Renault Trafic vs Volkswagen Caddy
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 Renault Trafic starts from $59,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Caddy opens at $57,600. That makes the Volkswagen Caddy the more affordable entry point by $2,390.
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 $65,989 and $63,360 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Caddy by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Volkswagen Caddy holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Renault Trafic.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen Caddy packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Renault Trafic.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 4 in the Renault Trafic and 7 in the Volkswagen Caddy.
Feature Showdown
The Renault Trafic features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Caddy gets a 8.3-inch display.
The Volkswagen Caddy counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging that the Renault Trafic does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Renault Trafic gets vinyl upholstery while the Volkswagen Caddy offers cloth (double grid).
Drivetrain
The Renault Trafic uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.
The Volkswagen Caddy responds with a Petrol I4 Turbo TSI making 84kW and 220Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual clutch (dsg) driving the front wheels.
The Renault Trafic has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 84kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Trafic measures 4,999mm long on a 3,098mm wheelbase, 146mm longer than the Volkswagen Caddy at 4,853mm (2,970mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Trafic generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 5200L in the Renault Trafic and 446L in the Volkswagen Caddy, giving the Renault Trafic a 4754L advantage. The Volkswagen Caddy seats 7 vs 2.
For towing, the Volkswagen Caddy leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m diameter
Large
Based on 12.1m 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 $2,052/year for the Renault Trafic and $1,767/year for the Volkswagen Caddy. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Caddy.
Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Renault Trafic) vs $1,767 (Volkswagen Caddy). The Volkswagen Caddy saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 200,000km (Renault Trafic) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Caddy). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Trafic if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Caddy if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Caddy takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Caddy will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Renault Trafic has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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