VW Camper Van |Volkswagen Grand California Review

Volkswagen is making waves with their 2020 VW camper van. Since van life has rocketed into the mainstream culture, the vintage VW bus solidified itself as an iconic symbol of nomadic freedom.

This year we’re excited to see Volkswagen finally breathe new life into the classic camper van with their 2020 Grand California. Yes, it’s true, VW has been producing the California model since 1988. However, The Grand California is a huge departure when it comes to functionality & tech features.

In this article we’ll dive deep into the specs, features and price!

How Much Does The Volkswagen Grand California Cost?

The 2020 Grand California starts around $75,000 USD. With all the additional options and add-ons you’ll be able to quickly rack up a price tag that exceeds $100,000.

This price is on par with many of the RVs on our list, “5 Best Small RVs in 2020.”

What Features Does The 2020 VW Camper Van Have?

This VW camper van is ready for serious travel. Best of all, you can fit an entire family into the Grand California. From the bathroom to the engine, this van blows its previous model out of the water.

#1 Bathroom

The Grand California has a private, separate bath! This is huge when it comes to van life. In fact, this feels more like “Class B life.”  Volkswagen is very proud of this new design – on the VW website they boast:

A defining feature of the all-new Grand California is the separate wet room. The 840x800mm compartment includes a toilet, shower and space-saving sink. There’s also integrated shelving and storage for toiletries and towels. The ventilating skylight clears steam quickly and motion-sensing lights as standard add a touch of style.

Stylistically, this bathroom has the feel of an Airstream or Leisure Travel Van. It’s light, modern and has beautiful lines.

#2 Outdoor Shower

If you’d rather spread out and shower in nature, Volkswagen lets you do it in style. The temperature controlled outdoor shower lets you cool off on a hot day, or take a hot outdoors shower even if its snowing!

These outdoor showers are great for cleaning up the pup after a long hike…speaking from experience!

#3 Touch Control Technology

Touch control is the way of the future. Many of the most luxurious Class B RVs began introducing this feature in their 2020 models. We’re glad to see Volkswagen joining the trend with their VW camper van.

The VW’s touch controls lets you program lighting and temperature settings. It also gives you battery and water level information.

#4 Smart Driving Technology

Volkswagen equips the Grand California with the highest-tech driving features that it has to offer. According to the VW Commercial Vehicle website, these are the biggest selling points:

The Grand California carries over the advanced safety and assistance features of the award-winning Crafter, with the following as standard:

• Front Assist to monitor your surroundings with City Emergency Braking
• Front and rear parking sensors to help you into tight spots
• Crosswind Assist to keep you stable in high winds
• Driver Alert to encourage breaks on long trips

#5 Sleeping in the VW Grand California

Getting a good nights sleep is essential for van-life travel. There are many sacrifices nomads make: sacrificing space is easy, but sacrificing good rest is not an option.

The rear bed in the 600 Grand California model folds down into a luxurious queen size bed. The Grand California 680 folds down into a king size bed!

The cushions sit on a dished springing system which is unlike anything we’ve seen in American made camper vans.

Both models has easy-to-access USB plugs near the bed for easy night-time charging.

If you’re traveling with kids, the lofted bed above the driving cab is the perfect fit. This gives you privacy and separation at the end of the day.

Can You Buy the VW Grand California in the US?

The quick answer is, no. Despite being named the Grand California, it isn’t available inside the USA.

James Brodie from Auto Express explains it like this:

Volkswagen doesn’t sell any vans at all in the United States right now, be it of the commercial or camper variety. However, the locals know the score. Straight off the plane at Los Angeles International and our brand new, temporarily imported German-spec California Ocean van is causing a stir, and within minutes a potential sale for Volkswagen has slipped by.

5 Camper Van Options in the USA

Yeah, it’s a huge bummer that these camper vans aren’t for sale in the USA. Fear not – these 5 camper van options are great for your North America excursions.

1. Leisure Travel Van’s Unity: This is a high tech beast! We love the murphy bed layout with Dometic’s touch panel technology.
2. Sportsmobile Class Bs: These are iconic camper vans in the USA. Ideal for getting off the grid for back road adventures.
3. Mod Vans: These modular camper vans come just like you want it. They essentially give you a menu and you design your camper to order!
4. Storyteller Overlander: You get all the luxurious comforts paired with extreme off road capability!

The Best FREE Camping in the USA

We love camping across this amazing country. And, we really love it when its free. Here’s our list of the 20 Best Free Campsites in the USA.

If you haven’t tried free camping before, also known as boondocking, take a look at our beginners guide to boondocking filled with everything you need to know to get started.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! Simply enter your email below.