Volkswagen Caddy Cargo VS Citroen Berlingo: Small Van Comparison

The small van category is becoming something of a misnomer these days as the car-like aesthetics make way for vehicles that look more like scaled-down medium vans - with some offering even higher payloads than large vans.
In these comparison articles, we like to compare light commercial vehicles that are different, and the subjects of this one couldn’t be more different. We’re going to be taking a closer look at the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo (pictured left) and the Citroen Berlingo (pictured right) small vans, stacking up what they offer and giving our readers something to match their requirements to. Both are platform sharers - the Citroen sharing with all Stellantis small vans, and the Volkswagen with the Ford Transit Connect - but don’t let that fool you, these vans offer a lot to the right people. In the images throughout this article, the Caddy Cargo is the blue van and the Berlingo is silver – just makes it easier to keep track – and both are the latest models available sporting 2024 or 2025 plates. With that out the way, let's break them down.

Both vehicles are available in short and long wheelbase versions, and both are available as crew vans – sort of – with the Caddy Life being more of a passenger car than a van. At the smaller end of the market you’re unlikely to find too many specialist conversions, but you’ll find converters out there who have used these vehicles as the basis for mini tippers. It might feel like this is a short section of the article, but it really is that simple. Ultimately, your choice of size, length and passenger carrying capabilities will come down to your needs - both vans have something in their range that will work for most users.

It would be easy to assume that both vehicles are available with diesel or electric powertrains, considering how close we are to the 2035 deadline for EV-only new vans in the UK. And while the Berlingo is available with both, the Volkswagen is available with a diesel engine or in a PHEV configuration called ‘eHybrid’ fitted with a petrol engine and electric motor offering the same practicality and comfort levels as the diesel model. This section highlights one of the more interesting choices between the two vans then… on the one hand it’s a binary choice with the Berlingo, but the Volkswagen’s eHybrid system could be the 'halfway house' van you drive for the next three-to-five years before making the switch to electric later on.

In its panel versions, the Citroen Berlingo’s M and XL versions (essentially the short and long wheelbase models) offer up load volumes of 3.3 cubic metres and 3.8 cubic metres, respectively, and payloads of over 1000kg depending on which model/trim is chosen. M lengths get a single sliding door, while the longer XL models get two. Both lengths have two back doors that open to a full 180 degrees, split 60-40 regardless of trim. These are adjusted lower for crew versions of the van.
As for the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo, the panel versions in the short wheelbase version offer 3.1 cubic metres of load volume and the Maxi panels provide 3.7 cubic metres. Payloads range from around 600kg in the lowest ‘Commerce’ trim short wheelbase (SWB) models, right up to 740kg on the ‘Commerce Plus’ SWB eHybrid model. Other than that, access to the load space is through two rear doors or the offside sliding door, and lashing points run down both sides of the cargo area to help with securing loads into place. Again, these volumes and payloads vary in the Life version of this van. If you’re after payload, the Citroen is a clear winner because it’s a bigger vehicle, but we’d hazard there are plenty of people that won’t need to carry huge weights and may find a vehicle of the Caddy’s size more appealing.

The cabin environments are very different on these vans, with the Berlingo offering a more conventional black plastic and fabric van interior and the Caddy Cargo offering a more cosy car-like driving environment. That said, both provide high driving positions that offer excellent visibility and the Caddy Cargo offering (by a squeak) the more objectively comfortable cabin at whatever trim level you choose, which leads us onto those nicely.
The Caddy Cargo is offered in three trim levels – Commerce, Commerce Plus and Commerce Pro – with the latter offering the most tech, safety and comfort. On the Berlingo, trim levels are split easily into two – Enterprise and Driver editions – with the latter being the top trim with all the bells and whistles. The Volkswagen offers more trim levels and therefore more potential for price variance depending on what deals are being offered on the stock batches currently in the UK, although stock levels of Citroen vans are usually high and stable with deals aplenty at time of writing.

The Volkswagen Caddy Cargo comes in a little more expensive with prices across the whole range of power trains and trims starting at £24K and rising to £34K (inc OTR, ex VAT), while the Citroen Berlingo’s prices start at £19K and top out at over £28K (inc OTR, ex VAT). And it was ever thus… Volkswagen vans are sometimes slightly higher priced than other ones, but good finance and lease deals are always popping up, so take a look around before you commit to either van. The brackets put the Caddy Cargo at a disadvantage, but it should be pointed out that the most expensive are the eHybrid models and that more competitive pricing will be found on the diesel models.

Comparing these two vans felt slightly one sided at points. Arguably, the Citroen Berlingo looks to be an easy pick on paper due to its lower pricing, higher payloads and clear-cut choice between diesel or electric power. However, to discount the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo would be churlish, especially when it comes to its smaller size, usable payloads and the compelling eHybrid models that offer long-term cost savings that will mitigate the slightly higher acquisition prices. Make your choice based on the vehicle you think will make best sense for your business and you won’t go wrong. And don’t forget to test drive them before you sign on the dotted line - it’s really the only way to be sure you’re making the right choice.

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