Volkswagen Transporter 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.
Volkswagen Transporter
From $58,590
Van
Diesel
2.0L TDI turbo-diesel
125kW
7.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Renault Trafic
From $52,990
Van
Diesel
2.0L Diesel
125kW
6.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Volkswagen Transporter: we're still completing height, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and CO2 emissions, plus 1 other.
Renault Trafic: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h, warranty and ground clearance, plus 2 others.
Blank cells below mean 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Transporter starts from $58,590 before on-road costs, while the Renault Trafic opens at $52,990. 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 $64,449 and $58,289 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.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Transporter stands out with head-up display and wireless charging that you will not find on the Renault Trafic. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Transporter uses a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel producing 125kW and 390Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Renault Trafic responds with a 2.0L Diesel making 125kW and 380Nm, paired to a 9-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 Volkswagen Transporter measures 5,050mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 30mm shorter than the Renault Trafic at 5,080mm (3,098mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Transporter generally means more rear legroom.
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 $2,252/year for the Volkswagen Transporter and $1,767/year for the Renault Trafic. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Renault Trafic.
Estimated annual total: $2,252 (Volkswagen Transporter) vs $1,767 (Renault Trafic). The Renault Trafic saves you roughly $485 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Transporter if: You or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
The Renault Trafic takes 2 of 2 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Transporter and Renault Trafic?
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 Volkswagen Transporter and Renault Trafic carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Transporter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,800kg.
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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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