Toyota Coaster vs Volkswagen Crafter

A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance, fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.

Toyota Coaster in South Africa

Toyota Coaster

2.8D GL 6AT Diesel 6-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 1,207,600 ex-showroom
⚡ 110 kW 🔧 420 Nm ⛽ 7.5 km/l
VS
Volkswagen Crafter in South Africa

Volkswagen Crafter

50 Panel Van XLWB 8AT Diesel Current
ZAR 1,406,000 ex-showroom
⚡ 103 kW 🔧 340 Nm ⛽ 16.7 km/l
＋ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

Toyota Coaster vs Volkswagen Crafter: the short answer

Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.

Crafter starts ZAR 346,400 cheaper Coaster from ZAR 1,207,600 · Crafter from ZAR 861,200

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification Coaster Crafter
Maximum Power Coaster110 kW Crafter103 kW
Maximum Torque Coaster420 Nm Crafter340 Nm
Engine Size Coaster2755 cc Crafter1968 cc
Combined Fuel Economy Coaster7.5 km/l Crafter16.7 km/l
Ground Clearance Coaster180 mm Crafter195 mm

Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.

Independent editorial assessment

Hagalu editorial ratings

When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.

Toyota Coaster

2.8D GL 6AT

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

Volkswagen Crafter

50 Panel Van XLWB 8AT

Hagalu editorial rating Not yet rated

No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.

How Hagalu rates cars

Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Coaster Crafter
Model Introduced Year Current local generation year not confirmed Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation Current South African Coaster listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data. Current South African Crafter listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle. Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since Original current-generation version Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending Current Current
Body Style Midibus Van
Color Note Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering. Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note Top grade in the South Africa lineup Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year 2026 Current
Production Status active published
Segment Bus Van
Tare Mass Kg 3670 kg GVM class 5000 kg
Vehicle Type Bus Van
Drivetrain Note - 4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Spec Coaster Crafter
Length 6990 mm 7391 mm
Width 2080 mm 2040 mm
Height 2635 mm 2590 mm
Wheelbase 3935 mm 4490 mm
Ground Clearance (Default) 180 mm 195 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load) 125 mm -
Fuel Tank Capacity 95 l 75 l
Boot/Cargo Space 472 l -
Kerb Weight 3670 kg -
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) 5325 kg 6000 kg
Payload Capacity 1655 kg -
Towing Capacity 1400 kg -
Seating Capacity 23 seats 3 seats
Number of Rows 3 rows -
Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius 6.5 m -
Front Headroom 981 mm -
Rear Headroom 953 mm -
Front Legroom 1045 mm -
Rear Legroom 896 mm -

In depth: how these cars differ

This Coaster and Crafter comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.

Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.

Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.

Specification Score Withheld

Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.

Fail closed

Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.

Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.

What the evidence means

No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.

Related comparisons

Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.

Coaster
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Coaster vs Transit Van →
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Quantum Bus
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Coaster vs Transporter Vans →
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Coaster vs Transit Custom →
Crafter
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Transit Van
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Crafter vs Transit Van →
Crafter
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VS
Quantum Bus
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Crafter vs Quantum Bus →

Coaster vs Crafter questions

There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.

Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.

Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.

A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.

Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.

Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.