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This is the Toyota Hiace Vs Mitsubishi Express/ Renault Trafic comparison and showroom review for 2020. A first for both manufacturers in 2020, sees the new Hiace as well as a Mitsubishi Express. Yep, the Express model and badge has made a come back after about 15 years and this time as a pure commercial vehicle. In other parts of the world it was known as the Delica mini-van but that badge is currently being a completely different sort of passenger focused mini van. We also note that the older Express Star Wagon and the Delica, with their raised suspension and 4WD system is a bit of a cult car outside Japan. The new Mitsubishi Express sort of revives the branding but it is now a rebadge of the Renault Trafic.
Toyota Hiace Vs Mitsubishi Express/ Renault Trafic exterior comparison: The Mitsubishi Express is clearly a rebadge of the Renault Trafic. So everything that is good and bad relating to the Renault applies to the Mitsubishi Express as well. Overall the Express is a good looking van and it does have more individual styling elements to it than the Hiace. Admittedly it is due to the rounded front end followed by a squared off cargo area and non-squared windows that make it look different. We think they designed the Traffic/Express as a private buyer focused mini-van first then banked out the windows to sell as a commercial van. On the other had we have the Hiace was designed first an foremost to look like a no nonsense commercial van with it practical squared off windows, even it’s Granvia mini-van derivative.
Toyota Hiace Vs Mitsubishi Express/ Renault Trafic interior comparison: Once again we have to point out that the Mitsubishi Express is a rebadged version of the Renault Trafic, so everything that is good and bad relating to the Renault applies to the Mitsubishi Express as well. It’s a nice interior much more car like than the Hiace but we think will date quickly. The Hiace is bigger on the inside and outside and has a conservative interior design but it looks good thanks to the dual tone plastics and squared off dashboard. It also feels more office like that the Renault Trafic but ultimately it is a personal choice which one in better.
Toyota Hiace Vs Mitsubishi Express/ Renault Trafic engines and technology comparison: Starting with the obvious, the Renault Trafic / Express seems quite popular on the roads as they have a contact with Australia Post fleet. Hence it’s sales results and visibility are not because Renault is the better van on sale. The diesel engines are good likewise equipment levels except in regards to the safety systems which have less features than the Hiace. The only concern we have is the choice of the DSG gearbox in the Express / Traffic which don’t have a reputation of long term reliability yet.
Toyota Hiace Vs Mitsubishi Express/ Renault Trafic carrying capacity: The Traffic / Express is the smaller van even with the long wheelbase version barely the same size the standard Hiace. Since they are the same price, if you value carrying capacity then the Hiace is better by all measures.
The conclusion and winner of the Toyota Hiace Vs Mitsubishi Express/ Renault Trafic comparison is the new Hiace. The Hiace is bigger and rock solid reliability with modern safety and refinement. The Traffic / Express has a reputation to build and since they are the same price for less space and spec it’s tough for the Traffic / Express to win the comparison. We don’t know if the model would survive without the contract with Australia Post or latest Bunnings partnership.
| Toyota Hiace | Mitsubishi Express |
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| Engines | |
| 6 Cylinder petrol (91 Octane) 3.5 Litre (3456cc) DOHC VVT DI EFI Claimed 207Kw @ 6000RPM Claimed 351Nm @ 4600RPM |
4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel 2.0 Litre (1999cc) DOHC IC DI Claimed 125Kw @ 3500 RPM Claimed 380Nm @ 1500 RPM |
| 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel 2.8 Litre (2982cc) DOHC IC DI Claimed 130Kw @ 3600 RPM Claimed 420Nm @ 1600 RPM |
4 Cylinder Twin Turbo Diesel 1.6 Litre (1598cc) DOHC IC DI Claimed 103Kw @ 3500 RPM Claimed 340Nm @ 1500 RPM |
| Weight (Approx) | |
| Kerb weight FROM 2205 Kg Load carrying 1000Kg Towing capacity up to 1900kg GVM 3200kg – 3720kg |
Kerb weight FROM 1810Kg Load carrying 1000Kg Towing capacity up to 1700kg GVM 2960kg – 3070kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 70 litres V6 3.0 Petrol 12.4 lts per 100km IL4 2.8 Diesel 7.5 lts per 100km |
Up to 80 litres IL4 1.6 litre Diesel 6.2 lts per 100km IL4 2.0 litre Diesel 7.3 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 speed Auto Overall height/width 1971/1956 Overall length/wheelbase 4999-5399 /3098-3498 4WD system: None – Front wheel drive ANCAP Safety: 5/5 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 183mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 160 mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
| Load Dimensions | |
| LWB: 2530L x 1760W x 1340H Super Long WB: 3180L x 1760W x 1615H Between wheel arches: 1268 |
Short WB: 2210L x 1662W x 1386H Long WB: 2610L x 1662W x 1386H Between wheel arches: 1268 |
| Performance | |
| – | |
| Pricing | |
| 2020 $39,750 – 68,500 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc |
2020 $38,490 – 44,490 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! |