Best Medium Van: 2018 Transit v Hiace v Trafic v iLoad v Transporter v Vito

2018 Drive Commercial Car of the Year: Medium Vans

Medium vans try to find the middle ground, blending decent payload and budget-friendly running costs with decent dynamics and comfort.

We compare some of the best vans for hauling your business around town.

[stephenkelly]

Been driving the Transits since the 1960's all different models including minibus, they are the best.👍👍👍👍

[Nosaesoh]

I have looked at all the specs on all these vans, and had to settle for the Transit Custom for my antenna installation business. It was the only Van that had the full safety features of a high end sedan, and still put on the road with the Optional Automatic transmission, Integrated Sat Nav, Rhyno Ladder racks, tow pack, twin side doors, Tech Pack and custom colour for UNDER $50, 000! Only down side is the 5 month wait to get my specific requirements to Australia.

[silkroadm]

I have a Vito,
A bit pricy but the engine is quite and smooth.
It’s my work and my holiday van too.
Would not consider of any other vans at this stage ….

[Minuz]

Currently and recently a commercial driver of 2 of these vans, the renault and the vito.
The quality of the vito just blows the trafic out of the park.
If the audio system of the trafic wouldn't be as decent as it is, I'd probably be insane from the ground/wheel noise. It literally feels like you are driving inside of a tin can in comparison to the vito.
The vito is a much better driving car without a load, but with a decent load of about 1 ton it gets pretty sluggish, though there is still way more power delivered then in the case of the trafic.
The trafic doesn't seem to care as much about the load, is pretty consistent in that regard.

My biggest gripe with the trafic is the dead zone, it's practically impossible to see anything if they come into your dead zone on the inside during a turn towards your passanger side (there seems to be a workaround by using the "wide view" passenger mirror, but I've yet to experiment it since I just tend to avoid those bends entirely after almost crashing into another car)

Overall a pretty decent review though, hope you'll come back to them.

[gaborb]

Compare new cars is not the life, you should compare the maintenance and repair costs also a few years later.

[paintingdecoratingwithzac]

I've driven all the vans a part of the Hiace and agree on 100% that Ford custom is the best van of all of them

[Focusonbehind]

The transit really drives like a sportcar :P It is great.

[zoltrix]

Although I agree with the result, there are so many points missed in this review. Right at the end you mention "The Ford has barn doors". Yes, the one you reviewed has, but its also available with a lift back. This also the case with the Hyundai, its available with barn doors (although you have to forgo the reverse camera). The Traffic also can choose either. Barn doors suit couriers, lift backs suit trades people who don't like getting wet whilst eating smoko on the back step. No to mention the lift back gives superior rear vision.

No mention is made of the super cool 3 stage heated seats in the Ford.

I agree the Hyundai is the best driving van of the lot, but no mention is made of the fact that the reason the back is smaller than the Ford is because its RWD which raises the floor. But this is also an advantage when taking heavy loads or just driving dynamics. Hyundai is also the only one with adjustable passenger seat.

No mention of the Renault and Ford being offered in two wheel base lengths. The Ford even having the option of a high roof in both lengths.

No mention of the fact that if you DO select the manual transmission in the Ford, its a seriously good one, with better shift quality than most cars.

No mention of how terrible the passenger seats are in the Ford.

You show the extended load through feature in the Ford but don't mention that its also in the Renault. In fact Renault takes it a step further and allows you to put the load through past the seat into the passenger foot well. The Renault "desk" is also a step better than the Ford with the whole centre seat folding down with a swivel table.

Worth also noting that Ford offers the Transit Custom with a more powerful output engine in Europe. Strange we get the mid level output considering the Australian environment.

No mention of the fact that only the Renault and Ford have a sealed cargo barrier. Once you have had one of these, there is no way you would ever own a van without one. Again though Renault does a better job than Ford by putting in a much wider window. The others that don't include them should be ashamed.

No mention is made of warranties or service intervals. I assume this would be very important to a business owner. Ford is easily the best with 5 years Unlimited KMs and12month/30, 000km service intervals. Renault has the same service intervals, but only a 3 year warranty. Hyundai doesn't match its passenger car warranties with 5 years and only 160, 000km.

The Ford is an easy winner, but should have pinched those couple of ideas from Renault (Extended load through, wide bulkhead window and fold down centre seat). The Hyundai is also a good choice if you want/need the most powerful engine, like RWD and can live without the Ford features.

Ford also allows you to order the Van in 100 different Colours!

The Merc and VW don't don't anything particularly well and cost heaps. Both a D-.

The Toyota is a sick joke, even if it does last forever, in every single other way is crap. No life is worth risking in that death trap, I can't believe its legal.

[cade]

The traffic does the job better with a more economical engine that is also quieter and a more plush ride the Renault also has the bulk head lift up hatch and has more tie down points it also comes in at a better price point. It may have less frills but this in turn will end up being the long term more reliable option for most tradesmen and delivery drivers. the only sacrifice is it only comes in a manual which is nothing to worry as the gear box and clutch is fantastic

[Mgoblagulkablong]

Toyota needs to bring the Proace to Australia asap.

[mypetscatsandfishes]

Being with the Vito 109CDI 1.6L, manual, 60k km, 16/205 Michelin, been serving me well and good enough for city driving.

[elscruffomcscruffy]

I drive an 09 Toyota Hiace and it hasnt missed a beat. I actually enjoy sitting up and over the wheels, I find it easier to park and definitely a tighter turning circle. Ive put drawers and a bed in the back, we both sleep in the back and the space is unbelieveably generous! We have too much room.I have taken the van off road, unsealed roads and to Northern QLD and back and it just keeps going. However, I enjoy a manual gearbox but would be great to get cruise control for those longer trips.
Not sure what I'll upgrade too. Something with 4wd would be handy. Is the Transit Custom 4wd?

[jamieshields]

You right with first choice yes Ford 1st then pick Trafic because it looks best all round. ILoad needs upgrading, my brother has one for work and he likes it but wish it would come blind spot camera near back doors. Although lap belt should be illegal. If you think that a problem Toyota should be put out pasture to work on engine/transmission is nightmare not mention rest of van. Both VW and Mercedes r overpriced half tempted vans. Great work on vid👍

[aggitravel]

I just got rid of my 2014 dsg t5 transporter and got a traffic formula edition.

[jamiep]

I enjoyed this Video. In the UK the Ford Transit Is a best selling Van and I particularly like the Facelifted Model Including the Sync 3 Infotainment System

[broadpete]

Comparing vans with bulkheads to those without is hardly a fair basis to test refinement.

[rsoul]

Glad you guys did this comparison, vans like these are so bloody useful it is ridiculous, frankly. If they have curtains in the back windows though, run away as fast as you can, and don’t look behind you...

[Danger_Mouse]

Haven't done your research very well. Traffic is no.1 also the the traffic can have barn doors and many other things to configure it.

[TyronePatOne]

Vito has the best and most reliable auto box available and fantastic to drive with exceptional load carrying ability. Vw is close 2nd. Rest are lightweight vans with inferior steel body panels. Ask any panel beater which manufacturers use the best quality steel for their body panels. This guy is full of it!

[freddofrosch]

The Trafic has some really clever features you guys didn't even mention. Renault and Ford have Bulkhead as standard, Hyundai can't even order and VW only on custom order. Makes a massive difference inside the cabin! Ford AUS doesn't bring in the LED head lamps or the different engines Europe gets. I would buy a Transit Custom Sport with 125kw next week, but I struggle with the old Halogen Headlamps and the 96kw engine.