Ford Transit Custom vs Renault Trafic
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Ford Transit Custom
From $62,990
Van
Diesel
Diesel
125kW
8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
5800L
Renault Trafic
From $52,990
Van
Diesel
2.0L Diesel
125kW
6.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Transit Custom starts from $62,990 before on-road costs, while the Renault Trafic opens at $52,990. That makes the Renault Trafic the more affordable entry point by $10,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $69,289 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Trafic by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Transit Custom features a 13-inch touchscreen paired with a 12-inch digital dash, while the Renault Trafic gets a 8-inch display and 3.5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Transit Custom stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Renault Trafic. The Renault Trafic counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Transit Custom uses a Diesel producing 125kW and 390Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Renault Trafic responds with a 2.0L Diesel making 125kW and 380Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Transit Custom measures 5,050mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 30mm shorter than the Renault Trafic at 5,080mm (3,098mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit Custom generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Ford Transit Custom leads with a 2,800kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m diameter
Good
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.1 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.1 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,280/year for the Ford Transit Custom and $1,767/year for the Renault Trafic. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Renault Trafic.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom) vs 5 years (Renault Trafic). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Trafic if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Renault Trafic takes 2 of 3 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Renault Trafic will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Transit Custom and Renault Trafic?
The Renault Trafic is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Transit Custom by $10,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Renault Trafic uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Ford Transit Custom and Renault Trafic carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit Custom has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,800kg.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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