VS
At a Glance
Power
100 kW
125 kW
Torque
360 Nm
380 Nm
Fuel
8.2 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2500 Kg
Engine
1996 cc
1997 cc
Choosing between the Ford Transit Custom and the Renault Trafic is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Transit Custom delivers 100 kW while the Renault Trafic produces 125 kW. On fuel, the Transit Custom returns 8.2 l/100km while the Trafic uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R770 000 for the Transit Custom and R635 999 for the Trafic. 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
100 kW
125 kW
Torque
360 Nm
380 Nm
Top Speed
180 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1997 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
188 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5450 mm
5480 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
1956-2283 mm
Height
1961 mm
1967 mm
Wheelbase
3500 mm
3498 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
160 mm
Kerb Weight
1864 Kg
1646 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 1 sliding left side + 2 rear swi
5
Seats
2
3
Load Volume
5800 l
8900 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
1269 l
1279 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
Optional
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
5
Service Plan Distance
90000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Renault Trafic
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Trafic
Fuel Economy
Trafic
Value
Trafic
Practicality
Trafic
Pros & Cons
Ford Transit Custom
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (8.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (100 kW vs 125 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Renault Trafic
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R635 999)
Factory service plan included
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Transit Custom or Trafic?
The Transit Custom uses 8.2 l/100km and the Trafic uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Trafic is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Transit Custom or Trafic?
The Transit Custom produces 100 kW and 360 Nm of torque while the Trafic delivers 125 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The Trafic is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Transit Custom and Trafic?
The Transit Custom starts from R770 000 and the Trafic from R635 999. The Trafic is cheaper by R134 001 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Transit Custom or Trafic?
The Transit Custom has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Trafic can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Transit Custom or the Trafic?
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.