Renault Trafic van review (2023)

• Good to drive, with comfortable suspension and precise steering
• 2.0-litre engines now  offers 110-170hp, excellent automatic gearbox
• Older 1.6-litre models still perform well, but go for a twin-turbo

The Transit Custom is generally thought of as the gold standard for medium van driving enjoyment, but the Renault Trafic and its extended family push the Ford hard. This is a really nice van to drive.

Renault Trafic comfort and handling

With suspension similar to Renault’s MPV passenger cars, the Trafic rides bumps well, is quiet at speed and doesn’t go all wobbly in the corners. In fact, you can drive this front-wheel drive van surprisingly quickly, thanks to the accurately weighted steering and a limited amount of body roll.

There are no changes to the way the suspension is set-up for the latest update, so the newer models drive largely the same - although the additional weight of the 2.0-litre engines over the front wheels does seem to make the Trafic feel a little less light on its feet than the 1.6 models did.

The steering is heavier than you'll find in a lot of modern vans, too. Not so heavy that you can't easily handle the van around town, but still noticeably weighty.

Overall, the level of control gives you plenty of confidence when positioning the van on the road, and you might even find yourself enjoying the experience - especially in Trafics fitted with the EDC automatic gearbox. More on that in a moment.

What are the Renault Trafic 2.0-litre diesel engines like?

The 2.0-litre diesel engines introduced with in July 2019 came in three power outputs:

• dCi 120 with 120hp / 320Nm
• dCi 145 with 145hp / 350Nm
• dCi 170 with 170hp / 380Nm

Following the January 2022 New Trafic update, this changed slightly, with a new entry-level output and increase in power for the middle-ranking models:

• Blue dCi 110 with 110hp / 300Nm
• Blue dCi 130 with 130hp / 330Nm
• Blue dCi 150 with 150hp / 350Nm
• Blue dCi 170 with 170hp / 380Nm

We've not sampled the least powerful variants, but the 130hp model is more than up to the task of shifting this size of van reasonably vigorously, while the 145hp (now 150hp) and 170hp versions feel very keen indeed. Especially when combined with the six-speed automatic gearbox that's optional on those outputs.

To such an extent that we'd be very tempted to opt for a 145hp or 150hp auto over a 170hp model with the standard six-speed manual transmission (although the auto would still be more expensive, so it's not a direct comparison).

The reason for this is the awesome effectiveness of the automatic transmission, which is called EDC - Efficient Dual Clutch - and works like Volkswagen's DSG system. It shifts very smoothly, very quickly and does a great job of keeping the engine on the boil, allowing you to make seemingly effortless progress.

The manual override available by pushing the gear selector to the right even works like a racing car, which is to say you pull back to change up and push forward to change down, adding to the experience. Yes, we know - it's just a van, but that doesn't mean you can't have a bit of fun driving it.

The engines themselves don't seem to be quite as refined as the old 1.6-litre units, but with variable geometry turbos they are certainly responsive, and the bigger capacity is better for real-world fuel economy.

As for the manual gearbox, this is reasonable in van terms but not quite as mechanically precise as we'd like, and we suspect it will feel increasing loose as the miles pile on.

What are the Renault Trafic 1.6-litre diesels like?

When this Trafic was launched in 2014 with 1.6-litre engines, it joined a class where most rivals were still using 2.0-litre motors.

Renault's decision followed the 'downsizing' trend of fitting smaller engines to achieve better fuel economy then current across the automotive industry. We've never thought this was bad move on Renault's part, as we've always enjoyed driving the 1.6-litre Trafics.

The best choices are certainly the twin-turbo models, however. Offering 120hp or 140hp in Euro 5 guise and 125hp or 145hp when upgraded to Euro 6 from late 2016 onwards, alongside 320Nm or 340Nm of torque (regardless of emissions standard), these are smooth, refined and easily grunty enough to shift their maximum payloads.

The cheaper single-turbo versions come with either 90hp or 115hp at Euro 5 levels, 95hp or 120hp at Euro 6. With a relatively slight 260Nm, the very entry-level models are going to feel a little overwhelmed in some circumstances, but the more powerful ones have a useful 300Nm so should do most jobs well.

What the single-turbo models aren't is as refined, effortless or economical. We’d definitely go twin-turbo given the option.

• Car-like cab design that looks and feels good quality
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available
• Large amounts of storage, now more practical

The Trafic has always had a car-like interior that borrows heavily from Renault's passenger car range while also offering a large amount of storage space - even if this storage hasn't always been the most obvious. For the 2022 facelift, both facets have been further refined, with a striking new design inside that also offers greater functionality.

This is good news, as the previous version was starting to look and feel a little old. The new, more angular look appears smarter and seems to be higher quality. This includes the new EasyLink infotainment system, which has an 8.0-inch central touchscreen and integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other improvements include a wireless phone charger, three USB ports and a 4.2-inch colour display in the instrument cluster ahead of the driver. Bluetooth and DAB come as standard.

Other improvements include moving all of the cruise control buttons on to the steering wheel; previously they were awkwardly split between the wheel and the dashboard.

Practical inside

The Trafic comes with a huge amount of storage space inside the cab, now totalling 84 litres. While this is down slightly from the 90 litres claimed by pre-facelift models, items such as the door pockets seem more user-friendly, and there is a commendable amount of covered storage on the dash-top, keeping your items out of sight of prying eyes.

As before, 54 litres of space are tucked under the passenger bench seat. Similarly, the centre backrest still folds down to form a desk.

If you regluarly need to cary three people in a panel van of this size, the Trafic is a good choice. They are wider and more spacious in the cab than the Dispatch / Expert / Proace / Vivaro quartet, and actually offer the middle passenger some knee room.

• Typically impressive real-world fuel economy
• Four standard trim levels with lots of fitted kit
• Five-year finance and warranty packages available

Like many of the vans on sale in 2022, the Trafic has undergone a few price rises of late. The facelifted Trafic has seen its starting price go up by just under £3,000 since it launched in early 2022, although a reduction in November 2022 brought the starting price to £25,500 (before VAT). This still works out cheaper than the main rivals.

Renault Trafic mpg

Official fuel economy figures for the latest 2.0-litre Renault Trafic engines range from 39.2mpg to 40.4mpg according to the most recent WLTP standards.

This is a bit of a drop from previous models on paper, but WLTP figures tend to better reflect real-world driving - and the Trafic has always been an impressively economical van in the real-world.

So the Trafic is a good choice if you’re looking to minimise your per-mile fuel costs. Stop-start technology comes on nearly every version (it's standard across the facelifted range, in fact).

Renault Trafic warranty

You get a three-year / 100,000-mile warranty and road-side assistance combo on the Trafic.

However, as part of the '5-year Pro+ Promise', launched in March 2021, Renault extended its standard warranty to five years / 100,000 miles for buyers taking out five years of HP finance. Sweetening the deal, the package also includes five years of servicing and five years of breakdown cover. You can also add

This was only due to run for a limited period, but is still going at the time of writing (November 2022).

Renault Trafic service intervals

The Trafic can travel up to 25,000 miles or for two years between servicing, whichever comes first.

Renault offers EasyLife service plans that allow you to spread the cost of maintenance.

>> Renault Trafic insurance via mustard.co.uk

Renault Trafic standard equipment

Following the 2022 facelift, the Trafic was offered in in four trim levels: Business, Business+, Sport and Sport+ - the latter being a new addition to the range. This then changed in late 2022 when the models were changed to Start, Advance, Extra and Extra Sport. The actual equipment is largely the same, with the name change the biggest difference.

Renault Trafic Start standard equipment highlights:

• 3.5-inch monochrome infotainment display with DAB radio, Bluetooth, aux-in connection and USB socket
• Height- and lumbar-adjustable driver’s seat with arm rest
• Reach and rake adjustable steering wheel
• Electric windows
• Heated, electric door mirrors
• Passenger bench seat
• Steel bulkhead
• Sliding side door on the passenger side
• Twin unglazed rear doors that open to 180 degrees
• Remote locking with alarm and immobiliser
• 16-inch steel wheels
• Full LED headlights

Renault Trafic Advance standard equipment highlights (in addition to Start):

• Manual air-conditioning
• Mobile Office – fold-down middle passenger seat with detachable A4 clipboard and laptop storage
• Underseat storage for passenger bench
• Body-coloured door rails
• Chrome grille for taillight column
• Load-through flap in bulkhead
• Wide View Mirror blindspot mirror in passenger sunvisor
• Rear parking sensors
• EasyLink 8.0-inch infotainement system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Renault Trafic Extra standard equipment highlights (in addition to Advance):

• Automatic lights and wipers
• EasyLink with satellite-navigation and three-years' connected services
• 4.2-inch colour display in instrument cluster
• Premium dashboard with grain and chrome styling
• LED interior cabin lighting
• Body-coloured front bumper and door mirrors
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Front fog lights
• Electric folding mirrors
• AEB as standard (more on the safety kit in the Safety section below)

Renault Trafic Extra Sport standard equipment highlights (in addition to Extra):

• Keyless entry
• Climate control
• Metallic paint
• Body-coloured side mouldings
• 17-inch alloy wheels with black inserts
• Rear parking camera
• Additional active safety

• Better build quality than many Renault cars
• If buying used, ensure all safety recall checks have been carried out

While the Trafic doesn't typically get outstanding results in reliability surveys, neither does its customer satisfaction get slated.

Renault has a comprehensive nationwide dealer network, including dedicated van centres called Pro+.

As most of the mechanical parts are shared with other models in the Renault range, keeping your Trafic roadworthy should a component fail, shouldn’t prove difficult.

Renault Trafic safety recalls

Having said all that, the 1.6-litre Trafic has been subject to some interesting safety recalls since it was introduced in 2014 - though these do mostly relate to early models, so newer examples should prove less problematic.

There are some fairly routine issues, such as the possibility of cracked exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and potentially ineffective parking brakes.

But then there's one listed on the UK government's official recall checking website as 'rear axle may detach'. The one that suggests the 'bonnet may open without warning' also catches the eye.

It's important to remember that these are recall notices - so refer to mostly precautionary activities to ensure the vehicle's safety, rather than any deeply rooted problems.

• 2022 facelift brings substantial increase in safety kit...
• ...but only on higher-spec models
• Improved alarm fitted as standard

Having been severely criticised by Euro NCAP during the launch of its van safety campaign, Renault has vastly improved the Trafic's credentials as part of the 2022 facelift.

Renault Trafic safety

The Trafic is now available with all of the following Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-departure warning
• Blindspot warning
• Active emergency braking (better known as autonomous emergency braking)
• Traffic sign recognition
• Driver attention alert
• Automatic high and low beam for the full LED lights

All of these are optional extras on lower-spec models, however, with active emergency braking only standard from the Extra trim level, meaning 50% of the range doesn't get it.

Every model is fitted with electronic stability control (ESC), however, complete with a Grip Xtend function to help keep you moving in tricky conditions. Still only one airbag, though.

Renault Trafic security

The Trafic is one of only a few vans that gets an alarm as standard across the whole range, and for the 2022 facelift this has been upgraded from perimeter to volumetric technology.

An Extra Security Lock is also available, with further lock upgrades offered via Renault Pro+ dealerships.