Ford Transit Custom vs Renault Trafic
What's the difference?

Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

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Renault Trafic

$49,990 - $64,990

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Summary

2026 Ford Transit Custom

2026 Renault Trafic

By Marcus Craft

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

8.5L/100km (combined)

6.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Looks great
Smooth to drive
Potential as a touring vehicle/camper fit-out

Fuel economy/driving range
30,000km service intervals
Cargo bay/cabin features

Dislikes

Auto transmission stalk on steering wheel column
No seats in the rear
Would benefit from all-terrain tyres

Tachometer design
No driver’s left footrest
Tyre noise at highway speeds

2026 Ford Transit Custom Summary

Ford has introduced what is being touted as an adventure-type van to its Transit Custom line-up and it’s called the Trail.

The Trail is based on the long-wheelbase Transit Custom Trend and it’s equipped with a suspension lift, on-demand all-wheel drive, 'Trail' drive mode, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a variant-specific grille, black wheel arch moulding and side strip, yellow exterior decals and 16-inch matt black twin-spoke alloy wheels.

With all that in mind, maybe a van is your next adventure vehicle?

Read on.

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2026 Renault Trafic Summary

Australia’s mid-size (2.5-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial van market currently features nine brands competing for sales against Toyota’s staggeringly popular HiAce, which now represents almost 60 per cent of vehicles sold in this segment.

One of those competitors is the Renault Trafic which in 2026 brings a suite of technical upgrades designed to deliver enhanced economy, lower emissions, greater towing capacity and improved driver comfort and convenience.

With June approaching, traditionally the biggest month of the year for commercial vehicle sales, we recently spent a week in Renault’s latest offering to find out if it represents a compelling alternative to the HiAce for tradies and other commercial van users.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford Transit Custom 2026 Renault Trafic

Verdict

The Ford Transit Custom Trail has plenty of appeal as a work van or a camper fit-out candidate. It’s a well-packaged, comfortable and contemporary van that’s nice to drive and as a bonus, with all-wheel drive it’s given the scope of capability to be able to tackle mild off-roading situations with confidence.

It’s built for work and play and though it’s limited to two-up for travels, the Trail offers so much potential as a camper conversion for adventure seekers its few niggles are easily forgotten when you’re busy making memories.

Verdict

The Renault Trafic Premium LWB makes light work of heavy payloads and offers smart solutions for long internal load carrying and ‘mobile office’ requirements, combined with lengthy service intervals, good fuel economy and long driving range. It’s certainly worthy of cross-shopping with the HiAce and other rivals if you’re in the market for a refined and efficient mid-size commercial van.

Ford Transit Custom vs Renault Trafic What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Transit Custom vs Renault Trafic
What's the difference?