Ford Transit Custom vs Toyota HiAce
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Transit Custom starts from $62,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiAce opens at $51,880. That makes the Toyota HiAce the more affordable entry point by $11,110.
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 $57,068 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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 Toyota HiAce gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Transit Custom stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota HiAce. The Toyota HiAce 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 Toyota HiAce responds with a Diesel making 130kW and 420Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Toyota HiAce has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 125kW. 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, 215mm shorter than the Toyota HiAce at 5,265mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota HiAce generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 5800L in the Ford Transit Custom and 6200L in the Toyota HiAce, giving the Toyota HiAce a 400L advantage.
For towing, the Ford Transit Custom leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,900kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m to 13.2m
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 13.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,223/year for the Ford Transit Custom and $2,109/year for the Toyota HiAce. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiAce.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Ford Transit Custom) vs $2,109 (Toyota HiAce). The Toyota HiAce saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiAce). 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 Toyota HiAce if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota HiAce takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota HiAce will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota HiAce has a clear edge. 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 Toyota HiAce?
The Toyota HiAce is the cheapest at $51,880 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Transit Custom by $11,110.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota HiAce uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota HiAce all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota HiAce has the largest boot at 6200L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit Custom has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota HiAce makes the most power at 130kW.
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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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