Toyota HiAce 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
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Price Breakdown
The Toyota HiAce starts from $51,880 before on-road costs, while the Renault Trafic opens at $52,990. That makes the Toyota HiAce the more affordable entry point by $1,110.
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 $57,068 and $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Trafic by roughly $1,710 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
Toyota HiAce
- REC-001307 · published 8 Oct 2019Due to a production fault, there may be a lower than specified tightening torque of the fuel inlet pipe that supplies the diesel fuel injector common rail, which may allow fuel leakage.Year range on the notice: 2019
- REC-001290 · published 29 Nov 2016On the involved vehicles the related gear position (P_R_N_D) may not match the expected vehicle behavior, i.e.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- REC-001289 · published 16 Nov 2016Affected vehicles are equipped with a single latch system on the side sliding doors which does not meet the requirements of the relevant Australian Design Rule (ADR).Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
- 4 more on the model page.
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 Toyota HiAce features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Renault Trafic gets a 8-inch display and 3.5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 Renault Trafic responds with a 2.0L Diesel making 125kW and 380Nm, paired to a 9-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Toyota HiAce has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 125kW. 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, 185mm longer than the Renault Trafic at 5,080mm (3,098mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota HiAce generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Renault Trafic leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,900kg. That 600kg 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
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.7 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
1.9 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 $2,109/year for the Toyota HiAce and $1,767/year for the Renault Trafic. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Renault Trafic.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiAce) vs 5 years (Renault Trafic). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota HiAce if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota'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
Toyota HiAce: Top CarSorted Score, 67 vs 55
The Toyota HiAce comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (67 vs 55), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Toyota HiAce ahead by 46), reliability (Toyota HiAce ahead by 13), fuel economy (Renault Trafic ahead by 11). The Renault Trafic will save you roughly $342 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, Toyota HiAce and Renault Trafic?
The Toyota HiAce is the cheapest at $51,880 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Trafic by $1,110.
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?
Toyota HiAce holds a 5-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.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota HiAce makes the most power at 130kW.
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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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