Summary
The Volkswagen California is a large campervan available with a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in-hybrid powertrains in the UK.
Described by Richard Ingram of Auto Express as “the king of the compact campers”, the California has been the go-to campervan choice in the UK since it first arrived on UK roads in 2003, and this latest ‘T7’ generation model is no different.
Heycar’s Phil Hall concludes that “it is pricey”, but that the VW is “the best all-round campervan going”, praising the California for its “plush” and well-designed interior.
Built on the same foundations as the brand’s Golf hatchback and Multivan people carrier, the California has also picked up widespread praise for its driving dynamics. Carwow’s Neil Briscoe says than the camper is “far comfier and more car-like” than prior iterations.
As of March 2026, the Volkswagen California holds an New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 59%. Beyond the car’s solid set of review scores, this overall rating is hindered by high predicted running costs.
California highlights
- Car-like handling
- Smart and spacious interior
- Plenty of practical camper features
California lowlights
- Expensive, base price and up
- VW’s previous-gen infotainment
- Smaller kitchen than prior model
Key specifications
Body style: Large campervan
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £64,417
Launched: Summer 2025
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of March 2026, the Volkswagen California has not been assessed by Euro NCAP. That said, the campervan’s people carrier sister model – the Multivan – has been awarded a full five-star safety rating.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of March 2026, the Volkswagen California has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Diesel models | 35 mpg | D |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Diesel models | 210 g/km | D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 44 | E |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £181 | B |
| Year 2 | £519 | B |
| Year 3 | £858 | B |
| Year 4 | £1,122 | C |
| Year 5 | £1,510 | C |
| Overall | £4,190 | C |
The Volkswagen California is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We currently only have fuel economy data for diesel versions, which deliver 35mpg on average. There are many similarly sized large family ferriers that aren’t as thirsty, but campervans like the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo and Ford Transit Custom Nugget return similar fuel economy numbers.
With all of the extra on-board features and equipment that come with a campervan, as well as the rather expensive price tag, you perhaps won’t be surprised to hear that the California sits in one of the highest insurance premium brackets, too.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of March 2026, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Volkswagen California to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the California, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Volkswagen California
| Overall rating | D | 28% |
| Petrol or diesel models | E | 15% |
| Electric or hybrid models | C | 50% |
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | 60,000 miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
Volkswagen’s new car warranty is worse than average, and worse than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the California.
The duration is three years, with a limit of 60,000 miles. In addition to the standard new car warranty, the California plug-in hybrid version has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Warranty on a used Volkswagen California
- If you are buying an ‘Approved Used’ Volkswagen California from an official Volkswagen dealership, you will get a minimum one-year warranty included.
- If you are buying a used Volkswagen California from an independent dealership, any warranty offered will vary and will probably be managed by a third-party warranty company.
- If you are buying a used Volkswagen California from a private seller, there are no warranty protections beyond any remaining portion of the original new car warranty.
If you’re looking to buy any used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Volkswagen California
As of March 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Volkswagen California. However, recall information is updated regularly, so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Volkswagen dealer.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at a new or used Volkswagen California, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroen Holidays | Ford Transit Custom Nugget | Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Volkswagen California at The Car Expert
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