Volkswagen Caddy Cargo van review (2023)

• Smooth, comfortable and composed, but still loud inside
• Steering much sharper, six-speed gearbox as standard
• Driving assistance tech can take a bit of getting used to

The Caddy Cargo is a substantial step forward in almost every aspect of the driving experience compared with the previous Caddy van. But then, it needed to be, because the best small van rivals are outstanding in this area as well.

Comfort levels are high

Probably the most immediately noticeable thing about the way the Caddy Cargo drives is the comfort. Not only does it do a great job of absorbing bumps and dips in the tarmac, it does so with hardly any banging or thumping from the suspension.

New front and rear suspension designs play their part here. The rear in particular, as it’s moved from old-fashioned leaf springs to car-like coil springs among other changes, and now rides lumpy surfaces with far greater sophistication, regardless of whether the rear is loaded or not.

It really does feel much more like driving a car than a conventional van.

Sharper steering, better cornering

Reinforcing this car-like capability, the changes to the front suspension have dramatically improved the steering response. The van turns much more quickly and with less effort than the previous model.

Combined with the lightness of the new electrically-assisted power steering (replacing the previous hydraulic power steering), the Caddy Cargo almost feels too sharp at first – we found ourselves turning too much in the corners.

But you get used to this quickly, and once you do the van just feels eager and alert. VW claims it’s designed the Caddy to retain this agility even when loaded, and while that’s generally true, we could still tell the difference with even a modest 325kg test weight in the back.

The important thing is that you remain fully confident when driving it loaded, and the Caddy Cargo gives you this confidence in abundance.

Active steering assistance

All that said, the new Caddy is available with some particularly high-tech driving assistance systems, including Travel Assist for the first time on a VW van.

This combines active lane keeping with adaptive cruise control, and can handle quite a bit of driving all by itself. You won’t be grabbing a snooze at the wheel any time soon, but the system has your back if you’re momentarily distracted and is said to work across the full speed range.

The flip side to this is that when driving on country lanes, the lane-keeping system is almost constantly nibbling at the steering, as if it’s ever so slightly wired on caffeine. You’ll even find it practically guiding you round the corners on occasion.

This might sound alarming – and it is a little disconcerting at first – but it’s far less fighty than other systems we’ve experienced, meaning that it mostly does seem more like a helping hand than an annoying distraction.

And it can easily be switched off via a menu in the central touchscreen that’s swiftly accessed by pressing one of the few remaining physical buttons (more on this in the Interior section below).

What are the new diesel engines like?

While engine noise is generally well suppressed when you're cruising, there is still a distinct diesel-y noise to the new 2.0-litre TDI models when accelerating harder. This is muted rather than a full-on deep chugging, however, and more sporty sounding than actually unpleasant.

The diesels are all based on the same 2.0-litre ‘twin-dosing’ turbo engine, and offer a choice of 75hp / 250Nm, 102hp / 280Nm or 122hp / 320Nm.

Obviously, the more powerful the motor, the faster the Caddy Cargo, but the 75hp model still feels adequate enough for general duty, especially around town – it just runs out of puff when the 122hp version is beginning to get going.

The 102hp Caddy continues to feel like the pick of the range, offering plenty of performance for the money, and being quite a quick little van when unloaded.

If you do plan to regularly max the payload, stretching to the extra torque of the 122hp will probably be worth it. But all of the diesels offer surprisingly crisp response to your right foot, suggesting real care and attention has been applied to the development and tuning.

A 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol is also available in the UK with 114hp / 220Nm. This brings even better engine refinement, has easily enough muscle for moderate payloads and will be the most fun to drive if you're enthusiatic behind the wheel.

It's also the cheapest engine choice and still capable of delivering above 40mpg in the real world, so you might want to give it more consideration than most petrol-powered vans deserve.

Six-speed manual gearbox as standard, DSG auto and 4Motion optional

All versions of the Caddy Cargo come fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard – which puts it in a better position than the bigger VW Transporter, as basic versions of that still only get five speeds.

What’s more, it’s a particularly nice gearbox to use, underlining once again that a lot of what underpins the Caddy Cargo is closely related to the Volkswagen Golf.

The 122hp diesel and the 114hp petrol are both available with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission as an option. We’ve tried this with the diesel and it is a seriously snappy implementation, swapping gears very quickly and avoiding some of the low speed hesitancy you get with the Transporter. Great for traffic and ease of use, if you’re prepared to pay extra for it.

All Caddy Cargos are front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, but UK buyers are able to option the 122hp with 4Motion four-wheel drive.

We have only been able to try this briefly in the Caddy California campervan so far. But suffice to say, in regular driving it feels little different to the front-wheel drive models - the 4x4 system only kicking in when the front wheels are seriously slipping. Which doesn't happen often on the road at all.

Lots of grip, but also lots of road noise

It seems that every time we go to drive one of these, the weather serves us up a damp and greasy day. But this only highlights how impressively the Caddy is able to find grip and deliver traction in these conditions.

Driven even quite aggressively, there's rarely any scrabbling from the front wheels - instead the Caddy just grips and goes, all adding to the sense of car-like finesse about the driving experience.

Sadly, the noise sticks a pin in that particular balloon. As with the previous Caddy, a lot of road and tyre noise gets through to the cabin of right-hand drive models. So while the engine sounds are well suppressed, it's still very loud inside, forcing you to turn up the radio and to raise your voice when speaking to passengers.

It's also hard not to notice how light and tinny the doors feel - so light, they sometimes don't shut properly on the first go.

• Modern, car-like interior design
• Too many touch sensitive controls?
• Feels high quality and properly premium

More big changes inside the Caddy Cargo, as it adopts an angular dashboard that’s – yes – very car-like in its design and quality. Every model gets a central touchscreen (though on top-spec versions it is larger) running VW's latest MIB3 infotainment system, and an electronic handbrake frees up additional space in the centre console.

But while the interior looks good and feels better quality than anything else in the small van sector, it’s not all good news inside the cab. Almost all of the controls have been moved into the touchscreen, and many of those that remain independent use VW’s latest touch-sensitive button design.

What’s the problem here?

Let’s deal with the touch-buttons first, a cluster of which replaces the traditional dial for the lighting controls and some of the window-clearing heating functions.

When we first tried these on left-hand drive Caddy models in late 2020, they were seriously laggy. As in touch them and you'd probably end up touching them in impatience before they activated, turning the function you where trying to operate back off again.

And while on more recent right-hand drive Caddy tests, we've either got used to them or the lag has been reduced, they can still prove highly frustrating. You'll probably learn to tolerate this as an owner, but it's still a bit annoying when regular buttons worked perfectly well.

More concerning, there’s a touch-sensitive panel on the roof that includes the ‘button’ for the Caddy Cargo’s built-in maintenance call system, and we have managed to accidentally activate this while reaching to adjust the sun visor. This would not have happened with an actual button.

What about the touchscreen infotainment system?

The central touchscreen is better conceived – in that the MIB3 software is pretty logical, reasonably fast reacting and you quickly figure out how to get to everything. There are also some physical buttons that shortcut you to things like the safety kit, should you need to deactivate the lane-keeping assist or similar.

But even so, processes that should be simple, such as changing the settings for the ventilation system, now require much more attention from you than they would with a physical set of controls. It’s also not going to be as easy to deal with if you’ve got gloves on (touchscreen-compatible gloves will still be clumsy).

VW is convinced buyers will like the modernity of the screen, and it’s certainly true that van customers are increasingly expecting higher levels of creature comforts.

Just make sure you give it a good try when taking a test drive, to see if it suits you. In many respects, it feels like a backwards-step compared with previous VW infotainment systems to us.

Is it practical inside the cabin?

It's not bad, but there are some annoyances. We like the large bin behind the instrument cluster, which will be handy for stashing everyday stuff - but this stuff will end up reflecting in the windscreen.

Other positives include an overhead shelf, generous door pockets and plenty of space in the centre console - thanks in part to the range-wide adoption of an electronic handbrake.

However, the tray besides the USB sockets that also houses the wireless smartphone charger if your Caddy has it fitted isn't large enough for modern smartphones to sit flat in, which seems an oversight.

As with the Transporter 6.1, the Caddy 5 has adopted the USB C socket type, which is powerful but may require an adaptor for some of your gear.

The Caddy can be equipped with a three-pin 230v socket in the load area, too.

Digital services and connectivity

As with most modern vans, the Caddy 5 has a higher level of on-board connectivity than before. Packaged under the names We Connect and We Connect Plus, this makes use of a built-in eSIM that can provide a constant datalink between your van and the internet.

At its most practical level, We Connect allows you to check fluid levels, lock and unlock the van, and even open the windows, via the We Connect smartphone app.

We Connect Plus adds useful features such as an additional anti-theft alarm system, Online Traffic Information and - perhaps less usefully - media streaming.

These systems also allow 'over-the-air' updates. Which means the Caddy can receive software updates without visiting a dealer on the one hand, but on the other also opens up the possibility of selling add-ons to the van that can be activated remotely as well.

Think we're joking? On one right-hand drive test Caddy we pressed the voice control button on the steering wheel, only to then be greeted with a message on the infotainment screen saying this feature could be activated via 'the Shop'.

This might be a good thing, as it will allow you to add some extra features after you've bought the van (even secondhand). But we were less keen on the system looking like it would allow us to do this while driving.

• Attractively priced, but check what's actually included
• Full UK trim levels and standard equipment details below
• Official fuel economy data shows improved mpg

Volkswagen vans are typically thought of as expensive, but the Caddy Cargo comes in with very attractive – perhaps aggressive – pricing, even at retail.

Compare it to rivals on monthly finance, and you may find it’s better value still, thanks to VW’s strong secondhand prices, which help keep down monthly payments.

However, you should pay attention to exactly what's included for your money. Features you might now expect - such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - are often an optional extra.

VW Caddy mpg

At the time of writing (March 2021), Volkswagen is quoting a claimed 57.6mpg across almost all of the Caddy 5 diesel range. That's a useful 8mpg improvement over the model it replaces, not always a given with the additional emissions control technology of the latest engines.

The exceptions are for the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, which claims 54.3mpg, and the highest specification models, which are down just over 1mpg due to the changes in standard equipment (including the wheels).

There are no figures for the 4Motion four-wheel drive version at this point.

The petrol-power Caddy TSI claims 43.5-44.1mpg with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, 41.5-42.2mpg with the DSG auto.

VW Caddy service warranty

The Caddy Cargo gets the standard Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles warranty, which covers it for three years / 100,000 miles, whichever is sooner.

VW Caddy Cargo service intervals

The fixed service intervals we've been given seem a little short, which could put some buyers off - though if you opt for the variable schedule, this may improve.

On the fixed schedule the Caddy Cargo needs an oil service at 9,300 miles or 12 months (whichever is sooner), and an oil service plus a broader inspection every 18,600 miles or 24 months (whichever is sooner).

On the variable service scheme, the same 18,600-mile / 24-month interval for the oil and inspection service remains, but a regular oil service will flex between 9,300 and 18,600 miles, depending on how the van is used and driven.

VW Caddy Cargo standard equipment

In a complete change from the previous Caddy, and the rest of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range, the Caddy Cargo has three completely new trim levels names: Commerce, Commerce Plus and Commerce Pro.

These are the standard equipment highlights; for details of safety kit see the Safety section.

VW Caddy Cargo Commerce standard equipment highlights:

• Black bumpers, door mirrors and door handles
• Heat-insulated windscreen
• Composition Audio infotainment with 6.5-inch touchscreen, DAB+ radio, Bluetooth, SD card slot, twin USB-C ports, two speakers
• We Connect preparation
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Electronic parking brake
• Lockable glovebox
• Electric door mirrors
• Electric front windows
• Height-adjustable front seats
• LED interior lighting
• Rubber floor in cab
• Multi-function steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment
• Solid bulkhead
• Six load-lashing rings

VW Caddy Cargo Commerce Plus standard equipment:

• Body-coloured bumpers
• Rear parking sensors
• Air-conditioning
• Sun visors with vanity mirrors
• Driver's armrest
• Electrically adjusted lumbar support for driver
• Load compartment lighting

VW Caddy Cargo Commerce Pro standard equipment:

• Alloy wheels
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Gloss black door mirrors and door handles
• Silver sliding door rail
• Heated windscreen
• LED rear lights
• Armrest for passenger seat (as well as driver)
• Power-folding and heated door mirrors
• Automatic wipers
• Discover Media navigation system with 1.0-inch touchscreen
• Alarm

Key options include a Business Pack for the entry-level Caddy Commerce that adds air-con, parking sensors and an alarm.

In a change from the previous model, the Caddy 5 comes with rear doors that don't have windows - this is a security upgrade and brings the Caddy into line with every other small van in the UK.

You can still get glazed doors if you want them, and a tailgate is an option, too.

As a brand new van with new engines, it will be a little while before we know if there are any serious reliability issues or common problems.

We wouldn’t expect any. The MQB platform is very well proven throughout the Volkswagen Group, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also always does extremely well in the FN50 reliability survey.

• New active safety systems
• Trailer Assist among the most useful extras

As befits a modern van, the Caddy Cargo is packed with safety options, with no less than 19 ‘assistance systems’ available. This is yet another benefit of sharing a platform with VW’s car range.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo safety

Highlights of the new safety kit include Travel Assist, which combines the active lane-keeping with the adaptive cruise to help control the van at any speed. You may or may not find this ‘assistance’ annoying, but one of the great things about all the Caddy Cargo’s new safety stuff is just how easy it is to access the settings and tweak everything to your like.

If you’re prepared to pay for it, the Caddy Cargo can also be equipped with Emergency Assist (which will help to bring the van safely to a stop if the driver is unable to for some reason) and Side Assist (which helps with lane changing, using a rear radar system).

Other items worth mentioning include the built-in eSIM, which enables a bunch of connectivity services and allows the Caddy to automatically make ‘eCalls’ to the emergency services in the event of an accident. And for the first time, the Caddy is available with VW’s Trailer Assist system, which makes reversing with a trailer so easy even we can do it.

The usual electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and driver attention alert systems are also available. What you won’t find (either standard or on the options list) is a head-up display or any kind of overload sensor to monitor payload – both of which are available on those key Stellantis rivals.

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo security

Only the top-spec Caddy Cargo Commerce Pro comes with an alarm as standard.