VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
75kW@5200
Torque
380 Nm
182Nm@2400
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
16.1L/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1250kg
0-100 km/h
—
-
Engine
1997 cc
2237cc
Choosing between the Renault Trafic and the Toyota Hiace is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Renault Trafic delivers 125 kW while the Toyota Hiace produces 75kW@5200. On fuel, the Trafic returns 7.2 l/100km while the Hiace uses 16.1L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R979 999 for the Trafic and R179 500 for the Hiace. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
125 kW
75kW@5200
Torque
380 Nm
182Nm@2400
0-100 kph
—
-
Top Speed
-
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1997 cc
2237cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
LEADED/UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
9
5
Drive Wheels
front
REAR
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
16.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
19.94L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
11.59L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
70L
CO2 Emissions
188 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
5480 mm
4725mm
Width
1956 / 2312 mm
1720mm
Height
1973 mm
1920mm
Wheelbase
3498 mm
2495mm
Ground Clearance
160 mm
175mm
Kerb Weight
2135 Kg
1530kg
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear liftgate
4
Seats
9
12
Load Volume
1000 / 6000 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1250kg
Load Capacity
935 lkg
-
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✗
EBD
✓ Standard
✗
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
-
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✗
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✗
Climate Control
—
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
—
✗
Alloy Wheels
—
✗
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
12
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
-
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
5yr
—
Service Plan Distance
90000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Renault Trafic
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Trafic
Fuel Economy
Trafic
Value
Hiace
Practicality
Trafic
Pros & Cons
Renault Trafic
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Toyota Hiace
Lower starting price (R179 500)
Higher fuel consumption (16.1L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Trafic or Hiace?
The Trafic uses 7.2 l/100km and the Hiace uses 16.1L/100km on the combined cycle. The Trafic is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Trafic or Hiace?
The Trafic produces 125 kW and 380 Nm of torque while the Hiace delivers 75kW@5200 and 182Nm@2400 of torque. The Trafic is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Trafic and Hiace?
The Trafic starts from R979 999 and the Hiace from R179 500. The Hiace is cheaper by R800 499 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Trafic or Hiace?
The Trafic has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Hiace can tow 1250kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Trafic or the Hiace?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.