Are Vauxhall Vivaro & Renault Trafic Vans The Same
With cast-iron reputations as no-nonsense, dependable workhorses, the Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic share many key traits that make them so popular in the Medium Van class.
It has often led to the impression that the Vivaro and Trafic are one and the same – so are they?
In short, the answer is no they are not the same� but they used to be very similar.
Today’s Vauxhall Vivaro has a lot in common with four other medium vans in the class – the Citroen Dispatch, FIAT Scudo, Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace.
This is the outcome of Vauxhall having been acquired by the PSA Group (parent company of Peugeot and Citroen) in 2018, which in was then subsequently merged with Stellantis (parent company of FIAT) in 2022.
As a result, it made little sense for Vauxhall/Opel to develop its own van and duly spun a new generation Vivaro based off the same platform as the existing Peugeot/Citroen commercial range.
The Renault Trafic on the other hand does have a sister in the Nissan Primastar, which comes courtesy of the close ties between Renault and Nissan.
As for the query over whether the Vivaro and Trafic are the same, the two models were developed together between 2001 and 2018. So yes, the Vauxhall and Renault models very similar for almost two decades, but since 2018 they haven’t been related.
Of the two, the Vivaro has undergone the most recent update with a facelift in 2024 bringing its design more into line with the rest of the Vauxhall range. Beyond the ‘Vizor’ themed front-end, however, it is otherwise identical in dimensions, interior, engines and trims with its Citroen/Peugeot/FIAT/Toyota siblings.
By contrast, the Trafic is one of the older options in the Medium Van class but it is due for a replacement in 2026 and will be developed primarily around an electric platform and gain a strikingly modern look.
What is the Renault Trafic actually like?
The current version of the Renault Trafic first went on sale in 2014, but in 2019 new emissions-compliant diesel engines were introduced.
At the same time, Renault updated the model's tech and looks generally, while including state-of-the-art infotainment systems.
Trims available include Advance, Extra and Extra Sport, as well as Crew models, with the latter seating six.
There are two roof heights and body lengths, with cargo volume ranging from 3.2 cubic metres (crew edition) to 8.6. A hatch below the (twin) passenger seat means the Trafic carries loads up to 4.15m, making it one of the roomiest vans in its class.
All models are front-wheel drive, and, since 2019, available in the UK only with three versions of its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines – 130, 150 and 170. An automatic gearbox is available for the 150 and 170hp models, otherwise there's six-speed manual transmission.
Overall, the Trafic offers a comfortable, car-like drive, even over longer journeys.
What about the Vauxhall Vivaro?
The latest (third generation) version of the Vauxhall Vivaro was launched in 2019 with a facelift in 2024, and the model is one of the most capable in its class.
Though it's one of the smaller vehicles within its sector, expect plenty of tech, a low roof making urban driving easier, and excellent payload capacity.
Indeed, maximum payload is over 1.4 tonnes, or one of the industry's best in this class of van. You'll find three trim levels: Prime, Pro and sporty GS, along with two options for body length (L1 Panevl Van or the longer L2 XL at 2.862m), a crew model plus an electric option. However, there's just one roof height.
You can also look forward to an impressive fuel economy, with a choice of two quiet engines with four power outputs. Take your pick from the 1.5 or 2.0-litre diesels, with up to 180hp. The 180hp has eight-speed auto transmission, otherwise a six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard. (The automatic is also an option with the 120hp 2.0-litre.)
Some reviewers have remarked that the cab of the Vivaro feels rather compact. However, you can still look forward to an all-round excellent, very comfortable, driving experience.
Vauxhall Vivaro vs. Ford Transit Custom
When it comes to teeing up mighty showdowns between two vans, rivalries don’t come more significant than the Ford Transit Custom and Vauxhall Vivaro facing off for the ‘Best Medium Van’ crown.
Indeed, the significance of this mantle shouldn’t be underestimated. Between them, the Transit Custom and Vivaro racked up sales of 64,000 units in the UK alone last year. But which is better mid-size van?
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