caddy maxi 1 - VW Caddy Maxi Camper boot size
caddy maxi 1 - VW Caddy Maxi Camper boot size

VW Caddy Maxi Camper boot size

The VW Caddy Maxi Life is one of the biggest MPVs out there and probably the best small camper van option out there. If boot size is your primary criteria – you can’t go wrong with a Caddy. The car drives well too. Where it lacks a bit is comfort – it takes after its van origins and offers a more basic interior. But it makes up for it in storage – it really has a lot of compartments all over the place. It’s not the best car to take off the road completely – but you can take it down a good enough mud road without any big problems. A very good car camping / microcamping conversion candidate, unless you are planning to drive through forests and very much offroad – or you prefer a higher class interior comfort. 

If you are looking for about the same size, but a more reliable/low-cost maintenance car, have a look at the Toyota ProAce City Verso.

In the UK, the Caddy Maxi Life is registered as a car (not a van), so can go at a higher speed limit than the equivalent van. 

This car’s boot is 225 cm long ⤢, 126 cm tall ↕, and 117 cm wide ↔.

NimbleCamper rating: 3.8/5

VW Caddy Maxi boot size – length, width and height for sleeping

The VW Caddy Maxi is one of the largest everyday cars ideal for camping. Its boot height of 126 cm and length of 225 cm make it perfect for sleeping, comfortably accommodating tall campers. The width of 117 cm, though modest, provides enough space for both sleeping and storage. The Caddy Maxi is a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Body type

Make

Boot height (cm)

126

Boot length (cm)

225

Boot width [wheel arches] (cm)

117

Comfort rating

1

Consumption l/100km

7.4

Consumption MPG (UK)

38

Consumption MPG (US)

32

NimbleCamper rating (out of max 5)

Average used price, GBP (2015)

11030

Engine type

Boot door type

Available in

, ,

TLDR – Conclusion

If I was to buy a car for camping, it would definitely be a VW Caddy Maxi Life. It’s good enough in terms of comfort but it wins big time in terms of boot space it offers. And most camping boxes you can find are made to fit the Caddy.

Standard reviews (not focused on camping):

HonestJohn.co.uk rating 3/5 • Autoexpress.co.uk rating: 2/5* • Carbuyer.co.uk rating: 3.8/5
Average rating: 2.9/5
*(might be a fluke, as it scored above 3 in all areas, yet they gave it 2/5 in total – see and decide for yourself)

 

How to sleep in VW Caddy, DIY camping conversions & other posts

VW Caddy Maxi Life is one of the top cars in our cars for camping database.

VW Caddy Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the spacious boot can easily accommodate a bed, mattress or camping box, with plenty of storage room to spare. It has one of the tallest boots out there, so you can have a higher bed (camping box) with plenty of underneath storage and still enough headroom for sitting on the bed.

With plenty of interior and exterior storage options, fitting in all your equipment won’t be an issue. The Maxi version is extra long so you can have a bed and still have room around the middle seat for storage, not to mention plenty of storage under the bed or in the built-in shelves (varies by model and year).

As it’s based on a van, the older models (pre-2015) feel like that – they aren’t as comfortable as an MPV like the Sharan for example. Newer models offer more comfort and are quieter to drive on motorways. Nevertheless, it’s still a good car to take on a long road trip – it offers good consumption and plenty of room that make it an ideal car for camping.

The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi is generally considered to be a reliable car. Many owners appreciate the reliable and efficient engines offered by the Caddy Maxi. The diesel engine options, in particular, are known for their strong performance and fuel economy. Users often report smooth acceleration and good power delivery. Some users have reported occasional electrical issues, such as problems with the central locking system, malfunctioning sensors, or intermittent faults with the dashboard display. However, these instances are generally considered minor and not widespread. Users appreciate the spaciousness and practicality of the Caddy Maxi’s interior, particularly for cargo or family use. The seats are generally comfortable, and the cabin is well-designed with user-friendly controls. However, some users have noted that certain interior materials may show signs of wear over time.

VW Caddy general summary

The 2019 Volkswagen Caddy Life, a van-based MPV, a practical choice for those needing to transport people and cargo. It offers more space than a typical estate car, solid build quality, and sliding doors. It comes in five or seven-seat configurations and is more enjoyable to drive than expected.

I have to emphasize the roomy interior, particularly in the back, with ample knee and headroom. There’s also a Maxi version with seven seats, but the seats don’t fold flat, requiring them to be removed for maximum cargo space, which can be inconvenient.

In terms of features, the Caddy provides essentials like air conditioning, a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, and a heated windscreen, but lacks more advanced features such as speed sign recognition or blind spot monitoring. The interior is described as utilitarian, with practical but not luxurious materials and furnishings.

The Caddy offers three engine options, including a 1-liter turbo petrol and a 2-liter diesel, with the latter being more suitable for carrying seven people and cargo. However, the diesel engine’s noise and lack of noise insulation in the cabin are its downsides.

In terms of running costs, the Caddy is considered frugal, providing approximately 4.7 l/100km (50 miles per gallon) on a good run. The driving experience is pleasant, with light steering, good stability in corners, and a straightforward, no-frills feel. Despite lacking style, the Caddy is praised for its practicality and solid build, although its competitors may offer more standard features and family-friendly design.

The price of the Caddy (2019) ranges from £21,000 to £29,000, making it relatively expensive, but its sensible VW image and solid feel may appeal to some buyers.

VW Caddy Useful links

Similar cars


Hi! Lukas, the author here 😎

I’m on a mission to find the best everyday car for camping and the best way to convert it. I’m sharing all that I find with you here. If you find this content helpful, consider buying me a coffee, or purchasing an item from the list of hand-picked camping gear. Or just enjoy the read :). Thank you for popping in!

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