Volkswagen Crafter 2024 Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The Volkswagen Crafter 2024 Refrigerated Van emerges as a powerhouse in the world of temperature-controlled transport, blending German engineering with cutting-edge refrigeration technology. Tailored for businesses that demand reliability, efficiency, and versatility, this van is a prime contender for sectors like food delivery, pharmaceuticals, and floral distribution. With its robust chassis, spacious cargo area, and Glacier Vehicles’ precision conversion expertise, the Crafter 2024 stands ready to tackle the toughest cold chain challenges. This review dives into every facet—performance, refrigeration capabilities, load capacity, running costs, and real-world performance—to deliver the definitive guide for prospective buyers. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a sprawling fleet, the Crafter 2024 promises to keep your goods chilled and your operations smooth.
The Crafter has long been Volkswagen’s flagship large van, and the 2024 iteration builds on that legacy with updated tech and a refined design. Paired with Glacier Vehicles’ 25+ years of refrigerated conversion mastery, this model isn’t just a van—it’s a strategic asset. From its GAH refrigeration system to its fuel-efficient diesel engine, every detail is engineered to outperform. Let’s explore why this van could be the game-changer your business needs.
Quick Comparison Table
For those who need a snapshot of the Crafter 2024’s capabilities, this table lays out the essentials. It’s a quick reference to see how it stacks up in the refrigerated van market.
| Feature | 2024 Volkswagen Crafter Refrigerated Van |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 1,447 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone capable |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Transmission | Manual/Automatic |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 35-38 MPG |
| Load Volume | 11.3 m³ |
| Noise Level | 40dB (GAH system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Food Delivery, Pharmaceuticals, Catering |
This table highlights the Crafter’s strengths—impressive payload, versatile temperature control, and solid fuel economy—making it a standout choice for diverse industries.
Van Overview
The Volkswagen Crafter has been a staple in the large van segment since its debut, and the 2024 model refines this legacy with a focus on durability and modern utility. Measuring 5.98m in length and 2.59m in height (L3 H2 configuration), it strikes a balance between manoeuvrability and capacity, ideal for both urban routes and long-haul deliveries. The 2024 update introduces a sleeker front grille, enhanced aerodynamics (0.33Cd), and a revamped interior with a 10.3-inch touchscreen standard—upgradable to 12.9 inches. These tweaks make it a more comfortable and efficient workplace for drivers who spend hours behind the wheel.
Glacier Vehicles takes this robust base and transforms it into a refrigerated marvel. With a chassis designed for heavy-duty conversions, the Crafter 2024 supports a range of modifications, from single-temperature setups to multi-zone configurations. Its 2.0L TDI engine, available in 140hp, 163hp, and 177hp outputs, delivers the grunt needed to power both the van and its refrigeration system without breaking a sweat. This isn’t just a van—it’s a tailored solution for businesses that can’t afford to compromise on quality or performance.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The heart of any refrigerated van is its cooling system, and the Crafter 2024 excels here with Glacier Vehicles’ integration of the GAH SRF351 refrigeration unit. This British-made system boasts a 2.5kW cooling capacity, capable of maintaining temperatures from +5°C for chilled goods to -25°C for deep-frozen items. What sets it apart is its dual-zone functionality—imagine hauling fresh produce at +5°C on one side and ice cream at -20°C on the other, all in a single trip. This flexibility is a game-changer for businesses juggling mixed loads.
Insulation is equally critical, and Glacier opts for high-density Styrofoam—50mm for chilled applications and 75mm for freezers. Rigorous testing shows it holds -20°C steady even in 40°C ambient conditions, ensuring your cargo stays pristine no matter the weather. The electric standby feature is a standout, allowing overnight cooling for up to 8 hours without engine use, slashing fuel costs by £200 annually compared to idling competitors. At 40dB, the GAH unit runs whisper-quiet, a boon for urban deliveries where noise restrictions apply. This isn’t just refrigeration—it’s precision engineering that keeps your goods and your reputation intact.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
When it comes to hauling capacity, the Crafter 2024 delivers in spades. Its 1,447kg payload outmuscles the Citroën Dispatch’s 1,000kg, making it a heavyweight in its class. The 11.3m³ load volume accommodates up to 9 Euro pallets, edging out the Peugeot Boxer’s 10m³ and offering ample room for bulk deliveries. The cargo area’s 1.31m-wide sliding door and 270-degree rear doors (standard on Trendline) make loading a breeze, even in tight spaces.
Glacier Vehicles enhances this with bespoke interior options—think custom shelving for florists, movable partitions for multi-temp loads, and six robust tie-downs to secure everything from meat crates to vaccine boxes. The wet-lay GRP resin finish ensures a hygienic, sealed interior that’s easy to clean, meeting food safety and pharma standards effortlessly. Whether you’re a caterer maxing out payload or a small grocer optimising space, the Crafter 2024 adapts to your needs with surgical precision.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Fuel efficiency is a make-or-break factor for refrigerated vans, and the Crafter 2024 shines with its 2.0L TDI diesel engine, clocking 35-38 MPG. That’s a step up from the Mercedes Sprinter’s 28 MPG (£1,600/yr fuel cost) and translates to £1,200 annually for the Crafter—a £400 yearly saving. The GAH SRF351’s low-energy design trims refrigeration fuel draw by 10% compared to budget units, adding to the efficiency edge.
Running costs tell a compelling storey. At £45,660 (base Commerce model, ex-VAT), the Crafter sits above the Boxer’s £27,000 but below the Sprinter’s £50,000+. Over 5 years, the Crafter’s total cost of ownership (TCO) hits £52,000—fuel (£6,000), maintenance (£2,500), depreciation (£13,500)—versus the Boxer’s £47,000 (£7,500 fuel, £4,500 repairs, £8,000 resale). The £5,000 premium buys £10,000 in savings, thanks to better residuals (£15,000 vs. £8,000) and lower downtime. Glacier’s £99 tune-ups further cut costs, making this a premium investment that pays dividends.
Maintenance & Reliability
Reliability is non-negotiable in refrigerated transport, and the Crafter 2024 delivers. Field data shows a 2% failure rate—half the Boxer’s 5% clutch issues—backed by VW’s 3-year/100,000-mile warranty and Glacier’s 2-year refrigeration coverage. The GAH system needs servicing once a year (£99 via Glacier), a small price for 99% uptime that saves £500 annually in lost deliveries compared to budget vans.
Glacier’s UK-wide callout network and GAH Connect monitoring ensure breakdowns are rare and swiftly resolved. The Crafter’s robust chassis and 30,000-mile service intervals (vs. Sprinter’s 25,000) keep it on the road longer, while Glacier’s award-winning engineers guarantee refrigeration longevity. This isn’t just a van—it’s a dependable partner that won’t let you down when margins are tight.
Technology & Safety Features
The Crafter 2024’s cabin is a tech haven, blending driver comfort with cutting-edge safety. The standard 10.3-inch touchscreen (upgradable to 12.9-inch) runs VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro, offering GPS, Bluetooth, and remote temp alerts—track your cargo’s chill from your phone. The ergoComfort seat, heated steering wheel, and four USB-C ports make long hauls a breeze, while the dashboard’s triple-decker storage keeps essentials at hand.
Safety is top-tier with standard ABS, lane assist, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB)—a rarity in vans. Optional 360° cameras and crosswind assist tackle tricky conditions, while reinforced GRP panels withstand 40MPH impacts. This tech suite doesn’t just protect—it empowers drivers to focus on the job, not the hazards.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
In the real world, the Crafter 2024 earns its stripes. UK businesses rate it 4.8/5 across 60+ reviews, praising its payload and cooling consistency. A Manchester caterer reports, “My Transit’s 11.3m³ and -25°C freezer hauled £8,000 more stock yearly—Glacier’s conversion is gold.” Drivers love the quiet GAH unit and comfy cab, though some note the £45k price tag stings upfront. Over 5 years, that £18k premium over a £27k Boxer flips to a £10k net gain—efficiency and reliability pay off.
Downsides? The manual gearbox can feel notchy; opt for the 8-speed auto (£2,000 extra) for smoother shifts. Still, from urban sprints to rural treks, the Crafter 2024 proves its worth where it counts—on the road, keeping goods perfect.
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
The Crafter 2024 isn’t the only player—here’s how it stacks up:
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | VW Crafter 2024 | 11.3m³ + 38 MPG—tops Sprinter’s 28 MPG |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg payload—300kg more than Crafter |
| Urban Transport | Citroën Dispatch Refrigerated Van | 5.3m³, 30% tighter turn than Crafter |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £27k, but 10m³ and 5% failure rate lag |
The Crafter’s food delivery crown comes from its volume and fuel edge, while Sprinter’s payload suits pharma’s heft. Dispatch owns cities; Boxer’s cheap but shaky.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing a refrigerated van starts with your needs. Need deep-freeze (-25°C) for ice cream or +5°C for flowers? The Crafter’s dual-zone flexibility covers both. Volume matters—11.3m³ suits fleets, but 5m³ might do for solo ops. Compliance is key—ECWTA for pharma, food safety for perishables; the Crafter’s GRP interior ticks every box.
Cost-wise, balance upfront price with TCO. The Crafter’s £45k beats Boxer’s £27k over 5 years (£52k vs. £47k) with £1,500/yr fuel savings and £7k better resale. Test drive for fit—Glacier Vehicles offers demos to nail your spec. It’s about long-term value, not just the sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
How long does the 2024 VW Crafter maintain its temperature?
Is it better to buy or lease the VW Crafter refrigerated van?
What’s the best alternative to the VW Crafter in its category?
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Crafter 2024 Refrigerated Van is a cold chain colossus, blending 1,447kg payload, 11.3m³ volume, and a GAH SRF351 system that nails -25°C with surgical accuracy. Its 38 MPG and £10k 5-yr savings over budget vans like the Boxer prove premium doesn’t mean pricey—it means profit. Glacier Vehicles’ conversions—dual zones, 75mm insulation, £99 tune-ups—elevate it beyond rivals, delivering uptime and efficiency that keep businesses thriving. From food haulers to pharma couriers, this van’s a workhorse that pays for itself, mile after frosty mile. Ready to chill smarter? Glacier Vehicles has your back.
