VW Crafter engines

Since its introduction in 2006, the VW Crafter has established itself as a robust van in the 3.5-ton class and offers a sophisticated range of engines for commercial applications across two generations. The technological development from simple common-rail diesels to modern BlueMotion engines reflects Volkswagen's progress in the commercial vehicle sector.

VW Crafter Generation I (2006-2016)

The first VW Crafter generation was developed in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz and shared the technology with the Sprinter, which proved to be a stroke of luck for reliability. These robust VW Crafter engines easily reached 400,000 to 600,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, with commercial users often even documenting mileages of over 800,000 kilometers. Major repairs were typically only due between 300,000 and 400,000 kilometers, usually limited to injectors or turbochargers. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 2.5 TDI with 164 hp (CRFC), which optimally combined power, reliability and moderate consumption values. Technically, all engines were based on proven Mercedes technology with common-rail injection, which ensured exceptional durability. The VW Crafter positioned itself on the market as a cheaper alternative to the Mercedes Sprinter with almost identical technology.

VW Crafter diesel engines: Generation I (2006-2016)

The VW Crafter engine range consisted exclusively of diesel units, as petrol engines were uncommon in this vehicle class. The basis was the 2.5 TDI in various power levels: The entry-level engine produced 88 hp (CECA), followed by more powerful variants with 109 hp (CECB), 136 hp (CEBB) and the top model with 164 hp (CRFC). All VW Crafter TDI engines had modern second-generation common-rail injection and met at least the Euro 4 standard, later models even Euro 5. The VW Crafter 2.5 TDI with 136 hp developed into the most reliable engine of the generation - it offered sufficient power for all purposes, consumed a moderate 8.5-9.5 liters per 100 km and rarely had problems with injectors or turbochargers. The weaker variants were more economical, but often underpowered, while the 164 hp engine occasionally showed problems with EGR cooling.

VW Crafter Generation II (2017-today)

The second VW Crafter generation marked a completely new beginning with independent Volkswagen technology and state-of-the-art engines from the EA288 family. With proper maintenance, these VW Crafter engines achieve mileages of 350,000 to 500,000 kilometers, although the reliability of the previous generation has not yet been fully achieved. Typical repair intervals are between 200,000 and 300,000 kilometers, mostly concerning the complex exhaust gas aftertreatment with AdBlue system. The outstanding engine of this generation is the 2.0 TDI with 177 hp, which offers more power than the old 2.5-liter units despite its smaller displacement. Technical highlights include the modular EA288 architecture with twin-dosing AdBlue system and automatic start-stop system. The new Crafter competes successfully on the market with the Ford Transit and Iveco Daily, although the modern technology initially brought more teething troubles with it.

VW Crafter diesel engines: Generation II (2017-today)

The VW Crafter engine range is based entirely on the proven EA288 family with 2.0-liter displacement. Four power levels are available: 102 hp (CRKA), 122 hp (CRKB), 140 hp (CRLB) and 177 hp (CRLD). All VW Crafter TDI engines feature fourth-generation common-rail injection, turbocharging with variable geometry and comply with the Euro 6 standard with SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection. The VW Crafter 2.0 TDI with 140 hp has established itself as the most balanced engine of this generation - it offers sufficient power for heavy loads, consumes only 7.8-8.6 liters per 100 km and has so far shown the fewest problems with exhaust gas aftertreatment. The most powerful variant with 177 hp is occasionally prone to problems with the AdBlue system and increased wear of the exhaust gas recirculation system, while the weaker engines are more economical but reach their limits under full load.

VW Crafter electric drive: Generation II (2017-today)

The VW e-Crafter has been available as a purely electric version since 2018. The electric motor delivers 136 hp and offers a maximum torque of 290 Nm from standstill. With a battery capacity of 35.8 kWh, the VW e-Crafter achieves a range of up to 173 kilometers according to the WLTP standard. This drive is ideal for urban delivery traffic, but the short range limits the area of application considerably.

Conclusion: The best VW Crafter engines of all generations

The development of the VW Crafter engines shows the change from proven Mercedes technology to independent Volkswagen solutions. While the first generation impressed with its exceptional robustness, the second generation offers state-of-the-art technology with a slight loss of long-term reliability. Electrification opens up new possibilities for urban delivery traffic, but cannot yet completely replace diesel engines.

• Best VW Crafter diesel engine overall:

The VW Crafter 2.5 TDI with 136 hp (Generation I) combines legendary reliability with sufficient power and moderate operating costs - a guarantee for over 500,000 kilometers of mileage.

• Best modern VW Crafter diesel engine:

The VW Crafter 2.0 TDI with 140 hp (Generation II) offers the best balance of performance, consumption and reliability of the current series with state-of-the-art exhaust technology.

• Best VW Crafter for city traffic:

The VW e-Crafter with 136 hp electric motor is ideal for emission-free inner-city deliveries, but is only suitable for special purposes due to its limited range.

For maintenance and spare parts for all VW Crafter generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery directly to commercial and private customers.

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