicle of its size and capacity. Additionally, with larger fuel tank capacity, the Crafter is built for long-distance hauls without frequent refueling stops.

Conclusion: Choose According to Your Needs

Choosing between the Ford Transit Connect and VW Crafter primarily depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a balance of compact design, hybrid technology, and urban-friendly dimensions, the Ford Transit Connect is an excellent choice. In contrast, if your business demands greater cargo capacity, a variety of drive options, and the potential for robust customization, the VW Crafter stands as a versatile and reliable choice. Ultimately, both vehicles reflect the innovative strides made in the commercial vehicle sector, tailored to meet the diverse needs of today's logistical challenges.

Ford Transit Connect

VW Crafter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Ford Transit Connect has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26700 £ , while the VW Crafter costs 47100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 20400 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Ford Transit Connect manages with 0.50 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the VW Crafter with 8.40 L. The difference is about 7.90 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Crafter has a to a small extent edge – offering 177 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 27 HP more horsepower.

In terms of top speed, the Ford Transit Connect performs slightly better – reaching 186 km/h, while the VW Crafter tops out at 165 km/h. The difference is around 21 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Crafter pulls slightly stronger with 410 Nm compared to 350 Nm. That’s about 60 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Ford Transit Connect offers convincingly more seating capacity – 5 vs 2.

In curb weight, Ford Transit Connect is significantly lighter – 1477 kg compared to 2072 kg. The difference is around 595 kg.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Crafter performs significantly better – up to 18400 L, which is about 14700 L more than the Ford Transit Connect.

When it comes to payload, VW Crafter decisively takes the win – 2994 kg compared to 792 kg. That’s a difference of about 2202 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Ford Transit Connect sits well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

Ford Transit Connect
VW Crafter

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £26,700
Transit Connect

Ford Transit Connect

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 102 - 150 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.5 - 5.8 L
  • Electric Range : 118 km
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Ford Transit Connect

The Ford Transit Connect is the go-to compact workhorse for urban professionals who need cargo space without driving a full-size van. It balances practicality and everyday manners with clever storage ideas and a surprisingly comfortable ride, making it a sensible choice for small businesses and families who value function over flair.

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2018_FORD_TRANSIT__12

VW Crafter

The VW Crafter is a no-nonsense workhorse that makes hauling and running a mobile business feel almost civilized, with a cabin built for long days and smart storage where you need it. It may not turn heads for glamour, but its sturdy build, straightforward tech and reliable manners mean fewer headaches for owners — a van that prefers to earn your trust rather than demand attention.

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Reviews Ford Transit Connect

Reviews VW Crafter

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VW Crafter

Costs and Consumption
Price
26700 - 41500 £
Price
47100 - 68800 £
Consumption L/100km
0.5 - 5.8 L
Consumption L/100km
8.4 - 13.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
118 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
11 - 153 g/km
co2
220 - 342 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
32 - 50 L
Fuel tank capacity
75 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Cargo Van
Body Type
Cargo Van
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
2
Doors
4
Doors
4
Curb weight
1477 - 1866 kg
Curb weight
2072 - 2810 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
-
Length
4500 - 4868 mm
Length
5986 - 7391 mm
Width
1855 mm
Width
2040 - 2069 mm
Height
1856 - 1860 mm
Height
2355 - 2830 mm
Max trunk capacity
2500 - 3700 L
Max trunk capacity
9300 - 18400 L
Payload
602 - 792 kg
Payload
1037 - 2994 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
102 - 150 HP
Power HP
140 - 177 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.4 - 13.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Max Speed
175 - 186 km/h
Max Speed
90 - 165 km/h
Torque
280 - 350 Nm
Torque
360 - 410 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
75 - 110 kW
Power kW
103 - 130 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1968 cm3
Engine capacity
1968 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2017 - 2023
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Ford
Brand
VW

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What drive types are available for the Ford Transit Connect?

The Ford Transit Connect is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.