specialist vehicle hire - head to head
Ford Transit vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Both makes turn up on the same shortlists, and the honest answer is that they are built for different buyers rather than one being better than the other. Here is what actually separates them - from a directory that sells neither.
| Ford Transit | Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | United States and Europe (Ford) | Germany |
| UK availability | Widely available - large UK network | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | Panel vans, Luton and box bodies, Tippers, Crew cabs | panel van, chassis cab, crew van, kombi/minibus |
| Best known for | Transit Custom | Crafter |
Choose Ford Transit if...
The default British van, and the one most hire fleets are built around. Anyone who has driven a van has probably driven a Transit, which removes a whole category of friction from a one-day hire.
Look at: Transit Custom, Transit Luton and tipper conversions
Full Ford Transit profile →Choose Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles if...
Volkswagen's van line splits into the mid-size Transporter and the large Crafter, both aimed at trades and fleet buyers who want car-like cabin quality. The Crafter is built with Ford's e-Transit-class rivals in mind, offered up to 5.0t GVW with front, rear or all-wheel drive. Resale values and dealer network size are frequently cited as reasons UK fleets choose VW over cheaper rivals.
Look at: Crafter, Transporter
Full Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles profile →Where to hire or buy either
Most UK specialist vehicle hire companies carry several makes and advertise none of them, so the practical move is to find the firms covering your area and ask what is on the yard.
Ford Transit vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles - common questions
Is Ford Transit better than Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. The default British van, and the one most hire fleets are built around. Anyone who has driven a van has probably driven a Transit, which removes a whole category of friction from a one-day hire. Volkswagen's van line splits into the mid-size Transporter and the large Crafter, both aimed at trades and fleet buyers who want car-like cabin quality. The Crafter is built with Ford's e-Transit-class rivals in mind, offered up to 5.0t GVW with front, rear or all-wheel drive. Resale values and dealer network size are frequently cited as reasons UK fleets choose VW over cheaper rivals.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, Ford Transit or Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles?
Ford Transit: The best-supported commercial vehicle in Britain for parts and servicing. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: Sold through a nationwide Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer network and widely available on UK self-drive and business lease fleets.
Can I hire rather than buy?
Yes. Most UK specialist vehicle hire companies hire as well as sell, and many carry several makes without listing them. Search by your area and ask what they have on the yard.
Other comparisons
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Brand and model names are the trademarks of their owners, used here only to identify the products they refer to. Specifications vary by model year and market - confirm weights, dimensions and towing limits with the supplier before hiring or buying.