What are the differences between the Multivan and the Caravelle?

[KylieDella]

The differences between the Multivan and the Caravelle are: 1. Seating: The Multivan is a 5-door, 7-seat MPV; the Caravelle is a 4-door, 9-seat MPV. 2. Body dimensions: The Multivan has a length, width, and height of 4904mm, 1904mm, and 1970mm respectively; the Caravelle measures 5304mm, 1904mm, and 1990mm. The Multivan's engine model is the EA888, a 2.0TSI turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine. This vehicle has a maximum climbing angle of 37 degrees, a maximum wading depth of 300mm, a maximum departure angle of 17 degrees, and a maximum approach angle of 21 degrees, equipped with an intelligent full-time four-wheel-drive system.

[DelBryce]

I've driven Volkswagen vehicles for many years. Both the Multivan and Caravelle belong to the multi-purpose business vehicle series, but their positioning differs significantly. The Multivan leans more towards high-end luxury, with more comfortable seats featuring heating and massage functions, and interiors wrapped in genuine leather, making long-distance driving feel like a mobile lounge. The Caravelle is more economical and practical, with more plastic materials and ordinary seats, suitable for cargo transport or company team-building activities. In terms of price, the Multivan is considerably more expensive, starting at over 300,000 yuan, while the Caravelle can be purchased for around 200,000 yuan. Performance-wise, both share the same engine, but the Multivan has much better noise control. If it's mainly for family use or business reception, I recommend the Multivan; if you frequently transport goods or have a tight budget, the Caravelle is sturdy enough. The current trend in MPVs is toward greater intelligence, but neither of these two has quite kept up, so it still depends on personal needs when choosing.

[VonHarley]

As a new dad with a second child at home, I struggled with which car to buy. The Multivan and Caravelle look quite similar—both boxy but with subtle differences: the Multivan has a shinier paint job and a larger in-car screen, while the Caravelle is simpler and more scratch-resistant. In terms of space, the Caravelle is slightly roomier, with removable rear seats for extra luggage, making family trips easier. The Multivan’s seats are fixed but softer, keeping kids comfortable on long rides. The features differ noticeably—the Multivan comes with automatic parking and ambient lighting, while the Caravelle only has basic AC and audio. With a price gap of around 100,000, I’d say the Caravelle is the budget-friendly choice for families, while the Multivan is for those wanting an upgrade. Both have similar fuel consumption, so monthly costs aren’t high. When choosing, it’s best to test-drive them—don’t just rely on specs, as they can skew the experience.

[McBryce]

Over the years working at the dealership, I've frequently serviced these two models. The Multivan has more expensive interior parts and is trickier to repair – for example, torn leather seats require ordering original factory parts. The Caravelle has more plastic components which are cheaper, and its sliding rear doors operate smoothly without sticking. Both share the same engine, but the Multivan offers softer suspension for a more comfortable ride, while the Caravelle's stiffer suspension provides better stability when hauling heavy loads. They share high parts interchangeability with similar maintenance costs. Personally, I lean toward the Caravelle for its durability, especially in commercial use where it can reliably clock hundreds of thousands of kilometers.