The Renault Trafic is a popular work van, one that’s held its position in the commercial vehicle market for years.

Now in its third generation, the Trafic continues to offer an attractive mix of practicality, efficiency and style, providing capable transportation for tradespeople and businesses.

In this review, we’ll take a close look at what makes the Renault Trafic stand out in the UK van market.

Image taken from Renault Trafic product page

Quick verdict

If you're looking for a medium-sized van that can tackle a variety of jobs, the Renault Trafic might be just what you need.

With plenty of configurations to choose from, you should be able to find the right Trafic for you and your business. The efficient diesel engines help keep running costs down, while the spacious cargo area ensures you can haul plenty of gear. Some of the entry models are a bit light on comfort, but go for a higher-spec variant and you'll enjoy a comfortable cab with some handy tech.

Behind the wheel, the Trafic feels very much like a car, making it easy to manoeuvre and a pleasure to drive. While some competitors might offer a bit more refinement or standard safety kit, the Trafic's overall package of practicality, efficiency and value is hard to beat.

At a glance — pros and cons

Pros:

• Wide range of body styles and configurations
• Economical and punchy diesel engines
• Spacious and practical cargo area
• Comfortable cabin with car-like features
• Stylish exterior design, especially on higher trims
  

Cons:

• Some base models lack modern infotainment
• Automatic transmission can be slow to respond
• Not as refined to drive as some competitors
• Safety tech not standard on all versions

Driving and handling

Behind the wheel, the Renault Trafic offers a comfortable, easy ride. The light steering makes navigating city streets and tight parking spots a breeze, although it can feel a bit vague at higher speeds. The suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps, providing decent comfort even when the cargo area is empty.

The 2-litre diesel engines, available in 110hp, 130hp, 150hp and 170hp outputs, provide ample power for hauling cargo. The twin-turbo units are particularly impressive, with strong low-end torque for confident acceleration. The 6-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly, while the optional 6-speed EDC automatic, though occasionally slow to kick-down, enables smooth progress.

Interior

Step inside the Trafic's cab and you’ll find a comfortable and functional space. The driver's seat is supportive, offering good adjustment to find the right position.

Stowage options are there if you need them, with large door pockets, an overhead shelf, and a pull-down middle seat back that can serve as a desk.

Higher-spec models also benefit from a modern touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration.

Capacity and practicality

In the cargo area, the larger panel version of the Trafic offers one of the longest load lengths in the medium van segment. The load-through bulkhead flap enables carrying items up to 4m long in the extended wheelbase version. With up to 8.6 cubic metres of load volume and a maximum payload capacity over 1,000kg, the Trafic is well-equipped for most medium-duty tasks. The standard full-steel bulkhead and load lashing eyes add to its practicality.

Running costs and reliability

The Renault Trafic is competitively priced in the medium van segment, usually undercutting key rivals like the Ford Transit Custom. Fuel economy from the diesel engine is impressive, with the most efficient models achieving over 40 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. This helps keep running costs down over the life of the vehicle.

Renault offers a 3-year (100,000-mile) warranty on the Trafic, providing decent coverage. The diesel engines have proven generally reliable, though some earlier models experienced turbo and injector issues, so it's prudent to keep up with maintenance schedules. Renault's Pro+ commercial vehicle dealer network can help minimise downtime for repairs.

Safety

The Trafic comes standard with essential safety features like electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a driver's airbag. However, more advanced driver-assist tech like autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping aid are only optional or standard on higher trim levels. This is one area where some competitors offer more comprehensive safety equipment across their ranges.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Renault Trafic a good van?

The Renault Trafic is a reliable and versatile medium-sized van, offering ample cargo space, efficient diesel engines, and a wide range of configurations to suit various jobs and tasks.

What insurance group is the Renault Trafic?

The Renault Trafic usually falls into van insurance groups 3–12 for pre-2016 models. Trafic vans released after 2016 are typically in higher insurance groups, ranging from 25-47, depending on the specific model and engine size.

What is the mpg of a Renault Trafic?

The Renault Trafic's diesel engines are fairly efficient for a commercial van, with some models achieving over 40 miles per gallon.

Is a Renault Trafic a 3 seater?

Yes, the Renault Trafic has a front bench seat that can accommodate up to three passengers. The middle seat back can also fold down to serve as a rest or desk.

Does the Renault Trafic come in automatic?

Yes, the Renault Trafic is available with a 6-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission, which is offered on higher-powered diesel engine options.