@ Nissan Motor Corporation
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VS

Nissan Townstar vs VW Caddy – Which model is better for everyday use?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Nissan Townstar or VW Caddy?

Townstar @ Nissan Motor Corporation

The Showdown: Nissan Townstar vs VW Caddy

When it comes to versatile high roof wagons, the Nissan Townstar and VW Caddy are among the top contenders. Both vehicles are loaded with features designed to meet the multifaceted needs of families and businesses alike. In this article, we dive into a detailed comparison of these two models, focusing on their technical aspects and innovations.

Caddy @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Performance and Power

The Nissan Townstar offers multiple powertrain options, including an electric version with 122 HP and two petrol variants producing 130 HP. This provides a choice between sustainability and traditional internal combustion power. The electric version stands out with a 45 kWh battery and an impressive range of 285 km for those looking to minimize their carbon footprint.

In contrast, the VW Caddy comes with a diverse selection of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines, offering up to 150 HP. This makes it an excellent choice for drivers seeking flexibility between fuel types. Its hybrid model offers an electric range of up to 120 km, making it a viable choice for eco-conscious urban travel.

Townstar @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Transmission and Drive Type

Both the Townstar and Caddy provide several transmission options. The Townstar features automatic, manual, and dual-clutch automatic transmissions, while the Caddy mirrors these offerings but adds a notable advantage with the availability of both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, broadening its appeal to those who may face diverse driving conditions.

Caddy @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Efficiency and Consumption

The Nissan Townstar’s electric edition boasts a consumption rate of 19.2 kWh/100 km and a CO2 efficiency class ranging from A to F for its non-electric models. Its petrol version consumes between 6.7 and 7 L/100 km, depending on the specific configuration.

The Caddy, with its broader range of engine options, sees fuel consumption figures between 5.3 and 6.9 L/100 km for its combustion engines. Its hybrid model is particularly efficient, offering a combined consumption of only 0.5 L/100 km when used primarily in electric mode, classified within efficiency classes E to B.

Townstar @ Nissan Motor Corporation

Interior and Cargo Capacity

With both vehicles offering five doors, they provide easy access to spacious interiors designed to accommodate between five and seven passengers, as available in the Caddy. The Townstar provides a trunk capacity of up to 775 liters, slightly more than the Caddy’s maximum of 703 liters. This makes the Townstar particularly appealing for those who prioritize cargo space.

Caddy @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Dimensions and Practicality

While the Townstar measures between 4488 mm and 4911 mm in length, the Caddy spans from 4500 mm to 4853 mm. Both have similar widths and heights, providing comparable space and headroom for passengers and cargo. Given its payload capacities range from 498 kg to 641 kg for the Townstar and 501 kg to 710 kg for the Caddy, the Caddy may serve better for those needing higher payloads.

Conclusion: Which One for You?

The choice between the Nissan Townstar and VW Caddy ultimately hinges on individual needs. If maximizing cargo space and preferring an all-electric option are high on your checklist, the Townstar makes a compelling case. However, if a wider array of engine choices and the option for all-wheel drive are decisive factors, the Caddy might just edge out the competition. Regardless of choice, both vehicles deliver excellent value and flexibility, catering to the modern driver's needs.

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.

Nissan Townstar has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25700 £, while the VW Caddy costs 27800 £. That’s a price difference of around 2054 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Caddy manages with 0.50 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Nissan Townstar with 6.70 L. The difference is about 6.20 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Nissan Townstar performs clearly better – achieving up to 281 km, about 160 km more than the VW Caddy.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Caddy has a slightly edge – offering 150 HP compared to 130 HP. That’s roughly 20 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Caddy is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 11.40 s, while the Nissan Townstar takes 12.60 s. That’s about 1.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Caddy performs slight better – reaching 186 km/h, while the Nissan Townstar tops out at 183 km/h. The difference is around 3 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Caddy pulls noticeable stronger with 320 Nm compared to 245 Nm. That’s about 75 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 7 people.

In curb weight, Nissan Townstar is barely noticeable lighter – 1509 kg compared to 1575 kg. The difference is around 66 kg.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Caddy performs to a small extent better – up to 3700 L, which is about 650 L more than the Nissan Townstar.

When it comes to payload, VW Caddy slight takes the win – 710 kg compared to 641 kg. That’s a difference of about 69 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Caddy proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Caddy is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £27,800
Caddy @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Caddy

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 102 - 150 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.5 - 6.9 L
  • Electric Range : 116 - 121 km

Nissan Townstar

5 (1)
rate

The Nissan Townstar presents a versatile option for those in need of ample cargo space and practicality. Its modern design and robust performance make it an attractive choice for both business and family use. With a focus on comfort and technological features, it caters to a wide range of transport needs.

details

VW Caddy

The VW Caddy is the Swiss-army knife of compact vans — practical, surprisingly refined, and ready to swap a weekend adventure for a grocery run without breaking a sweat. It’s user-friendly, comfortable enough for daily driving, and sensible for buyers who want utility with a dash of style and no drama.

details
Nissan Townstar
VW Caddy
Townstar @ Nissan Motor Corporation
Caddy @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
25700 - 37700 £
Price
27800 - 45900 £
Consumption L/100km
6.7 - 7 L
Consumption L/100km
0.5 - 6.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
19.3 - 20.7 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
265 - 281 km
Electric Range
116 - 121 km
Battery Capacity
45 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
0 - 157 g/km
co2
10 - 165 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
54 L
Fuel tank capacity
50 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
High Roof Estate
Body Type
High Roof Estate
Seats
5 - 7
Seats
5 - 7
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1509 - 2041 kg
Curb weight
1575 - 1998 kg
Trunk capacity
0 - 775 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
4488 - 4911 mm
Length
4500 - 4853 mm
Width
1859 - 1860 mm
Width
1855 mm
Height
1838 - 1869 mm
Height
1819 - 1860 mm
Max trunk capacity
2800 - 3050 L
Max trunk capacity
2556 - 3700 L
Payload
506 - 641 kg
Payload
501 - 710 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 130 HP
Power HP
102 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.6 - 13.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.4 - 14 s
Max Speed
130 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
173 - 186 km/h
Torque
240 - 245 Nm
Torque
220 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 96 kW
Power kW
75 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
1332 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1968 cm3

General

Model Year
2023 - 2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B
Brand
Nissan
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Nissan Townstar have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.