2010 Volkswagen Transporter (T5, facelift 2009) Panel Van Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Volkswagen Transporter (T5 facelift 2009) Panel Van measures 1904 mm (approximately 75 inches) in width with the mirrors folded. When you extend the mirrors, which is necessary for driving and better visibility, the width increases to 2283 mm (about 89.9 inches). This width with mirrors opened is important to consider for parking, maneuvering through narrow streets, or when entering tight garages. The broad mirror span ensures enhanced driver visibility, especially crucial for a panel van carrying large loads or navigating urban environments.

The height of the Volkswagen Transporter (T5 facelift 2009) Panel Van ranges from 1990 mm to 2476 mm, which is about 78.3 to 97.4 inches. This significant range is primarily due to the availability of different roof options, including standard and high-roof variants. The higher roof models provide substantially more vertical cargo space, which is beneficial for businesses or users needing to transport taller items or who require easier standing room inside the van. The varied heights make the T5 facelift well-suited for diverse commercial applications, where interior volume and headroom are critical considerations.

The Volkswagen Transporter (T5 facelift 2009) Panel Van has a curb weight ranging from 1654 kg to 1954 kg, which translates roughly to 3647 to 4309 pounds. The curb weight reflects the weight of the van without occupants or cargo but including standard equipment and necessary operating consumables like fuel. The maximum permissible weight, which includes the van itself plus maximum cargo load and passengers, ranges from 2600 kg to 3000 kg (approximately 5732 to 6614 pounds). This weight capacity ensures that the T5 can handle substantial loads, affirming its suitability for demanding commercial duties.

With the rear seats folded or removed, the Volkswagen Transporter (T5 facelift 2009) Panel Van offers an impressive luggage capacity ranging from 5800 liters up to 9300 liters. In imperial units, this corresponds to approximately 204.8 to 328.4 cubic feet of space. Such a substantial cargo volume enables the T5 to serve efficiently in a variety of transport roles, from delivery services to tradespeople carrying tools and materials. The variation in cargo volume depends on the vehicle's wheelbase and roof height, providing flexibility for users with different volume needs.

The Volkswagen Transporter (T5 facelift 2009) Panel Van has a ride height, or ground clearance, of 201 mm, equivalent to roughly 7.9 inches. This clearance provides a balance between accessibility and ruggedness, allowing the van to handle uneven surfaces, speed bumps, and minor off-road conditions without scraping the underbody, but still maintaining a low enough height for loading and unloading ease. Good ground clearance is essential for commercial vehicles operating in various environments, ensuring reliable functionality and reducing damage risk.

Whether the Volkswagen Transporter (T5 facelift 2009) Panel Van fits into a standard garage depends mainly on the garage dimensions. Typical residential garages have an internal width of about 2400 to 2700 mm (94.5 to 106 inches) and a height of approximately 2100 to 2400 mm (82.7 to 94.5 inches). The T5's width with mirrors folded is 1904 mm (75 inches), so it will fit width-wise comfortably, but with mirrors extended at 2283 mm (89.9 inches), space becomes tight, and mirrors might need folding. Regarding height, the standard roof variant at 1990 mm (78.3 inches) fits most garages easily, but the high-roof versions up to 2476 mm (97.4 inches) will typically not fit into standard garages without enough clearance. Lengthwise, with 4892 to 5292 mm (192.5 to 208.5 inches), ensure that the garage depth accommodates the van's length, as some smaller garages may be too short.

Compared to its predecessor, the original Volkswagen Transporter T5 (2003-2009), the facelifted T5 (2009-2015) Panel Van retained much of the same fundamental size, but with refinements. The facelift did not significantly alter the overall length, width, or height; the dimensions remained largely consistent with the earlier generation, preserving the widely appreciated driving dynamics and cargo capacity of the T5 series. Minor updates focused on styling, equipment, and mechanical improvements rather than substantial dimensional changes. This continuity helped maintain compatibility for users familiar with the original T5 while benefiting from updated features and improved configurations.

In comparison with similar commercial panel vans like the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Vito, and Renault Trafic, the Volkswagen Transporter (T5 facelift 2009) offers competitive dimensions and cargo capacity. Its length range of 4.9 to 5.3 meters and height options, including the high roof, provide ample cargo volume, often matching or exceeding that of its rivals. The T5's width (1.9 meters) is comparable, with the ease of folding mirrors aiding maneuverability in urban settings. The robust maximum weight rating up to 3000 kg (6614 lbs) places it solidly in the medium-duty van category, making it a favored choice for businesses requiring versatility, reliability, and a balance between payload and driver comfort.

The Volkswagen Transporter (T5 facelift 2009) Panel Van is equipped with rim sizes ranging from 6.5J x 16 inches up to 7J x 18 inches, providing flexibility based on model trim and intended use. Tire sizes include 215/65 R16, 215/60 R17, 235/55 R17, and 255/45 R18. Larger rims and lower-profile tires tend to enhance handling and stability, especially on highways or heavier loads, whereas smaller rims and taller tires prioritize ride comfort and durability. The availability of multiple rim and tire combinations allows owners to optimize the vehicle for different performance needs, whether prioritizing fuel efficiency, ride quality, or road grip.