VS |
This is the Toyota Hiace Vs Ford Transit specifications/comparison and showroom review for 2020. The Ford Transit is a badge and model that’s been around for decades and the latest model is the result the evolution of to it’s core values. With so much experience in designing a commercial van it should prove a compelling competitor to the Toyota Hiace. Whilst the old Hiace was a model focused for the South East Asian market the Ford Transit is now marketed as a Global model (2017) which has resulted in two distinct ‘Transits’. The Transit Custom and the regular Transit. The Transit Custom is the smaller version and the one which we are comparing against the Hiace.
Toyota Hiace Vs Ford Transit exterior comparison: The Transit Custom is a good looking van especially in the ‘Sport’ version. It may not be like the A-Team’s van from the 80’s but the Sport has bold ‘performance strips’ nice alloys wheels and spoiler kit. The angled side creases actually make the doors appear to open at an angle and even in base model trim, we think it also makes it look smaller than it really is. (Applies o SWB and LWB versions) The Hiace is still a box but a good looking one but it doesn’t have the design ‘flair’ which the Transit Custom has. Interestingly the Transit has always had a small engine bonnet in the front where as the Hiace has only received this feature in this generation.
Toyota Hiace Vs Ford Transit interior comparison: The Transit Custom may be the smallest ‘Transit’ but it has a deceptive amount of interior space. Vanlifers can rejoice – but only when they start depreciating to an affordable price level that is. Any like all vans the rear load space is not a rectangle all the way round so the specifications are only a guide. What we can talk about is the driver’s cabin or the office. In that respect both are spacious but the Hiace has more room but the storage is not as good as the Transit which has so many places to put things we lost count and the drivers seat and steering are fully adjustable 10 ways. The steering wheel and tablet screen in the Transit are nice features to make it look more modern, unfortunately we did not like the curves which date the look all the way back to the 1990’s. Both can carry at least 1000kg in the back which is plenty of weight for any sort of fit out commercial focused or for van lifers who covet the ‘stealth’ look.
Toyota Hiace Vs Ford Transit engines and technology comparison: The Hiace has a decent choice of engines which are pretty good although not as economical as the Transit whereas the Ford only has one. Arguably the Hiace engines will be more reliable due to their wide spread use in other models and that Toyota intrinsically design them to last as part of their brand’s mantra. It is on the safety systems that the Transit really outdoes the Hiace. Auto emergency brakes is standard, heated windshield and mirrors, 10 way adjustable seat, adaptive cruise and the Ford App which allows you to start, stop, aircon and locate the Transit. The Transit has turbo tuning trickery but it is limited to the ‘Sport’ model which is sort of justified. The Hiace is rear wheel drive and the Transit is front wheel drive so either layout has pros and cons, needless to say rear wheel drive is our preferred drive train.
The conclusion and winner of the Toyota Hiace Vs Ford Transit comparison is the a draw. There is much to like on the spec list on the new Transit including the price tag. You get more modern features than the Hiace and a legitimate ‘Sport’ model. The Transit sells well it’s home region in Europe but not so much else where. We think Ford Transit lacks the proven long term reliability in harsher conditions and based on past reputation is probably the Transit’s biggest problem. As a result if this Transit model proves to be a reliable van the Hiace will have serious competition otherwise it’s just another high maintenance, unreliable van not suited to countries outside Europe.
Toyota Hiace | Ford Transit |
Engines | |
6 Cylinder petrol (91 Octane) 3.5 Litre (3456cc) DOHC VVT DI EFI Claimed 207Kw @ 6000 RPM Claimed 351Nm @ 4600 RPM |
4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel (Adblue) 2.0 Litre (1999cc) Manual WGT CR DI DOHC 16 Valve Claimed 125Kw @ 3500 RPM Claimed 390Nm @ 1500 RPM or Claimed 136Kw @ 3500 RPM Claimed 405Nm @ 1500 RPM |
4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel 2.8 Litre (2982cc) DOHC IC DI Claimed 130Kw @ 3600 RPM Claimed 420Nm @ 1600 RPM |
|
Weight | |
Kerb weight FROM 2130 Kg Load carrying 1065Kg Towing capacity up to 1900kg |
Kerb weight FROM 2070 Kg Load carrying 1300 Kg Towing capacity up to 2000kg |
Fuel capacity & consumption | |
Up to 70 litres V6 3.5 Petrol 12.4 lts per 100km IL4 2.8 Diesel 7.5 lts per 100km |
Up to 72 litres Up to 21 lines of Adblue IL4 2.0 Diesel 7.6 lts per 100km |
Other specifications | |
6 speed Manual or 6 speed Auto Overall height/width 1990-2280/1950 Overall length/Wheelbase 5265-5915 /3210-3860 4WD system: None – Rear wheel drive ANCAP Safety: 5/5 |
6 speed manual or 6 0r 10 speed Auto Overall height/width 2120/2080 Overall length/wheelbase 4973-5340/2933-3300 4WD system: None – Front wheel drive ANCAP Safety: 5/5 |
Capability | |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 180mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 195 mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Load Dimensions | |
LWB: 2930L x 1545W x 1335H SLWB: 3470L x 1730W x 1635H Between wheel arches: 1295 Volume: 6.2 Cubic meters |
SWB: 2554L x 1775W x 1405H LWB: 2921L x 1775W x 1405H Between wheel arches: 1390 Volume: 6.0 Cubic meters |
Performance | |
– | |
Pricing | |
2020 $38,640 – 68,500 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc |
2020 $44,390 – 54,990 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |