Volkswagen Transporter Kombi (2026 - ) review

Payloads differ by trim and wheelbase length, so reckon on something between 878 kg to just under 1,100 kg on the diesels – make sure you check the spec sheet – and something between 730 kg and 809 kg on the electrics. Towing capability is 2,500 kg braked on all diesels, aside from the 4MOTION models which can tow 2,400 kg, and 2,000 kg on the electrics. Load volume will vary from around six to just under seven cubic metres depending on which wheelbase length you opt for, and what you do with the seats, and in the long wheelbase versions you can fit two Euro pallets behind the second row of seats. The three-seat back row can stay put, or you can choose to fold them, tumble them forward or remove them completely depending on what you need to use the vehicle for that day. The load space is accessed from the rear through a big folding tailgate – great for shelter during rain or shade during sun – and the second row of seats can be accessed directly through the two glazed side sliding doors. It’s a multi-role van that plays each role pretty perfectly… if you need something that can do ‘all the things’. 

Without a bulkhead behind the second row of seats and glazed doors in the rear, the interior of the Transporter Kombi feels airy and light. At the basic trim level you get material seats, plastic dashboard and surfaces, plenty of storage and comfy seating. Higher trim levels add a few flourishes to the design, but it all stays pretty consistent as you move up the levels. The big 12-inch driver’s display and 13-inch infotainment screen are sharp and clear, with the main screen angled helpfully towards the driver. There are plenty of sockets and wireless app connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Kombis also get heated seats and single-zone air conditioning with auto control in the cab, and a rear-view camera. Check the spec list for the higher trim levels because there are some nice additions at the higher levels, but none of them are deal breakers. Most are aesthetic enhancements, but even at the entry level the aesthetics are perfectly fine! 

Diesel versions will offer you fuel efficiency in the mid 30s for mpg (achievable, but very dependent on your own driving style), while the electric Kombis can all provide over 200 miles of reliable electric range – we’ve driven an electric Transporter Panel Van previously which is what we’re basing the electric range reliability on. Fuel prices are what they are, and home charging will be more affordable than public charging. Prices start on the Kombis from around £36K (ex VAT, inc OTR) on a diesel model and peaking at £69K (ex VAT, inc OTR) for a top-spec electric (before the van grant is applied and brings it down), but acquisition can be made easy with finance or on a lease. 

Based on the Ford Transit Custom, the new Transporter Kombi has a good base of reliability to rest on… just bear in mind that the wet belt issue is still the go-to gripe here, but easily sorted with some forward planning and keeping to your service schedules. Another boost to reliability is the 5+ Promise that Volkswagen applies to all of its commercial vehicles. This package consists of a five-year warranty, with the same period covered by Roadside Assistance, three MOTs and three services. We know a few people who chose a Volkswagen van over a Ford equivalent simply for this warranty package, and who can blame them?

As you’d expect, the Transporter Kombi performs its duties as a multi-role van very well. The tumbling/folding seats make the workspace available highly customisable to your needs – whether you’re carrying people or things. The dual side doors are great for loading passengers and items in through and the tailgate is cool – just make sure you leave enough space at the back to open it fully. Driving is smooth whether you’re using a diesel or electric model and you’re really going to have to nitpick negatives in its performance. 

The diesel model we’ve tested drives nicely, with only the tiniest touch of floaty steering. It wasn’t loaded, so we put that lightness down to needing a bit more weight in the back to stiffen things up. The automatic gearbox is responsive with no instances of noticeable lag. We haven’t driven an electric Kombi… yet. However, the writer of this review is just about to take a loan of one and will be updating this review after a week with it. Most vans handle better with load – it’s what they’re made for – so don’t let our mentions of floaty steering turn you off. These vans drive well, and by ‘these vans’ we mean the Transporter and the Transit Custom. 

The safety systems on offer are generous and include an anti-theft alarm, backup horn, towing protection, cruise control, eCall emergency call system, ESC, collision warning, keyless start, lane assist, parking sensors, road sign display and a rear camera. Check the specifications of the vehicle you choose to make sure the safety systems you require are there. Oh, and did we mention the Transporter has a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP? Well, it does, meaning it's among the safest vans to drive on the road today. Which is good peace of mind.  

Above the items listed in other sections, all Transporter Kombis come with the two sliding side doors with vent windows, the tumbling/folding/removable second row of seats, dimming rear-view mirror, rubber flooring, scuff plates, tie downs in the load area, USB sockets in the front and back, and more. The steps up between the trim levels are predictable and worth checking out to make sure your must-have features are included. The top ‘normal’ trim – Commerce Pro S – adds a raft of body enhancements, alloy wheels, artificial leather, LED lights, a bench seat, and more. You might also be tempted by the super-spec Sportline models… but the cost to make that jump might keep you grounded in the standard trims, but our Sportline review can shed more light. Most things you’d need in a modern van are right there in the entry-level Commerce Plus trim, which is a testament to how well-equipped the vehicle is. 

You’ll choose a Volkswagen Transporter Kombi because you want a multi-role van capable of carrying decent payloads, whether they be people or things. The second row of seats is fully removable, allowing for flexibility and an almost instantaneous personalisation of the van’s interior to suit your daily use. And you get to drive a Volkswagen van! In short, you get a great multi-role vehicle packed with kit and such a good warranty that it’ll always feel like a sweet deal.