Volkswagen Caddy Cargo Van Review (2022) - Parkers

This is our 2025 VW Caddy van review. Now called the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo, to distinguish it further from the passenger versions, this latest variant of the Caddy was launched in 2021 and became the first VW van based on the MQB platform that underpins most of Volkswagen's cars. It's sharp to look at and nice to drive, but can it compete with the best small van rivals?

Also known as the Caddy 5, this fifth-generation small van is a complete departure from the previous Caddy van in more ways than just the name. In addition to the new platform, the Caddy Cargo features new engines, new suspension design, new trim levels, loads of new technology and an upgrade in material quality inside the cab. Not to mention a distinctive new look.

There's even a Caddy California campervan this time round.

New Caddy: rivals it has to beat

Volkswagen has acknowledged just how good some of the competition in the small van sector has become – pointing specifically to the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Toyota Proace City and Vauxhall Combo Cargo.

These identically Stellantis-engineered vehicles offer an impressive blend of practicality, refinement, fuel economy, technology and value. So VW is right to be taking them very seriously – the latest Caddy stands no chance if it can’t tussle with these successfully.

Then there’s the Ford Transit Connect. But good though this is to drive, and even while 2020 brought an upgrade to near 1.0-tonne payload capacity, the compact Transit is long in the tooth and awaiting replacement. However, said replacement has been kicked down the road a few times and now won't arrive until 2025. When it does, Ford's partnership with VW means that it will essentially be a rebadged version of the Caddy Cargo anyway.

Is being based on a car platform good or bad?

Well, it hasn’t done the rival Stellantis vans any harm, and the Volkswagen MQB platform is nothing if not adaptable – you’ll find it under everything from the VW Golf through to some of the firm’s biggest SUVs, not to mention the Audi TT sports car.

In the Caddy’s case, it not only enables a bunch of the latest technology – including VW's latest touchscreen infotainment system – but also makes the new van feel far more modern to drive than the old one.

The amount you have to turn the steering wheel has been substantially reduced, for starters, while changes to the rear suspension are intended to make the Caddy Cargo feel as nimble with a full load as it is without it. Doesn’t quite pull this off, but it’s close.

How clean are the diesel engines?

The new 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel engines fitted in the Caddy Cargo come in three power outputs - 75hp, 102hp and 122hp - and are right at the state of the art for diesel engines.

As with all modern vans they use AdBlue to reduce harmful emissions, but uniquely (at launch) the Caddy’s system features ‘twin dosing’ to take the emissions even lower.

The Caddy Cargo is also available with a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, producing 114hp, which has Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) that can disable two of its cylinders to save fuel whenever full performance isn’t needed.

Will there be an electric VW Caddy?

There won't be a Caddy Cargo electric van, as Volkswagen has gone all-in on the ID Buzz Cargo, which is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform.

There are also no current plans to bring the Caddy Cargo eHybrid to the UK, though this model is available in Europe.

How practical is the Caddy 5?

The Caddy Cargo comes in two sizes: standard short-wheelbase (SWB) and Maxi long-wheelbase (LWB).

The standard model is a touch longer than it was before, the Maxi a touch shorter – which has exactly the kind of impact you’d expect on the load space. However, both feature lower loading-floors and can fit taller items inside, despite the vans having lower rooflines on the outside.

Additional width between the rear wheel arches – another benefit of the redesigned rear suspension – means Euro pallets can now be loaded sideways, an improvement over the previous Caddy. You’ll fit two inside the Caddy Maxi.

Less impressive is the maximum payload, which at this stage is limited to just 780kg. Someway short of the 1,000kg / 1.0-tonne ratings that many competing small vans now boast.

You can read more about all this on our dedicated Volkswagen Caddy Cargo dimensions page.

Verdict: is the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo any good?

There is lots more detail if you read further into this Caddy Cargo review, but the quick take is that this is an impressive small van. It looks good, drives well, interior quality is high, and the on-board technology makes it feel just as modern on the inside as it appears on the outside.

We do question the usability of some of that technology (see the Interior section below for more details), and the payload still falls way short of the best competition. It's also a shame that the Caddy still isn't quieter in the cabin, another area where the best rivals now excel. Owners of previous Caddy vans may be perplexed by the tinny-sounding and lightweight-feeling doors, too.

Yet taken as a whole this is a convincing package of pleasant driveability, useful practicality features and premium image.

Skip to our full verdict on...

• Driving
• Interior
• Costs
• Reliability
• Safety