Renault Trafic vs Volkswagen Transporter
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 27 Sep 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.
Volkswagen Transporter: we're still completing height, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and CO2 emissions, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$52,990RRP
- no option data for this car
$58,590RRP
- with the Renault Trafic's standard kit: $58,590 (nothing to add; 1 with no data, not charged)
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 Renault Trafic & Volkswagen Transporter
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Renault Trafic starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Transporter opens at $58,590. That makes the Renault Trafic the more affordable entry point by $5,600.
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 $58,289 and $64,449 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Trafic by roughly $2,425 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
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.
Volkswagen Transporter
- REC-006558 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software issue, the headlamp low/high beam may not have been adjusted according to specifications.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-001406 · published 11 Apr 2017Variations in the mixture ratio of the airbag propellant may prevent the airbag and/or the belt tensioner from deploying in the event of an accident.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
- REC-001405 · published 30 May 2016In the event of an accident the front left side airbag may not deploy correctly because of an incorrectly folded airbag.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2016
- 2 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Transporter counters with head-up display, wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Renault Trafic uses a 2.0L Diesel producing 125kW and 380Nm of torque, sent through a 9-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Volkswagen Transporter responds with a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel making 125kW and 390Nm, paired to a 8-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 Renault Trafic measures 5,080mm long on a 3,098mm wheelbase, 30mm longer than the Volkswagen Transporter at 5,050mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Transporter generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Volkswagen Transporter leads with a 2,800kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 300kg 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 $1,767/year for the Renault Trafic and $2,252/year for the Volkswagen Transporter. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Renault Trafic.
Warranty: 5 years (Renault Trafic) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Transporter). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Trafic if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Transporter if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (65 vs 63). The Renault Trafic and Volkswagen Transporter trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Renault Trafic will save you roughly $485 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, Renault Trafic and Volkswagen Transporter?
The Renault Trafic is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Transporter by $5,600.
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?
None of Renault Trafic and Volkswagen Transporter carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Transporter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,800kg.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
