A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Toyota Hiace vs Renault Trafic Passenger: the short answer
Trafic Passenger holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Hiace.
Hiace starts ZAR 299,099 cheaperHiace from ZAR 680,900 · Trafic Passenger from ZAR 979,999
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Maximum Power
Hiace75 kW
Trafic Passenger125 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
Hiace260 Nm
Trafic Passenger380 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Engine Size
Hiace2494 cc
Trafic Passenger1997 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Hiace11.8 km/l
Trafic Passenger13.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Hiace175 mm
Trafic Passenger199 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Toyota Hiace
2.5D Panel Van MT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Hiace
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
Trafic Passenger
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Hiace
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Trafic Passenger
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Model Introduced Year
2019
2026
Generation
H300 generation – front-engine layout replacing the previous cab-over design
Current long-wheelbase nine-seat Trafic Passenger introduced to the South African retail range in 2026 with 125 kW Blue dCi power and EAG9 automatic transmission
Facelift History
Current H300 generation launched in SA in 2019 – major redesign from rear-engine layout
Current Trafic face and smart-cockpit specification with three South African grades: Evolution, Evolution+ and Techno+
Facelift Launched Since
2019
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Van
MPV
Color Note
White, Silver
-
Dealer Stock Note
Base grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Van
Large MPV
Tare Mass Kg
2080 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Van
MPV
Spec
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Length
5380 mm
5480 mm
Width
1880 mm
1956 mm
Height
2285 mm
1973 mm
Wheelbase
2985 mm
3498 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
175 mm
199 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
160 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
5200 l
1890 l
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
2160 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3500 kg
3070 kg
Payload Capacity
1420 kg
910 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
2500 kg
Seating Capacity
2 seats
9 seats
Number of Rows
1 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.5 m
6.9 m
Front Headroom
992 mm
1019 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
1060 mm
Front Legroom
1032 mm
1028 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
930 mm
Spec
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Trailing Arm with Coil Spring
Power Steering
Hydraulic
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Spring Type
MacPherson Strut
-
Rear Spring Type
Leaf Spring
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Front
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Rear Axle Type
Leaf Spring
-
Rear Suspension Type
Leaf Spring
Trailing Arm with Coil Spring
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Spec
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Manual AC
Manual
Power Windows
Front Only
Front
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
5200 l
-
AC Type
Manual AC
Manual
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Climate Zones
Manual AC
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Front Only
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Not Available
-
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Standard
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
-
Front Armrest
Not Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
8.5
-
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
-
Panoramic Roof
Not Available
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Power Mirrors
Front Only
-
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Rear Seat Split
Standard
-
Rear Wing
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Fabric
-
Spare Wheel
Full-Size
Full-Size
Stabilizer Bar
Front
-
Telescopic Steering
Tilt
-
Tilt Steering
Tilt
-
Voice Command
Not Available
-
Voice Command Support
Not Available
-
Accelerator 0 100
18.0 sec
-
Air Conditioning
Manual AC
Manual
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Bottle Holders
Standard
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Centre Console
Not Available
-
Common Rail Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Digital Speedometer
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Not Available
-
Lift Gate
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Manual Aircon
Manual AC
-
Mirror
Front Only
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Passive Entry Start
Not Available
-
Powered Tailgate
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Standard
-
Roof Rack Compatibility
Not Available
-
Sonar
Not Available
-
Sound System
2
4
Source Model Column
hiace
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Stabilizer Bar Front
Front
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt
-
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
TPMS
Not Available
Standard
Trim Level
base
-
Unlocking
Not Available
Standard
Variant Role
Commercial utility derivative
-
Vdc
Standard
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Not Available
-
Walk Away Lock
Not Available
-
Wireless Charger
Not Available
Standard
Spec
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Engine
2.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
2.0-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Market-specific engine family
M9R
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2494 cc
1997 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
15.1:1
Bore
82.0 mm
85 mm
Stroke
94.6 mm
88 mm
Maximum Power
75 kW
125 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
260 Nm
380 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
RWD
FWD
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
150 km/h
175 km/h
0-100 km/h
18.0 sec
12.5 sec
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
17.8 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
4800 rpm
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
36.1 kW/tonne
57.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
125 Nm/tonne
175.9 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Gearbox
5-Speed Manual
9-Speed EAG9 Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
FR
Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Available
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Available
Number of Gears
5
9
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Standard
Gear Shift Type
5-Speed Manual
Automatic
Drivetrain
RWD/
Front-Wheel Drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Not Available
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
5-Speed Manual
Torque Converter Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
RWD
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
5
9
Spec
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Claimed Mileage
11.8 km/l
13.9 km/l
City Mileage
10.0 km/l
11.3 km/l
Highway Mileage
11.5 km/l
16.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
80 l
Emission Standard
Euro 4
Euro VI
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
24.7 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
11.8 km/l
13.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
70
80
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Airbags
2
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
-
Central Locking
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Standard
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
2
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
2
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Standard
-
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
2
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
2
-
ESC With Traction Control
Standard
-
Spec
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Lights
Not Available
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Standard
Emergency Braking
Not Available
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Standard
Parking Distance Sensors
Not Available
-
Parking Sensor
Not Available
-
Pre-Collision System
Not Available
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Not Available
-
Rear View Camera
Not Available
-
Reverse Camera Type
Not Available
-
Reversing Camera
Not Available
-
Surround View Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Hiace
Trafic Passenger
Seat Material
Fabric
Imitation Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Driver
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Steering Type
Hydraulic
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
Standard
-
Front Armrest
Not Available
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Cup Holders
Standard
-
Rear USB Ports
1
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Not Available
-
Interior Colour Options
2
-
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Removable Rear Benches
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual Height and Reach
Fabric Seats
Fabric
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Armrest Front
Not Available
-
Driver Seat
Manual
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Commercial-focused interior, large cargo area, basic but durable fittings
This Hiace and Trafic Passenger comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Hiace 37 vs Trafic Passenger 55.
Efficiency index: Hiace 48 vs Trafic Passenger 55.
Safety-equipment index: Hiace 44 vs Trafic Passenger 90.
Practicality index: Hiace 71 vs Trafic Passenger 88.
Ownership-cover index: Hiace 43 vs Trafic Passenger not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Hiace and Trafic Passenger image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Trafic Passenger leads by 24 points
Trafic Passenger holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Hiace.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Trafic Passenger
Performance
55/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
88/100
Hiace
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
48/100
Safety
44/100
Practicality
71/100
Ownership
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexRenault Trafic Passenger
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 49 pts for Hiace
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Trafic Passenger leads. However, Hiace may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.