Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Volkswagen Caravelle (T5, facelift 2009) Long 2.0 TSI (150 Hp)
Overall Rating
7.8 / 10
Volkswagen Caravelle:
Volkswagen Caravelle is the nameplate of a van based on the Volkswagen Transporter. For information about the Caravelle, refer to the regular Transporter articles:....(Read more on Wikipedia)
(T5, facelift 2009) Long Overview:
Volkswagen Caravelle ((T5, facelift 2009) Long). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2033 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.5 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A large vehicle designed for transporting goods or groups of people. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.0 TSI (150 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate performance for daily driving, but can feel somewhat strained when fully loaded, especially on inclines. Smooth power delivery typical of petrol engines.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is on the higher side for a van of this size, particularly in urban environments, making it less ideal for high-mileage users.
Best Use Case:
Lighter loads, shorter trips, or for drivers who prefer the refinement of a petrol engine and are less concerned with absolute fuel efficiency.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.
Allowed: 92%
Neutral: 0%
Issues: 8%
4.7 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 12 discussions
Read What Owners Say
👍 POSITIVE
If the maintenance was done, I’ve seen multiple of these cars with 250K miles
👍 POSITIVE
This has the 2.5 and is a bigger version of the Jetta with the same power train and is considered very reliable. Most common gotcha is the vacuum pump leak which is not a bad repair. Other trouble spots just tend to be annoying like door lock actuators. If the wire loom in the trunk is like the Jetta it can start to fray.
People who bag on VW aren’t to be listened to. Still get an inspection
👍 POSITIVE
These are actually pretty reliable. That 2.5 is known to go hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance. I had one, nice engine. The transmission isn't an issue if you maintain them as well.
The electronics probably won't be as reliable as a Corolla or something of the same era, but these ride and drive really nice.
👍 POSITIVE
I’d send it. Volkswagens are damn good vehicles if they’re maintained. Don’t listen to the Toyota D*ck riders. Toyota and Honda’s quality and reliability have been on the decline
👍 POSITIVE
It’s a shame they stopped making the Passat. Best midsize sedan imo. They feel really luxurious for the price. If this is the 5 cylinder then it’s pretty solid.
👍 POSITIVE
Delete the vacuum pump and it's damn near a Toyota
I had a Rabbit with this engine and it was once of the most reliable cars I've ever owned
👍 POSITIVE
The 2.5 is bulletproof with scheduled maintenance (change your oil early, or on time!). There is even a growing interest in built 2.5s. They dont do that with just any engine. Push the car through all the gears. Get it out on the freeway and use the throttle to move through the entire usable rev range. Ig they won't let you drive the car at all working speeds, dont buy it. Paying a mechanic for a
👎 NEGATIVE
My 2012 2.5L hit 150k miles last month and then the electronics shit the bed after that. What I initially thought was a dead battery has turned into a month plus long adventure of my mechanic replacing the starter, removing the Bluetooth assembly, and replacing the steering column module and the car still won’t start by turning the key. The engine still runs great and could reach 250-350k miles ea
👍 POSITIVE
The 2.5 is an excellent engine, I sell tons of vws with it and have seen them personally with 300k+ on the original engines, electrical issues aren’t really that common, I’ve personally found American cars (and bmws) to be worse than any vw ive ever had
👍 POSITIVE
If that’s all OEM this will be the greatest buy of your life
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and highly versatile interior, ideal for large families or shuttle services.
- • Comfortable ride quality for a van, suitable for long journeys.
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful TDI (diesel) engines.
- • Strong resale value and robust build quality.
- • Available 4MOTION all-wheel drive enhances capability in varied conditions.
Cons:
- • Can be expensive, especially for higher trims and optional extras.
- • Large dimensions make city parking and maneuvering challenging.
- • Some diesel engines, particularly early DPF systems, can have reliability concerns.
- • Petrol variants have significantly higher fuel consumption.
- • Basic models can feel underpowered for a vehicle of this size.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation((T5, facelift 2009) Long: 2011 - 2015).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Caravelle |
| Generation: | (T5, facelift 2009) Long |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 TSI (150 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Van |
| Seats: | 4-9 |
| Doors: | 4-5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 3750-6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 75.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 280 Nm @ 1500-3750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | EA888 / CJKB More details about the engine EA888 / CJKB |
| Engine displacement: | 1984 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.7 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 92.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 13 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.6 kg/Hp, 73.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.3 kg/Nm, 137.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2033 |
| Max. weight: | 3000-3200 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 967-1167 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 6700 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 100 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12° |
| Length: | 5292 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1904 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1990 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3400 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2283 mm |
| Front overhang: | 896 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 996 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 201 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 21° |
| Departure angle: | 17° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 308x29.5 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 294x22 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/60 R16; 215/65 R16; 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
Is the Volkswagen Caravelle worth every penny? Give us your honest ROI.