Ford Tourneo Custom vs Volkswagen Caravelle
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Caravelle wins on money kept: 71% retained after three years vs 67%, worth about R 454 015 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Tourneo Custom | Caravelle | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 063 000 | R 1 643 300 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 580/m | R 28 722/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 83% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 67% | 71% |
| Value after 3 years | R 717 394 | R 1 171 409 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 345 606 | R 471 891 |
| Value after 5 years | R 573 345 | R 965 012 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Ford Tourneo Custom →
Ford's eight-seat people mover has competed with the Vito, Caravelle and Staria since 2013, and the current generation arrived in 2024 with 2.0 diesel power across the range. Shuttle operators like the space and running costs. Constant fleet and tourism demand keeps resale steady.
Known for: shuttle and big-family bus duty
Volkswagen Caravelle →
The luxury version of VW's bus has long been the executive shuttle of choice in SA, favoured by hotels, VIP transport firms and big families alike. The T6.1 continued into 2026 in Highline 4Motion form, with a plug-in hybrid T7 Caravelle announced to follow. Used values hold up unusually well for a vehicle this expensive.
Known for: executive shuttle status
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Ford Tourneo Custom or the Volkswagen Caravelle?
The Volkswagen Caravelle. It keeps about 71% of its price after three years against 67% for the Ford Tourneo Custom, a gap of 4 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Ford Tourneo Custom loses about R 345 606 over three years and the Volkswagen Caravelle loses about R 471 891. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Ford Tourneo Custom runs about R 18 580 per month and the Volkswagen Caravelle about R 28 722, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.