CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,400
Average Price: Around £28,000

Volkswagen Transporter T6 (2016-2024) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Variety of van, MPV and campervan models to choose from	Exhaust gas recirculation problems with BiTDi engine
Beautifully made interior	More expensive to buy than most rivals
Comfortable ride	Can't match the outright capacity of a Ford Transit Custom

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Transporter T6 (2016-2024) is a sophisticated and versatile van that combines practicality with premium build quality. Available in multiple configurations—including cargo van, Caravelle passenger carrier, and Shuttle—it offers something for every need. The interior is beautifully finished with robust plastics, extensive storage solutions, and a wide-opening sliding side door for easy loading. Rear doors open to 250 degrees, and you can choose from various wheelbase lengths and roof heights to tailor the van to your specific requirements. Whilst it lags slightly behind the Ford Transit Custom in outright capacity, the Transporter excels in comfort and refinement.

The T6 offers a vast choice of 2.0-litre diesel engines (83bhp to 178bhp) and two petrol options, with manual or DSG automatic transmissions available. It delivers composed, car-like handling and one of the most comfortable suspension setups in the van market—crucial for those covering vast distances. The 2019 facelift introduced the T6.1 with improved infotainment, electromechanical power steering, and advanced safety features including Crosswind Assist, lane-keeping assist, and Trailer Assist. Running costs are reasonable, with efficient models achieving around 35mpg unladen, though timing belt changes cost approximately £400. As a commercial vehicle, it benefits from flat-rate taxation, though passenger variants incur car tax rates.

Best for: Small business owners seeking a premium, well-built van; those needing passenger-carrying capacity (Caravelle or Shuttle); buyers prioritising comfort and interior quality; and those wanting multiple configuration options.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum load capacity; those requiring the lowest running costs; or those needing the outright cargo space of larger rivals like the Ford Transit Custom.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Transporter if: You're a small business owner seeking premium build quality and refinement; you need passenger-carrying capacity; you prioritise comfort and interior quality; or you want multiple configuration options tailored to your needs.

Consider alternatives if: You're budget-conscious and seeking maximum load capacity, require the lowest running costs, or need the outright cargo space of larger rivals.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is a premium offering in the compact van market, commanding a higher price than most rivals but delivering superior interior quality, comfort, and versatility. Whilst the Ford Transit Custom offers greater cargo capacity and better value, and the Vauxhall Vivaro and Mercedes-Benz Vito achieve higher user ratings, the Transporter remains the choice for those prioritising sophistication, build quality, and passenger comfort. Its extensive range of configurations and well-appointed interior make it an excellent investment for discerning business owners and those seeking a premium van experience.

Read our full Volkswagen Transporter Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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