Renault Trafic vs FIAT Scudo: Which is the Best Medium Van?
If the UK has the Ford Transit Custom, then when it comes to mid-size commercial vehicles, it’s fair to say France has the Renault Trafic and Italy has the FIAT Scudo – but which is the better medium van?
With a collective ten million vans pounding the roads across France (6.5 million) and Italy (4.4 million), the commercial vehicle industry is a very competitive marketplace in western Europe.
Indeed, if you head to the continent, there is a strong chance you’d clap eyes on either a Trafic or Scudo before you’ve even left the ferry port.
While the medium van segment is dominated by Ford (and has been for a long time), the Renault Trafic and FIAT Scudo are more of a match for the Transit Custom in European sales charts - so are British van drivers missing a trick by defaulting to the norm?
And if so, which of these two European contenders make a worthier alternative to the Transit Custom? Time to find out...
Former Siblings Turned Rivals
It’s always a shame when relatives become estranged but in the case of the Renault Trafic and FIAT Scudo, it makes perfect sense.
A nameplate that was first introduced in 1994 as a replacement for the long-serving Talento, the FIAT Scudo was the third prong of an alliance between the Italian firm and PSA where it was built alongside the Citroen Dispatch (Jumpy) and Peugeot Expert.
This is how they would remain for the next two decades before FIAT switched allegiances to Renault’s commercial arm in 2016. Dusting off the Talento badge again, it was a direct sibling of the Trafic and the Vauxhall Vivaro.
However, not much stands still in the automotive world and only a few years later FIAT Chrysler absorbed PSA to form the Stellantis automotive group. The result was the Scudo being revived to be the latest spin-off from PSA’s existing commercial line that also comprises the Dispatch, Expert and Vivaro.
It means FIAT and Renault present two very different interpretations of the medium van formula – but which is best?
Lease the Renault Trafic if...
- You need outright cargo carrying capacity
- You’d benefit from a higher roof (H2) van
- You’re considering a long-wheelbase (L2) van
- You’re attracted by creature comforts
Lease the FIAT Scudo if...
- You need a generous payload capacity
- You’re considering a medium electric van
- You want a van that is easy-to-drive around town
- You’re want lots of standard safety kit
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Trafic vs Scudo: Cargo Load, Dimensions & Practicality
Both the Renault Trafic and FIAT Scudo are available with the choice of two lengths – known as L1 and L2 for each – which they also come with a crew van option.
However, the Scudo has just a single H1 height option, unlike the Trafic which can be had with a high roof (H2) combined with either an L1 or L2 model.
Placing the L1/H1 versions directly alongside one another, the Trafic – at more than five metres in length (5080mm) - is marginally longer than the Scudo’s 4981mm. It’s also taller (1971mm versus 1904mm) and wider, which ultimately translates to a larger cargo bay for the Renault.
Indeed, though the Renault Trafic is one of the older models in the medium van class, it is testament to its expert packaging that its 5.8 cubic metres of cargo space matches the class-leading Ford Transit Custom as the most spacious outright model in the segment. As a result, it can accommodate three Euro pallets.
By contrast, the FIAT Scudo makes do with 5.3 cubic metres of cargo space, though this can be increased to 5.8 cubic metres if the handy load-thru bulkhead option is applied. It also benefits from having sliding doors on both sides.
The margin between the two vans grows when applied to the longer L2 models with the 5480mm Trafic proving comfortably larger than the 5331mm Scudo in terms of external dimensions. This gives the Trafic 6.7 cubic metres of cargo space, compared with the Scudo’s 6.1 cubic metres.
Where the two models diverge in terms of load carrying capacity is Renault’s addition of a high roof H2 configuration to its range.
While the model presents some limitations for driving that need to be taken into consideration – such as accessing car parks or garages – the flip side is outstanding practicality.
With height dimensions rising from 1971mm to 2498mm, that additional lift in the cargo area multiplies cargo space to 7.8 cubic metres when combined with the standard short wheelbase (L1) or 8.9 cubic metres for the long wheelbase (L2).
Trafic vs Scudo: Weights, Loads & Towing
If the Renault Trafic has the edge when it comes to outright load capacity, the FIAT Scudo fights back by accommodating heavier cargo than its French rival.
Indeed, the combination of smaller dimensions and the L2 version having its extended length set behind the rear-axle for more effective load bearing means the Scudo trumps the Trafic comfortably for payload capacity.
Nearly all versions of the FIAT Scudo exceed 1000kg in terms of payload, with exception to a couple of electric E-Scudo trims that come in just shy of one-tonne.
Choose the 2.0-litre Multijet3 L1/H1 and it is possible to lug a maximum 1384kg in the back of a Scudo, though pick any size or engine and you’ll not be far off that lofty figure.
By contrast, the Trafic’s best payload figures come from the 150bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel in L2/H2 with 1032kg, while entry-level 130bhp and flagship 170bhp versions of the same engine come in under one-tonne.
In terms of towing, the Trafic enjoys braked capacity of 2500kg across the board among its turbodiesel models, while the electric E-Tech peaks at 920kg.
Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre Multijet turbodiesel Scudo achieves a similar towing capacity figure of 2500kg. Smaller engines peak at 2000kg, while electric versions have a towing capacity of 1000kg.
Trafic vs Scudo: Engine, Performance & Running Costs
Under the bonnet, the Renault Trafic offers up three variations of its 2.0-litre dCi turbodiesel powerplant – generating either 130, 150 or 170PS – while the FIAT Scudo comes with either a 120PS 1.5-litre turbodiesel or a 2.0-litre turbodiesel generating either 150 or 180PS.
In addition to this, the electric Renault Trafic E-Tech is available with a 52kWh battery, while the equivalent FIAT E-Scudo has a 75kWh unit.
It means the Trafic and Scudo are broadly like-for-like when it comes to outright power and performance.
For frugality, the 1.5-litre Multijet3 120PS is the most economical trim in the Scudo range, managing up to 45mpg, while larger engine versions achieve around 39mpg.
It’s a similar figure attained by the Trafic, which enjoys similar fuel economy figures across its three turbodiesel engines, averaging around 40mpg.
In terms of CO2 emissions, the 1.5-litre Multijet3 Scudo’s 164g/km makes it the more efficient model in the FIAT range, while the Trafic settles between 180-190g/km.
In electric terms, the E-Scudo also has the edge over the Trafic E-Tech with the former capable of up to 230 miles of range, while the Renault goes all the way to 186 miles by comparison.
It should be noted though that Renault will launch a new generation Trafic E-Tech in 2026 which promises class-leading range figures.
Trafic vs Scudo: Cab & Interior
While the Renault Trafic in its current guise has been on the market for some years, it still benefits from one of the best-designed and ergonomic cabins in the class.
Drawing inspiration from Renault’s passenger car line-up, the Trafic enjoys soft-touch materials and brushed metal-effect inserts on the dashboard.
At its centre is a well-sized eight-inch infotainment touchscreen borrowed from the Renault Captur, while the chunky multi-function steering wheel gives the Trafic a more car-like feel than ever before.
The FIAT Scudo, meanwhile, recently benefited from a major overhaul for its interior on the back of a mid-life cycle facelift introduced in 2024.
The changes represent a major improvement over its predecessor with a ten-inch touchscreen display being introduced as part of the entirely re-designed fascia.
While some of the materials on the dashboard and surrounding trim are more utilitarian than that in the Renault, they should be hard-wearing all the same.
Both models offer up plenty of cabin storage space to complement the load area with all manner of cubby holes, cup holders and hidden compartments.
Of the two, however, the Trafic is most generous with an additional 84-litres of storage space dotted around the interior. There is also a handy ‘Mobile Office’ function as standard which allows the middle-seat to be folded down to act as a table, complete with detachable clipboard and space for a laptop to be stowed.
By contrast, the Scudo makes do with a drop-down portion of the middle seat which doubles up as a slim worktop for a tablet or writing pad.
Trafic vs Scudo: Standard Equipment & Features
The Renault Trafic is offered with the choice of three trim levels – Advance, Extra and Extra Sport.
In base trim, the Trafic Advance comes with an eight-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB ports (plus Smartphone connectivity), electric front windows/mirrors, reach/rake adjustable steering wheel, mobile office flexibility, air-conditioning, LED headlights, daytime running lights, electronic stability control, 14/16 anchorage points, rear-parking sensors, cruise control, active emergency braking, driver attention alert, lane departure warning and tyre pressure detector.
Upgrade to the Trafic Extra and you’ll also get navigation, Google connected services, automatic headlights/wipers, faux leather steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, front fog lights and rear parking camera.
Go for the flagship Trafic Extra Sport and it adds climate control, exclusive alloy wheels, metallic paint, 360-degree parking sensors and hands-free key card with stop/start function.
The FIAT Scudo comes with the choice of three trim levels too – Scudo (Base), Primo and Onyx.
The Scudo’s entry-level trim includes a multi-functional steering wheel, 10-inch infotainment system, air-conditioning, electric mirrors/windows, electronic stability control, hill start assist, cruise control, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, lane keeping assist, advance emergency braking system and rear parking sensors.
Upgrade to the Scudo Primo and you’ll also get navigation system, removable storage compartment under seat, chilled glovebox, 17-inch wheels, body-coloured bumpers and dynamic surround view.
The flagship Scudo Onyx gets unique sporty accruements, such as front lip spoiler, side skirts and rear spoiler, plus unique alloy wheels, hand-crafted leather seats, dual-zone climate control, heated seats and keyless entry/start.
Trafic vs Scudo: Reliability
The Renault Trafic and FIAT Scudo offer similar three-year/100,000-mile warranties, whichever comes first.
However, the Trafic does have the benefit of offering unlimited mileage for the first 24 months and then a limit of 100,000 miles or three years.
Trafic vs Scudo: Safety & Security
Both the Renault Trafic and FIAT Scudo are well kitted out in terms of safety features with technology assistance designed specifically to ensure drivers remain alert and secure on the road.
Both models come with features that include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Emergency Braking, Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warnings, Intelligent Speed Assist and Hill Start Assist.
Both models have been assessed by EuroNCAP, which conducts its rating based on the strength of their safety features and effectiveness in simulated tests. In both instances, the Interstar and Proace Max were awarded four-stars.
Renault Trafic vs FIAT Scudo: THE VERDICT
The Renault Trafic and FIAT Scudo prove there are some very strong options in the medium van sector if you considering deviating from the oft-traversed path straight to the Ford Transit Custom or Vauxhall Vivaro.
Each has its own strengths that will appeal to specific business needs for their commercial vehicle.
For instance, the Trafic has the advantage in terms of outright space, not only compared to the Scudo but versus the vast majority in the medium van sector overall. Better still, it has that taller H2 option – something not offered by FIAT, Vauxhall or Ford – that further increases the load bay.
However, while it can’t match its rivals for load space, the Scudo offers a very generous payload capacity across its entire line-up, making it the pick for those that need to take weight into consideration.
The Scudo is also more frugal – both in diesel and electric trim – than the Trafic, but the Renault has arguably the smarter and more practical cabin.
For the most part though, the Trafic and Scudo are evenly matched, which just goes to show the strength in depth currently on offer in the medium van class.
