CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,200
Average Price: Around £27,000

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 commercial vehicle that transcends the typical workaday van stereotype. With its desirable badge, smart exterior styling, and beautifully crafted interior, it combines practicality with class. The T6 offers extensive customisation options, including various wheelbase lengths, roof heights, and body configurations, allowing buyers to tailor their van to specific needs. Available in multiple variants—including the cargo-focused Transporter, the passenger-friendly Caravelle with up to eight full-size seats, and the utilitarian Shuttle—it caters to diverse requirements. Whilst it lags slightly behind rivals like the Ford Transit Custom in outright capacity, the T6 excels in comfort and build quality, featuring wide-opening sliding doors and rear doors that open up to 250 degrees for easy loading.

The T6 delivers composed, car-like handling and one of the most comfortable suspension setups in the van market, making it ideal for those covering vast distances. Engine options range from 83bhp to 201bhp across 2.0-litre diesel and petrol variants, with manual and automatic transmissions available. The 2019 facelift introduced the T6.1, featuring electromechanical power steering, advanced safety systems including Crosswind Assist and lane-keeping assist, and clever features like Trailer Assist. Running costs are reasonable, with the most efficient models achieving around 35mpg, whilst servicing costs remain competitive. As a commercial vehicle, it benefits from flat-rate taxation, though passenger variants incur car tax rates. For those seeking a van with sophistication and practicality, the Transporter represents excellent value despite its premium pricing.

Best for: Small business owners seeking a statement of quality and class, those requiring flexible passenger or cargo configurations, and buyers prioritising comfort and build quality over outright capacity.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking the lowest purchase price, those needing maximum load capacity compared to rivals, or those concerned about potential exhaust gas recirculation issues with BiTDi engines.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Transporter if: You're a small business owner seeking a statement of quality and class, require flexible passenger or cargo configurations, or prioritise comfort and build quality over outright capacity.

Consider alternatives if: You're budget-conscious seeking the lowest purchase price, need maximum load capacity compared to rivals, or are concerned about potential exhaust gas recirculation issues with BiTDi engines.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Transporter T6 (2016-2024) stands as a premium offering in the commercial van market, commanding a higher price than most rivals but delivering exceptional build quality, comfort, and versatility. Whilst the Ford Transit Custom offers greater capacity and better value, and the Vauxhall Vivaro and Mercedes-Benz Vito provide competitive user ratings, the Transporter's beautifully crafted interior, extensive customisation options, and car-like driving dynamics justify its premium positioning. For buyers prioritising sophistication and comfort alongside practicality, the Transporter remains a compelling choice despite its higher acquisition cost.

Read our full Volkswagen Transporter Review

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