Precision in choosing a large van often comes down to the smallest details. For tradespeople, fleet managers, and delivery professionals who require a van with the right mix of capacity, efficiency, and road presence, the Volkswagen Crafter stands as a benchmark. Having established itself as an adaptable workhorse, the Crafter’s physical aspects do much more than simply store cargo—they shape daily workflows, accessibility, and operating costs.
The Crafter’s dimensions are not accidental. They are meticulously developed to meet the wide-ranging needs of those who depend on their vans for everything from urban deliveries to long-distance logistics. Whether needing the right side door width for pallets or assessing the interior height for racking, these numbers affect productivity and flexibility in ways that can surprise even seasoned van users.
For those comparing options, you may also want to review the Renault Master dimensions to see how they stack up against the Volkswagen Crafter.
Let’s take a look at how the dimensions add up, what the models offer, and why precise sizing is essential for maximising the Crafter’s capabilities across different industries.
The Complete Dimensions Breakdown
Below is a snapshot of core Crafter models and their measurements, which reveal the spectrum covered by the VW Crafter range. These figures aren’t just window dressing; they define what can be carried, how easily crews can load or unload, and how comfortably the van can be operated in tight or sprawling environments.
Model
Roof Height
WB (mm)
Load Length (mm)
Width (mm)
Width (arches mm)
Height (mm)
Load Volume (m³)
Side Door (mm)
Rear Door (mm)
Rear Door Height (mm)
Turning Circle (m)
CR50 Long
High
4490
4300
1832
1030
1801
13.6
1311
1522
1740
16.2
CR50 Long
Super-high
4490
4300
1832
1030
2039
15.1
1311
1522
1740
16.2
CR50 Long Maxi
High
4490
4855
1832
1030
1801
16.4
1311
1522
1740
16.2
CR50 Long Maxi
Super-high
4490
4855
1832
1030
2039
18.4
1311
1522
1740
16.2
CR35 Long Maxi
High
4490
4855
1832
1380
1961
16.4
1311
1522
1840
16.2
CR35 Long Maxi
Super-high
4490
4855
1832
1380
2196
18.4
1311
1522
1840
16.2
CR50 Medium
High
3640
3640
1832
1030
1801
13.6
1311
1522
1740
13.6
CR30/35 Medium
Low
3640
3640
1832
1380
1726
9.9
1311
1522
1605
13.6
CR30/35 Medium
High
3640
3640
1832
1380
1861
10.7
1311
1522
1740
13.6
CR35 Long
High
4490
4300
1832
1380
1801
13.6
1311
1522
1740
16.2
CR35 Long
Super-high
4490
4300
1832
1380
2039
15.5
1311
1522
1740
16.2
A few of these terms may need clarifying. For instance, “Width between arches” refers to the narrowest usable cargo width at floor level, dictated by the rear wheel arch intrusions. “WB” stands for wheelbase length, which influences both stability and turning performance.
Form Follows Function
The Crafter is available in multiple ‘height and length’ combinations, yielding variations that can suit an array of businesses. The difference between a high roof and a super-high roof alone translates into dramatic changes in vertical storage. For those installing shelving or running mobile workshops, every extra centimetre in height enables further configuration.
A longer wheelbase does more than just give you additional load length. It changes the driving experience, with a longer van offering a slightly wider turning circle but a more relaxed ride at motorway speeds. Shorter wheelbase (Medium) versions prove much easier to slip through city streets or wiggle into delivery bays in cramped locations.
Volume Optimisation
Available load volumes in the Crafter stretch from just under 10 cubic metres for the short, low-roof models, right up to a cavernous 18.4 cubic metres on the longest, super-high versions. But it’s not simply about cramming in more boxes; a smart operator looks for the right combination of length, width, height and accessibility for their particular loads.
Some use cases where volume and dimension truly matter:
Parcel delivery companies balancing item size with route density
Builders needing to transport lengths of pipe or timber without cutting to fit
Couriers making regular use of forklifts to load heavy goods need side and rear door access that is both wide and tall
Specialist trades storing tall equipment or requiring standing room
Practicality in Everyday Use
It’s easy to focus on headline figures such as length or maximum capacity, but with Crafter, it’s the thoughtful measurements that support working efficiency. Side door widths at 1311 mm, with rear openings of 1522 mm, are configurable to suit Euro-pallets and large cargo. Rear door heights range from 1605 mm on lower models to 1840 mm on super-high variants, which makes dropping off tall items or using a tail-lift far simpler.
Turning circle figures, ranging between 13.6 metres (for Medium) and 16.2 metres (for Long models), matter not only for U-turns but for safely parking in tight distribution centres or inner-city spaces.
Decoding the Crafter Range
With multiple versions, the right Crafter depends on both the cargo and the routes:
CR30/35 Medium: Easier for city-based deliveries, modest loads, still wide enough for practical interior racking.
CR35 Long & Long Maxi: For those needing more length without breaching restrictions on vehicle size that can complicate access or licensing.
CR50: The heaviest-duty offering, for major payload and wheelbase flexibility in fleet roles.
Key aspects to weigh up include:
Will most loads involve tall or awkwardly-shaped items? Opt for a super-high roof.
Is maximising pallet count essential? Prioritise models with longer load length and ample width between wheel arches.
Are you operating mostly in small towns or rural areas? The larger turning circle of Maxi variants may never pose a problem, while the added volume can be a significant advantage.
The Advantage of Consistency
All Crafter models maintain consistent external widths of roughly 1832 mm, simplifying things when fitting the van into standard parking bays or planning signage. Door aperture sizes enable the widest possible range of loads with the minimum of wasted space, showing genuine attention to operator needs.
Volkswagen’s design intent appears clear: rather than offering just one or two options, the manufacturer provides a structured ladder of sizes, so that a small roofing business and a major food distributor can both select a Crafter that fits with their workflows.
Clever Floor-to-Roof Innovation
Interior dimensions come alive when used for creative adaptations. Some owners install full-length shelving on the broader models, leveraging the higher width between wheel arches (up to 1380 mm in CR35 versions) as a ‘goods aisle’ while leaving space for roll cages or equipment in the middle. Others take advantage of the full roof height to accommodate walk-in standing-room, turning the Crafter into everything from a dry-cleaning pickup point to a mobile tech workshop.
The CR35’s mix of length, height, and width positions it as a platform for bespoke conversions, from classic HVAC vans to advanced refrigerated transports. Meanwhile, the CR30 and lighter models fit smaller operators, who need payload without the pressures of negotiating size-restricted areas.
What the Dimensions Mean for Efficiency
Every millimetre counts when running a commercial vehicle, as it directly relates to the bottom line. A van that is too small for its typical load reduces efficiency; too large a van, on the other hand, can waste fuel and prove harder to manoeuvre.
Volkswagen recognises that balance is key. By offering such precise increments, the Crafter’s line-up effectively reduces the risk of buying “too much van” or ending up with one that struggles to handle a business’ evolving needs.
In the table above, the distinction between “load width” and “width between arches” might look minor, but it makes all the difference for those trying to load wide items, trolleys, or bespoke racking. A few extra centimetres can prevent hours of daily struggle.
Everyday Practicality Applied
Fleet operators often choose a diverse mix of these models, fitting Crafters to the jobs at hand. For smaller loads, rapid drop-offs or city-based logistics, Medium versions keep running costs optimal. Longer or taller models take on specialist goods without skipping a beat.
Selecting a Crafter based on these figures means thinking long-term, keeping an eye on the types of contracts, shape of consignments, and operational territories likely to be encountered. Volkswagen’s approach — providing options while preserving universal strengths — creates a sense of confidence among those who choose these adaptable vans.
By understanding the differences in roof heights, load volumes, and critical width measurements, any business can match its ambitions to a vehicle that’s ready and waiting for every working day. Efficiency, adaptability and a professional appearance: this is what smart use of space brings to business with the Volkswagen Crafter.
J
About Jamie Harris
Jamie Harris is a commercial vehicle analyst and van specialist, known for his clear and practical advice to fleet buyers and small businesses across the UK. Over the past 12 years, Jamie has reviewed hundreds of vans—including every version of the Vauxhall Movano—focusing on real-world usability, dimensions, and payloads.
