What are the differences between the Caravelle and the Multivan?
3 Answers
The main differences between the Volkswagen Multivan and Caravelle are: Different vehicle positioning: The Multivan is a high-end 7-seater MPV model primarily designed for premium business receptions; the Caravelle is a 9-seater mid-to-high-end MPV, more inclined towards general business reception purposes. Different door configurations: The Multivan typically has four doors; the Caravelle does not have a door on the left side of the body. Different body dimensions: The Multivan measures 4904 mm in length, 1904 mm in width, and 1970 mm in height; the Caravelle measures 5304 mm in length, 1904 mm in width, and 1990 mm in height.
I've driven quite a few Volkswagen MPVs, and the differences between the Caravelle and the Multivan are quite significant. The Caravelle leans towards a business style, with harder fabric seats, but it offers strong practicality in space, making it great for both cargo and passengers, plus it's more affordable, suitable for company fleets handling daily operations. The Multivan, on the other hand, is much more luxurious, featuring leather interiors, second-row seats that can rotate and adjust electrically, making it especially comfortable for parent-teacher meetings or long trips. Technologically, the Multivan comes standard with intelligent driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, while the Caravelle requires additional configurations for these features. Both vehicles are similar in size and have comparable engines, but the Multivan is tuned to be smoother and quieter. Overall, the Caravelle is an economical and durable work partner, while the Multivan is more like a premium family ride—whether the extra cost for comfort is worth it? I recommend test driving both before making a choice.
When choosing a car for a family with elderly and children, comfort is my top priority. The Caravelle offers spacious interiors but feels plasticky, and the raised floor hump hinders movement, making it easy for kids to bump into things while crawling around. In contrast, the Multivan is much more refined, with soft and bouncy leather seats and a flat floor free of obstacles, making it easier for the elderly to get in and out. It also features dual-zone climate control, allowing independent temperature adjustment for the kids' seating area. The driving experience differs noticeably too—the Caravelle's stiff suspension causes noticeable shaking on bumpy roads, while the Multivan offers a smoother, quieter ride, reducing fatigue on long trips. Safety-wise, the Multivan adds side airbags and automatic emergency braking, which the base Caravelle lacks. Both models have similar fuel consumption, but for families, spending a bit more on the Multivan to enhance quality of life is a wise choice.
