specialist vehicle hire - head to head
Renault 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.
| Renault | Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | France | Germany |
| Making trailers since | 1980 | 1950 |
| UK availability | Widely available - large UK network | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | panel van, crew van, chassis cab, platform cab | panel van, chassis cab, crew van, kombi/minibus |
| Weight range | 2.8t - 4.5t GVW | 2.8t - 5.0t GVW |
| Best known for | Master | Crafter |
Choose Renault if...
Renault's van range centres on the Master (large) and Trafic (medium), both descended from Renault-designed platforms it shares under alliance agreements with Nissan and, for Master, with Vauxhall/Opel. UK buyers see Renault vans widely in removals and trade fleets, helped by competitive payload figures and long-standing dealer support for commercial customers.
Look at: Master, Trafic
Full Renault 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.
Renault vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles - common questions
Is Renault better than Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. Renault's van range centres on the Master (large) and Trafic (medium), both descended from Renault-designed platforms it shares under alliance agreements with Nissan and, for Master, with Vauxhall/Opel. UK buyers see Renault vans widely in removals and trade fleets, helped by competitive payload figures and long-standing dealer support for commercial customers. 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, Renault or Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles?
Renault: Long-established in UK trade and removals fleets, with the Master and Trafic sold through Renault's UK business/LCV dealer network and offered by major self-drive hire operators. 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.