Mitsubishi Express 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.
Data checked: specs 26 Aug 2026, price 17 Aug 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$43,490RRP
- no option data for this car
$52,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Mitsubishi Express & Renault Trafic
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Price Breakdown
The Mitsubishi Express starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Renault Trafic opens at $52,990. That makes the Mitsubishi Express the more affordable entry point by $9,500.
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 $47,839 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Trafic by roughly $1,570 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.
Recalls on our record
Mitsubishi Express
- REC-005634 · published 20 Mar 2023The product was sold without the warning information that is required for products containing button/coin batteries.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
Renault Trafic
- REC-006198 · published 11 Dec 2024Due to a manufacturing issue with the side airbag mounting sensors, forceful closing of the driver or passenger door may cause unintended vibration of the mounting frame.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-001188 · published 2 Apr 2020The parking brake calipers may not have been manufactured in accordance with required specifications, which could result in the parking brake failing.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2020
- REC-001183 · published 31 Mar 2020The exhaust gas recirculation high pressure pipe may crack.Year range on the notice: 2015
- 3 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Express features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Renault Trafic gets a 8-inch display and 3.5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Express 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.
Interior trim differs: the Mitsubishi Express gets fabric upholstery while the Renault Trafic offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Express uses a Diesel producing 125kW and 380Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.6 seconds.
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 Mitsubishi Express measures 4,999mm long on a 3,098mm wheelbase, 81mm shorter than the Renault Trafic at 5,080mm (3,098mm wheelbase).
For towing, the Renault Trafic leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,715kg. That 785kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
Based on 11.8m 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.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.2 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
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 $2,081/year for the Mitsubishi Express and $1,767/year for the Renault Trafic. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Renault Trafic.
Warranty: 5 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Express) vs 5 years (Renault Trafic). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 10yr (Mitsubishi Express)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Express if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Trafic if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (68 vs 65). The Mitsubishi Express and Renault Trafic trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Renault Trafic will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Express and Renault Trafic?
The Mitsubishi Express is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Trafic by $9,500.
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?
Mitsubishi Express holds a 0-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Renault Trafic, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Renault Trafic has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
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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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