The Volkswagen Transporter T5 (Typ 7H/7J) launched in early 2003. Featuring a streamlined exterior, dash-mounted gear lever ergonomics, and improved body rigidity, it came in short and long wheelbases with three roof heights. The lineup encompassed Transporter vans, Caravelle buses, Multivan shuttles, and California campers. The Haldex-based 4Motion replaced the older Syncro system.

Initial turbodiesels featured 1.9 TDI and five-cylinder 2.5 TDI units with Unit Injectors. Gasoline engines offered a 2.0-liter four and a 3.2-liter VR6 (235 hp). The 2009 mid-cycle update (T5.2) brought 2.0 TDI Common Rail engines (up to a 180 hp BiTDI), 2.0 TSI petrols, and 7-speed DSG gearboxes.