Ford Transit Custom vs Toyota HiAce: Which is the Better Tradie Workhorse

Two heavyweights dominate the market when it comes to tradie vans: The Toyota HiAce LWB and the Ford Transit Custom. Both offer solid reliability, ample cargo space, and the latest tech to make your workday easier. But which one is the better fit for your business?

At Tradiespec, we’ve supplied countless Australian tradespeople with vans suited to their industry, so we know the ins and outs of these workhorses. Let’s break it down.

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1. Performance and Fuel Efficiency

A good tradie van needs a strong engine with decent pulling power, but fuel efficiency is just as crucial when you’re on the road every day.

	Toyota HiAce LWB	Ford Transit Custom
Engine	2.8L Turbo Diesel	2.0L EcoBlue Diesel
Power	130kW @3400rpm	125kW @3500rpm
Torque	420Nm	390Nm
Fuel Consumption (L/100km)	7.9L	7.6L

 
Our Verdict: The HiAce has a bit more power and torque, making it better suited for towing or carrying heavier loads. But both are fairly fuel-efficient, so there’s no huge winner here.

2. Cargo Space and Accessibility

Storage is a make-or-break factor for tradies. You need enough room for all your gear and crew without compromising on manoeuvrability.

	Toyota HiAce LWB	Ford Transit Custom LWB
Length	5265mm	5450mm
Width	1950mm	1999mm
Height	1990mm	1980mm
Cargo Volume	6.2m3	6.8m3
Payload	1075kg	1209kg

 
Our Verdict: The Transit Custom gives you slightly more cargo space and payload capacity, but the HiAce is shorter, making it easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces. If you’re working in urban areas, the HiAce could be more practical.

Key Difference:

• HiAce: Lift-up tailgate (great for working in the rain)
• Transit Custom: Barn doors (better for loading in tight spots)

What’s best for you? If you’re constantly loading and unloading big materials, the barn doors on the Ford Transit Custom might be more convenient. But if you want quick, sheltered access, the HiAce’s lift-back design is a winner.

3. Comfort and Tech Features

Driving a van all day means you want a comfortable cabin with the right tech to make your job easier.

	Toyota HiAce LWB	Ford Transit Custom
Seating Position	High, good visibility	Ergonomic, better lumbar support
Infotainment Screen	8” touchscreen	13” touchscreen
Connectivity	Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth	Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford SYNC4
Driver Assistance	Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Reverse Camera	Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring

 
Our Verdict: The Ford Transit Custom wins on tech with its bigger infotainment screen and extra safety features like blind-spot monitoring. However, the HiAce’s high driving position makes it great for visibility in traffic.

4. Practicality for Tradies

If you’re running a trade business, you need a van that fits into your workflow. From our experience, we see a lot of electricians, plumbers and carpenters opting for both models, depending on their needs.

The Toyota HiAce is great for:

• Urban tradies who need to get in and out of tight spaces.
• Long highway driving (comfortable high seating position).
• Tradies who want a simpler, durable workhorse.

The Ford Transit Custom is great for:

• Tradies who need a little extra storage space.
• Those who prefer a tech-heavy cabin.
• Jobs that require frequent heavy lifting (higher payload).

Both options are solid choices, and at Tradiespec, we offer flexible van rental contracts and rent-to-own vans so you can test them out and find the best fit for your business.

Which Van is Right for You?

Both the Toyota HiAce LWB and Ford Transit Custom have their strengths:

• Need manoeuvrability and a practical, durable van? Go with the HiAce.
• Need a bit more space, payload, and tech? Go with the Transit Custom.

Still unsure? At Tradiespec, we help tradies get on the road with affordable tradie van hire options. Whether you want to rent-to-own a van or hire a work-ready vehicle, we’ve got flexible options to suit your business. Get in touch with our team for a free quote.

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