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.
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
Both the Ford Transit Custom and Toyota HiAce hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota HiAce packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Ford Transit Custom.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 4 in the Ford Transit Custom and 8 in the Toyota HiAce.
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 385Nm of torque, sent through a 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 4,975mm long on a 3,300mm wheelbase, 290mm shorter than the Toyota HiAce at 5,265mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit Custom generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 6800L in the Ford Transit Custom and 6200L in the Toyota HiAce, giving the Ford Transit Custom a 600L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota HiAce leads with a 1,900kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 400kg 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
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 more boot space, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiAce if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, 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 Ford Transit Custom 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 — Ford Transit Custom and 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 Ford Transit Custom has the largest boot at 6800L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota HiAce has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,900kg.
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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