Renault Master vs Renault Trafic
What's the difference?

Renault Master

$52,200 - $68,700

2026 price

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Renault Trafic

$49,990 - $64,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Summary

2026 Renault Master

2026 Renault Trafic

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

—

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

—

6.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Modern presentation inside and out
Enjoyable to drive
As practical as ever

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

Dislikes

No adaptive cruise control option
No traditional van grab handles inside
No hybrid availability

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

2026 Renault Master Summary

It's only taken the whole decade so far, but the 3.5-tonne van – you know, the really, really big ones – has finally been dragged into the 2020s with the latest version of the Renault Master.

Now in its fourth generation since 1980, this oversized box on wheels from France is said to leapfrog all its ageing rivals as a result, including the Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, LDV Deliver9, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter that all debuted some years ago now.

So, how does France’s big new van fare? And where’s the promised all-electric version? Read on to find out.

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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 Renault Master 2026 Renault Trafic

Verdict

There is a lot to like about the latest Renault Master. Leaning on five decades of experience, it proves France knows how to build a comfortable, versatile, practical, enjoyable and quite attractive large van for this decade. A few disappointing specification anomalies do not ultimately detract from a fine, premium workhorse/plaything proposition.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

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.

Renault Master vs Renault Trafic What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Renault Master vs Renault Trafic
What's the difference?