Toyota HiAce 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 Toyota HiAce starts from $62,490 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Caddy opens at $57,600. That makes the Volkswagen Caddy the more affordable entry point by $4,890.
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 $63,360 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Caddy by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Volkswagen Caddy 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 Volkswagen Caddy.
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 4 in the Volkswagen Caddy.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota HiAce and 7 in the Volkswagen Caddy.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota HiAce features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Caddy gets a 8.3-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 Volkswagen Caddy. The Volkswagen Caddy counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. 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 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 Toyota HiAce has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 84kW. 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, 412mm longer than the Volkswagen Caddy at 4,853mm (2,970mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota HiAce generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 6200L in the Toyota HiAce and 446L in the Volkswagen Caddy, giving the Toyota HiAce a 5754L advantage. The Volkswagen Caddy seats 7 vs 2.
For towing, the Toyota HiAce leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. 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 to 13.2m
Based on 13.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 $2,109/year for the Toyota HiAce and $1,767/year for the Volkswagen Caddy. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Caddy.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Toyota HiAce) vs $1,767 (Volkswagen Caddy). The Volkswagen Caddy saves you roughly $342 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 (Volkswagen Caddy). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota HiAce if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Caddy if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota HiAce and Volkswagen Caddy trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Volkswagen Caddy will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota HiAce 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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