VS

VW Crafter vs DS Automobiles DS 3 comparison

Compare performance (177 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (47,100 £ vs 29,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Crafter or DS Automobiles DS 3?

VW Crafter vs DS Automobiles DS 3: Key differences

VW Crafter

  • moderately more power
details

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • considerably cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • clearly lighter
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Crafter

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

DS Automobiles DS 3 is considerably cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the VW Crafter costs 47,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 17,622 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the DS Automobiles DS 3 uses 5 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the VW Crafter with 8.4 L/100km. The difference is about 3.4 L/100km.

DS 3

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 offers moderately more power – delivering 177 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Crafter delivers visibly more torque with 410 Nm compared to 260 Nm. That’s about 150 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: DS Automobiles DS 3 offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is clearly lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 2,072 kg. The difference is around 823 kg.

When it comes to payload, the VW Crafter carries significantly more – 2,994 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 2,528 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The DS Automobiles DS 3 holds a decisive overall lead 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.

from £29,500
DS 3

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 145 - 156 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 400 km
VW Crafter
DS Automobiles DS 3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

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.

details

DS Automobiles DS 3

The DS 3 is a chic, compact premium hatch that stands out with couture styling and an interior that feels more boutique than bargain-bin. It serves up a poised, city-friendly drive with plenty of French flair — ideal for buyers who want personality as much as practicality and don’t mind turning heads at the lights.

details
VW Crafter
DS Automobiles DS 3

Costs and Consumption

Price
47,100 - 68,800 £
Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Consumption L/100km
8.4 - 13.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
400 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
220 - 342 g/km
co2
0 - 112 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
75 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Cargo Van
Body Type
SUV
Seats
2
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,072 - 2,810 kg
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
350 L
Length
5,986 - 7,391 mm
Length
-
Width
2,040 - 2,069 mm
Width
1,791 mm
Height
2,355 - 2,830 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
9,300 - 18,400 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
1,037 - 2,994 kg
Payload
362 - 466 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
140 - 177 HP
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Max Speed
90 - 165 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
360 - 410 Nm
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
103 - 130 kW
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1,968 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General

Model Year
2,017 - 2,023
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
Brand
VW
Brand
DS Automobiles
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.