The facelifted Volkswagen Crafter has appeared in official photos for the first time ahead of the large van’s launch later in 2024.
The images are the first proper pictures we’ve seen, with VW having previously only shown design sketches – and they give us more detail on where the major changes are in what is one of the best large vans available. Most of the updates are inside, with the external visual updates relatively minor by comparison.
The headline is the drastic update to the infotainment and dashboard. There’s a new digital cockpit and a fresh free-standing screen available in a choice of two large sizes. The switch to an electronic parking brake also means there is more space for storage on the dashboard.
Externally, the VW Crafter is largely unchanged, with the front bearing the same three-bar front grille and large, square headlights as the current van. The rear doesn’t see a huge amount of change either, with the light cluster and bumper all bearing a strong resemblance to the current offering. Given the Crafter is a former Parkers Award winner, this isn’t bad news as it is starting from a strong point.
Updates inside for the 2024 VW Crafter
The inside is where there is most change, with VW confirming the 2024 Crafter will come with an infotainment screen that is 10.3-inches as standard and up to 12.9-inches on higher versions. This is ‘visually free standing’ rather than integrated into the dash as the current van, and comes with the operating setup first shown on the long-wheelbase ID.Buzz.
There are two permanently on-display touch bars and a home screen with a home button that will display all the apps at once. There is also a shortcut to the most important vehicle functions.
The bottom of the two touch bars shows the cabin and seat heating functions. Unfortunately, the temperature and volume controls are now controlled by touch sliders rather than physical buttons or dials.
The Crafter also gets the Digital Cockpit as standard for the first time. This means the physical dials for the speed and rev counter are replaced by digital displays, and you can configure different layouts as you wish. You’ll also be able to put the navigation and details from the entertainment system on display.
A new electronic parking brake is to be offered on the version with the eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the gearshift moves to be a steering column switch. This means there is more space where the physical hand brake once was, freeing up a bit of room lower down in the cabin.
The design of the dash is largely the same, but the space vacated by the automatic gear shifter will now be given over to an additional cupholder. The manual version remains the same, with a physical gear lever in the same place as before.
Other changes include a switch to USB-C sockets and a wireless charging slot for smartphones. There is also a USB-C socket mounted high up above the windscreen to power devices such as dash cams and sat-navs without needing to drape cables across the cabin and your field of vision.
The other update of note is the addition of a new digital voice assistance, with ChatGPT integration. Those who like to talk to their van should be able to do so in a natural manner, says VW.
What engines will the 2024 VW Crafter come with?
The engine range in the facelifted VW Crafter is to remain largely unchanged for the facelift. This is due to several reasons. This isn’t a huge update, so introducing a large number of new engines at this point would be unusual. There could be the odd tweak here and there, but little more than that.
The other main reason is that this facelift is slightly later than it could be. The latest VW Crafter was launched in 2017, and van replacement cycles are usually around eight years. This facelift, being in 2024, is slightly later than it could have been – and the next-generation Crafter is due to arrive only a couple of years later in 2026, going by what VW bosses have said previously. There is no real reason to make big changes to a van that isn’t going to be on sale for a really long time.
The engines will be the familiar 2.0-litre units, with a choice of 140hp, 163hp and 177hp options, with a six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic gearbox to choose from.
VW is also adding heavy duty versions to the range, which will allow higher gross vehicle weights.
One thing we know is not going to be added to the facelifted VW Crafter is an electric powertrain. Even though there was an EV Crafter developed, and even sold in left-hand drive in other markets, it has never made it to the UK. The plan is now to hold out until the all-new VW Crafter arrives in 2026.
When will the facelifted Volkswagen Crafter go on sale and how much will it cost?
The updated VW Crafter will go on sale in the third quarter of 2024. We’ll bring more information on precise timings, pricing and specification when we have them.
