Toyota HiAce vs Ford Transit
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 Toyota HiAce starts from $62,490 before on-road costs, while the Ford Transit opens at $69,990. That makes the Toyota HiAce the more affordable entry point by $7,500.
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 $68,739 and $76,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota HiAce by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Ford Transit holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Toyota HiAce. Adult occupant protection scored 94% for the Toyota HiAce and 84% for the Ford Transit.
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 1 in the Ford Transit.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota HiAce and 2 in the Ford Transit.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota HiAce features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Transit gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota HiAce stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Ford Transit. The Ford Transit counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota HiAce uses a Diesel producing 130kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Ford Transit responds with a Diesel making 96kW and 360Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12 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 Toyota HiAce measures 5,265mm long on a 3,210mm wheelbase, 266mm shorter than the Ford Transit at 5,531mm (3,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 6200L in the Toyota HiAce and 9000L in the Ford Transit, 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 2,000kg. That 0kg 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 $2,109/year for the Toyota HiAce and $2,337/year for the Ford Transit. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiAce.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Toyota HiAce) vs $2,337 (Ford Transit). 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 (Toyota HiAce) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Ford Transit). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Ford Transit if: You need more boot space, or prefer Ford'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.
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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