Summary
The Volkswagen Multivan is an upmarket seven-seat people carrier which arrived in the UK in early 2022 to replace the ageing Volkswagen Caravelle.
Despite the name ‘Multivan’ and the fact that previous generations of Multivan have been based on the Volkswagen Transporter van, the latest Multivan is actually built on the same passenger car platform that underpins the current Volkswagen Golf and many other vehicles in the larger VW/Audi/Skoda/SEAT family.
So, although it looks very similar to the latest Volkswagen Transporter and is designed to rival other van-based people carriers like the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, the Multivan has inherited driving dyamics that are much more car-like, along with the company’s latest plug-in hybrid technology.
“Everything from the way it looks to the way it drives represents a well-conceived upgrade over almost all other vehicles of this type”, Parkers explains, while praising the people carrier for its surprising driver appeal and its flexible and spacious interior.
What Car? adds that the Multivan is expected to have “exceptionally good residual values” and is full of the latest Volkswagen technology, even if the infotainment is “not the best”. This is the most prominent criticism of the Multivan, as it uses the same infotainment system as the electric ID. range that Business Car calls “confusing” and Top Gear says is “awful”. Auto Trader also gave the Multivan a poor review based on a host of reliability issues with the test car provided.
The price tag is a sticking point for a few reviewers too – with Multivan pricing starting above £50,000, Carbuyer recommends waiting a few years for the Multivan to appear on the used market, or to take a look at the slightly more expensive and distinctive ID. Buzz people carrier.
As of January 2024, the Volkswagen Multivan holds an Expert Rating of 69%, which is a significantly lower score than the 81% score achieved by the electric ID. Buzz.
Multivan highlights
- Flexible seven-seater
- Spacious and tech-laden cabin
- Diverse engine range includes PHEV
- Low running costs
- Great to drive by people carrier standards
Multivan lowlights
- Expensive, base price and up
- Light steering
- Overshadowed by electric ID. Buzz
- No rear air-con on entry-level model
- Confusing infotainment
Key specifications
Body style: Van-based people carrier
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £43,258 on-road
Launched: Spring 2022
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Previous Caravelle models have handled well despite their size and weight, and the Volkswagen Multivan continues that tradition. It is a satisfying vehicle to drive and good all-round visibility makes it easy to place on the road. Drivers will be able to take advantage of more than 20 driver assist systems.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Style
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volkswagen Multivan TSI fills a brief for buyers that don’t want a dirty diesel or a plug-in model, but it’s not as good as either of these versions. There’s no arguing with its cabin versatility, but the PHEV is a better option in town, while the diesel is the one to go for if you’re planning longer trips.” (Dean Gibson)
Read review
Model reviewed: Multivan eHybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Multivan is the pinnacle of the MPV concept. Not because it’s a new model in a dying sector, but because it reinvents the formula by mixing van-like dimensions with car-like handling and quality. This eHybrid is best when fully charged – a pure petrol or diesel will make more sense if you regularly do longer journeys.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 4 / 10
“Volkswagen hopes Multivan’s blend of MPV practicality and lifestyle cool will win families over from SUVs but reliability concerns spoil the party.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s a ‘for better or worse’ caveat here. Yes, this is an advanced and comprehensively equipped interface that more than befits the Multivan’s heavy-usage billing and chunky list price, but here, as in all other new VW cars, the infotainment is hamstrung by an overt lack of focus on ergonomics.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Sister van, the all-electric ID.Buzz will get all the attention of course, because of its modern retro looks, but if EV power doesn’t work, the Multivan still looks sharp, is impressively practical and surprisingly good to drive and in hybrid form, should prove cheap to run – although it’s not cheap to buy.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you like big bus and you cannot lie, this is the place to start if you’re shopping for a new model. The interior flexibility surpasses everything else in the sector – though the Mercedes V-Class remains a strong challenger if you’re looking for maximum lux.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Multivan represents a successful update of VW’s popular posh MPV but it’s expensive.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
“There’s no denying that there are cheaper ways to transport seven people in comfort, although the Multivan is well under the price of a Mercedes V-Class, if not as luxurious. But it’s an effortless and cleverly thought-out way to carry large families or shuttle important people from place to place.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Multivan eHybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“The Multivan eHybrid’s most obvious rival is the Ford Tourneo Custom PHEV, offering a slightly less upmarket finish and image than the Multivan, but seating for up to eight. Hybrid seven-seater SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX L and Kia Sorento PHEV may also be a consideration, although none will match the sheer versatility and carrying capacity of the Multivan.”
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Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Multivan eHybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“This looks like a great effort from Volkswagen. The old Caravelle had an upmarket feel this is a step up from that. It’s a shame that the hybrid system isn’t more electric-focused given the space available, but this is a welcome addition and great for bigger families.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Whether you’re looking for the ultimate family transport, need to transport Lord Sugar to the golf club or just want a car that doubles up as a work van, the Volkswagen Multivan is one of the most versatile people carriers on sale today.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It feels civilised on the open road, although that light steering means it never feels as confident or assured as SUV alternatives like the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Multivan’s blocky shape means there’s quite a lot of wind noise at higher speeds, although no more so than van-based alternatives.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“If you’re looking for the most practical way to transport up to seven people, then yes, the Multivan is worth close consideration. Everything from the way it looks to the way it drives represents a well-conceived upgrade over almost all other vehicles of this type.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Life Standard
Score: 8 / 10
“On versatility and space, the Volkswagen Multivan trounces any large SUV that costs a similar amount and it has the edge over van-based rivals in driveability and desirability. And there’s something disarming about its honesty, too. In a world of jumped-up hatchbacks posing as SUVs, and SUVs trying to be MPVs, the Multivan does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a proper van, and proud of it. And so will its owners be.” (Alex Robbins)
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Proves the folly of SUVs. This is more spacious, more comfortable and easier to drive than any pretentious 4×4. Useful hybrid option. Interior spoiled by VW’s awful infotainment.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Multivan is better to drive and more sophisticated than its van-based MPV rivals, plus it comes with an extensive range of engine options to suit all needs.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: February 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 89%
Vulnerable road users: 69%
Safety assist: 87%
Crash tested by safety body Euro NCAP in early 2022, the plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) version of the Volkswagen Multivan was awarded one of the most impressive five-star safety ratings a people carrier has received to date. This rating standard for the entire range of Multivan powertrain options.
The Multivan acheived high adult protection and child protection scores in the event of a crash, and its impressive safety assistance technology score displays that the people carrier is adept at avoiding potential road accidents in the first place.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2024, the Volkswagen Multivan has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Volkswagen Multivan to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusive from extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Multivan, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 33 mpg | E | 31 – 35 mpg | D – E |
Diesel models | 43 mpg | C | 43 – 44 mpg | C – C |
Plug-in hybrid models | 155 mpg | A | 149 – 157 mpg | A – A |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 192 g/km | C | 180 – 204 g/km | C – D |
Diesel models | 172 g/km | C | 170 – 173 g/km | C – C |
Plug-in hybrid models | 41 g/km | A | 41 – 42 g/km | A – A |
Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Plug-in hybrid models | 30 miles | E | 29 – 32 miles | E – E |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 34 | C | 26 – 50 | B – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £175 | A |
Year 2 | £528 | B |
Year 3 | £845 | B |
Year 4 | £1,118 | B |
Year 5 | £1,464 | B |
Overall | £4,130 | B |
The Volkswagen Multivan is a fairly affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel economy is disappointing for petrol models but good for diesel-engined versions. The plug-in hybrid models look amazing on paper, but this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids. There is no way you will ever travel for 155 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity…
The battery range of the plug-in hybrid model is also poor when compared to other PHEVs, though this is to be expected considering its large size. The car’s service and maintenance costs should be affordable, and insurance costs are around the market average.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Volkswagen Multivan has received
2023
- Autocar Awards – Best Large Car
2022
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best Seven-Seater
- Red Dot Design Awards – Best of the Best Award
- Tow Car Awards – Most Practical Tow Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Volkswagen Multivan, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer | Citroën SpaceTourer | Ford Galaxy | Ford S-Max | Ford Tourneo Custom | Mercedes-Benz V-Class | Peugeot Traveller | Toyota Proace Verso | Vauxhall Vivaro Life | Volkswagen Caravelle
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