For tradies, couriers and small businesses, three vans dominate the shortlist: the Ford Transit Custom, the Toyota HiAce and the Hyundai Staria Load. They overlap on price, but they are built for slightly different jobs.
All prices are list prices before on-road costs, from our directory, which is sourced from each brand's Australian website and checked in November 2026. Business buyers should always ask about ABN and fleet pricing, which can be well below list.
The short answer
Cheapest: the Hyundai Staria Load diesel at $49,990.
Most cargo space: the Toyota HiAce, especially the super long wheelbase (SLWB) van.
Best all-rounder and the best towing: the Ford Transit Custom, with up to 6.8 cubic metres of cargo space, around 1.2 tonnes of payload, 2800 kg towing on Trend grades, and diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric versions.
The numbers side by side
| Ford Transit Custom | Toyota HiAce | Hyundai Staria Load | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $56,590 to $79,990 | $51,880 to $63,190 | $49,990 to $70,990 |
| Diesel engine | 2.0 litre turbo diesel, 125 kW | 2.8 litre turbo diesel, 130 kW | 2.2 litre turbo diesel, 130 kW |
| Other powertrains | Plug-in hybrid (53 km electric WLTP), electric (up to 346 km WLTP) | Diesel only | Petrol hybrid, electric (450 km WLTP) |
| Cargo volume | 5.8 m3 (SWB), 6.8 m3 (LWB) | About 6.2 m3 (LWB), about 9.3 m3 (SLWB) | 4.9 m3 |
| Payload | About 1,027 to 1,245 kg | Check with Toyota for your grade | 997 to 1,039 kg |
| Braked towing | 2,300 to 2,800 kg | 1,500 kg | 2,500 kg diesel, 2,000 kg electric, hybrid not rated to tow |
| Drive | Front, AWD (Trail) or rear (electric) | Rear-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited km, extendable to 7 years with on-time Ford dealer servicing | 5 years, unlimited km | 5 years or 160,000 km |
Ford Transit Custom
The new-generation Transit Custom is the most complete van here. The 2.0 litre diesel makes 125 kW, and you can choose a short (5.8 cubic metres) or long (6.8 cubic metres) wheelbase. Trend diesels tow 2800 kg braked, the most of the three, and payload runs to about 1.2 tonnes.
It also has the widest choice of powertrains. The diesel range runs from the Trend SWB at $56,590 to the all-wheel drive Trail LWB at $61,990. A plug-in hybrid (from $67,590) does about 53 km on electricity, and the fully electric E-Transit Custom (from $77,590) claims up to 346 km WLTP.
The downside is price: it is the most expensive of the three like for like.
Toyota HiAce
The HiAce is the default choice for a reason. It is tough, holds its value, and Toyota's dealer and service network reaches almost everywhere. It is also the biggest van here, especially in SLWB form, which makes it the pick for removalists, couriers and anyone carrying bulky loads.
Every HiAce uses a 2.8 litre turbo diesel (130 kW) driving the rear wheels. Prices start at $51,880 for the LWB van with a manual gearbox and run to $63,190 for the SLWB with barn doors.
The trade-offs are towing, at 1,500 kg, and the lack of any hybrid or electric option.
Hyundai Staria Load
The Staria Load is the most car-like to drive and the cheapest way in. The 2.2 litre diesel (130 kW) is $49,990, rated at 7.0 L/100 km, with 997 kg of payload and 2,500 kg towing.
Hyundai also offers a 1.6 litre petrol hybrid from $53,490, rated at 6.5 L/100 km, but it is not rated to tow. The new Staria Load Electric ($70,990) has an 84 kWh battery, 450 km of WLTP range and 2,000 kg towing.
Its weakness is space: at 4.9 cubic metres it carries the least of the three. Its five-star ANCAP rating from 2021 is a plus for anyone who spends all day behind the wheel.
Which one should you buy
For the lowest price: the Staria Load diesel.
For the biggest loads: the HiAce SLWB.
For towing: the Transit Custom diesel, rated to 2800 kg in Trend form.
For going electric: the Staria Load Electric has the longest claimed range (450 km WLTP), while the E-Transit Custom carries more cargo.
Cartell Assessment
The Transit Custom is the best van here overall, with the most capability and the most choice, if the budget allows. The HiAce is the safe, practical pick for maximum space and resale. The Staria Load is the smart buy for owner-drivers who want a comfortable cab, a lower price and an easy step into hybrid or electric.
Compare every van on sale in Australia, including the Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter and Mercedes-Benz Vito, on our vans page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest of the Transit Custom, HiAce and Staria Load?
The Hyundai Staria Load diesel at $49,990 before on-road costs. The HiAce starts at $51,880 and the Transit Custom at $56,590.
Which van carries the most?
The Toyota HiAce. The long wheelbase van has about 6.2 cubic metres of cargo space and the super long wheelbase about 9.3 cubic metres, against 6.8 for the Transit Custom LWB and 4.9 for the Staria Load.
Which van tows the most?
The Ford Transit Custom diesel in Trend grades, rated to 2,800 kg braked. The Staria Load diesel tows 2,500 kg and the HiAce 1,500 kg.
Is there an electric version?
Yes, of two of them. The Ford E-Transit Custom claims up to 346 km WLTP and the Hyundai Staria Load Electric claims 450 km WLTP. The HiAce is diesel only.
