Ford Transit 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 starts from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiAce opens at $51,880. That makes the Toyota HiAce the more affordable entry point by $18,110.
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 $76,989 and $57,068 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota HiAce by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Transit 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.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 2 in the Ford Transit and 8 in the Toyota HiAce.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Transit features a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-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 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 uses a Diesel producing 96kW and 360Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12 seconds.
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 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota HiAce is 3.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Transit measures 5,531mm long on a 3,750mm wheelbase, 266mm longer than the Toyota HiAce at 5,265mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 9000L in the Ford Transit and 6200L in the Toyota HiAce, giving the Ford Transit a 2800L advantage. The Ford Transit seats 3 vs 2.
For towing, the Ford Transit 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.
13.2m diameter
Large
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 $2,337/year for the Ford Transit and $2,109/year for the Toyota HiAce. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiAce.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Ford Transit) vs $2,109 (Toyota HiAce). The Toyota HiAce saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiAce). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Transit if: You need more boot space, 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, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota HiAce takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota HiAce will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Ford Transit 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 and Toyota HiAce?
The Toyota HiAce is the cheapest at $51,880 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Transit by $18,110.
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 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 has the largest boot at 9000L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota HiAce makes the most power at 130kW. The Toyota HiAce is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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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