VW T4 Soft Dash vs Hard Dash – What’s the Difference?

When it comes to upgrading your VW T4’s interior, one of the most common questions we're getting is: “What’s the difference between a soft dash and a hard dash?”

It’s a good question — and one that’s left a lot of T4 owners scratching their heads. So let’s break it down in plain English.

What Is a Soft Dash?

The 'soft dash' was fitted to early VW T4s (typically pre-1996 models). It’s called “soft” because the dashboard has a slightly padded, more textured feel. You can press into it a little, and it has a bit more give. Think of it like the squishy dashboard you’d find in older luxury vehicles.

And the Hard Dash?

The 'hard dash' came in with the facelift (often referred to as the 1996-onward or “late” dash). It’s made from a harder, shinier plastic, and the layout is a bit more angular and modern-looking.

While the soft dash has more of a utilitarian feel, the hard dash was VW’s attempt to bring the T4 up to date visually.

So Why Does It Matter?

Knowing which dash you have matters when it comes to interior upgrades, especially with parts that sit on or around the dash — like, say, speaker pods 👀

We offer custom speaker pods for both soft and hard dash VW T4s, because the shape and fitment points differ between the two. The wrong pod won’t sit right and could interfere with speaker direction.

How to Tell Which One You’ve Got

Still unsure? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Soft dash = older van (usually pre-1996), textured dash, rounded styling

• Hard dash = newer van (1996+), smooth plastic, more modern layout

If in doubt — send us a photo. We’re always happy to help you identify your setup before you buy.

Wrapping Up

The VW T4’s evolution from soft to hard dash is just one of the many quirks that makes this van platform so beloved — and slightly confusing at times! Whether you’re restoring, upgrading, or building a showpiece, knowing your dash type is the first step to getting parts that actually fit and work.

And yes — if you're planning an audio upgrade, we’ve got you covered with speaker pod kits tailored to both dash styles, developed with a real focus on fit, finish, and sound performance.

Have questions? Drop us a message or check out our [FAQ page]. You can also find both versions of our speaker pods right in the [3D Printing Warehouse] on the website.