Reviewed by Auto Express, the seventh-generation Volkswagen Transporter shares its underlying platform with the Ford Transit Custom. However, Volkswagen distinguishes its workhorse with distinctive styling, wheel arches lined as standard for superior road refinement, and an attractive ownership proposition featuring a five-year, 124,000-mile warranty paired with five years of scheduled servicing.
Under the skin, the Transporter offers an expansive powertrain selection spanning 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines (109bhp manual, alongside 148bhp and 168bhp versions with an eight-speed automatic), a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (eHybrid), and the all-electric e-Transporter. The panel van provides 5.8 cubic metres of cargo space in standard guise, rising to 9.0 cubic metres in long-wheelbase high-roof form to swallow three standard pallets. Maximum towing capacity reaches up to 2,800kg, with payload capacities topping out at 1,280kg for diesels and 1,088kg for electric versions. The electric variant utilises a 64kWh battery delivering up to 201 miles of range and 125kW DC rapid charging (10–80% in 39 minutes), while the eHybrid combines an 11.8kWh pack with up to 34.8 miles of pure-electric driving and an official 76.3mpg.
Auto Express praised the Transporter's assured driving dynamics. The chassis resists understeer and controls body roll effectively through corners, while the long wheelbase delivers rock-solid motorway stability. The 2.0-litre diesel proves quiet once up to temperature, the automatic transmission shifts unobtrusively, and town manoeuvrability is aided by a tight turning circle and great visibility. The reviewer also appreciated the cabin practicality, which includes handy storage, USB-A and USB-C ports, and an available 230V socket beneath the driver’s seat.
On the downside, the steering feels overly light at urban speeds and lacks the feel of earlier Transit iterations. The e-Transporter’s 201-mile electric range lags behind the 236 miles offered by the Ford E-Transit Custom, and the PHEV model's onboard charger is limited to a slow 3.7kW. Auto Express also lamented that Volkswagen misses out on Ford's clever L-shaped bulkhead for ultra-long items, noted the small 55-litre fuel tank fitted to certain trims, and warned that payloads vary wildly, dipping as low as 767kg on long-wheelbase automatic diesels.
The Transporter is tailored for tradespeople, delivery operations, and commercial fleets seeking a capable mid-size van backed by dependable manufacturer aftercare.
Verdict: Auto Express awards the Volkswagen Transporter an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. While it loses some mechanical individuality to its platform twin, its expansive load capacity, polished driving manners, and inclusive five-year aftercare package make it an exceptionally compelling medium van.