Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs Toyota HiAce
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 Volkswagen ID. Buzz starts from $79,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiAce opens at $62,490. That makes the Toyota HiAce the more affordable entry point by $17,500.
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 $87,989 and $68,739 respectively.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota HiAce, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Toyota HiAce.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota HiAce.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz adds a 360-degree camera that the Toyota HiAce misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota HiAce gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz stands out with heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota HiAce. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz uses a BEV producing 210kW and 560Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds.
The Toyota HiAce responds with a Diesel making 130kW and 420Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 130kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz measures 4,712mm long on a 2,989mm wheelbase, 553mm shorter than the Toyota HiAce at 5,265mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota HiAce generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 1121L in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and 6200L in the Toyota HiAce, giving the Toyota HiAce a 5079L advantage. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz seats 5 vs 2.
For towing, the Toyota HiAce leads with a 1,900kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 13.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 160,934km (Volkswagen ID. Buzz) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiAce). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen ID. Buzz if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiAce if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Toyota HiAce trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Toyota HiAce?
The Toyota HiAce is the cheapest at $62,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen ID. Buzz by $17,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota HiAce uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota HiAce has the largest boot at 6200L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota HiAce has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,900kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz makes the most power at 210kW. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is quickest to 100km/h in 7.6s.
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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