Toyota Hiace vs Other Van Options: Which is Best for Your Perth Rental?

When you need to move items around Perth or transport goods for your business, selecting the right rental van is crucial. At BILD Rentals, we specialise in Toyota Hiace vans, but we understand that customers want to know they're getting the best vehicle for their specific needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand how the Toyota Hiace stacks up against other common van options available in Perth.

Toyota Hiace: The All-Rounder

The Toyota Hiace has earned its reputation as a versatile workhorse for good reason. Here's why it remains one of the most popular van rental choices in Perth:

Key Specifications:

• Cargo Capacity: Approximately 5.2m³
• Payload: Up to 1,000kg
• Fuel Efficiency: Average 8-10L/100km
• Dimensions: 4.70m length × 1.70m width × 1.98m height

Strengths:

• Reliability: Toyota's legendary build quality means fewer breakdowns
• Manoeuvrability: Compact enough for city driving while offering substantial capacity
• Comfort: Car-like driving position and well-designed cabin
• Fuel Economy: Efficient for its size, especially important with Perth fuel prices
• Resale Value: High resale value translates to better-maintained rental fleets

Comparing the Competition

How does the Hiace compare to other popular van options you might encounter at Perth rental companies?

Hyundai iLoad

The iLoad is one of the Hiace's closest competitors in the Australian market.

Comparison Points:

• Cargo Space: Similar capacity at roughly 5.2m³
• Driving Experience: Both offer comfortable, car-like handling
• Power: iLoad typically offers more power but similar torque
• Perth Service Network: Toyota has more service locations around Perth and WA
• Interior Features: Modern iLoads may have more tech features
• Reliability History: Hiace has a longer proven reliability record in Australian conditions

Verdict: Very similar vans, with the Hiace edging ahead on reliability and the iLoad potentially offering more modern features.

Ford Transit Custom

The European contender in the medium van market.

Comparison Points:

• Driving Dynamics: Transit typically offers more car-like handling
• Cargo Access: Similar side and rear door configurations
• Fuel Economy: Comparable in real-world Perth driving conditions
• Interior Volume: Transit often offers slightly less cargo volume
• Off-Road Capability: Hiace performs better on rougher WA roads and tracks
• Maintenance Costs: Hiace generally has lower service costs in Perth

Verdict: The Transit shines in driving dynamics, while the Hiace offers better practicality and potentially lower running costs.

Mitsubishi Express

Recently reintroduced to the Australian market, but based on a Renault design.

Comparison Points:

• Price Point: Often cheaper to rent in Perth
• Reliability: Doesn't match the Hiace's proven track record
• Cargo Dimensions: Comparable space but different configuration
• Safety Features: Fewer advanced safety features in base models
• Fuel Consumption: Generally higher than the Hiace in Perth conditions
• Comfort Level: Less refined ride quality, especially on longer journeys

Verdict: The Express is often cheaper but doesn't match the Hiace's overall quality and reliability.

Mercedes-Benz Vito

The premium option in the medium van market.

Comparison Points:

• Rental Cost: Typically more expensive to rent in Perth
• Premium Features: More luxury appointments
• Fuel Economy: Less economical than the Hiace
• Load Space: Similar usable volume
• Brand Perception: Better for client-facing businesses
• Reliability: Good, but more expensive to repair in Perth

Verdict: The Vito offers a more premium experience but at a higher cost and with less practicality than the Hiace.

Choosing Based on Your Perth Needs

Different scenarios call for different vehicles. Here's our recommendation based on common Perth rental scenarios:

For Moving House in Perth Suburbs

Best Choice: Toyota Hiace The balance of capacity, fuel economy, and reliability makes it perfect for Perth suburban moves. Its size navigates tight driveways and parking situations found in areas like Subiaco or Mount Lawley.

For Business Deliveries Across Perth

Best Choice: Toyota Hiace or Ford Transit Both offer good capacity, professional appearance, and reliability. The Hiace edges ahead for companies making many stops due to its fuel efficiency and proven reliability.

For IKEA or Furniture Pickup

Best Choice: Toyota Hiace The wide opening rear doors and flat load floor make it ideal for awkwardly shaped furniture packages. The rear barn doors open 180 degrees, perfect for loading large items from places like the Joondalup IKEA.

For Tradespeople Working Around Perth

Best Choice: Toyota Hiace Superior reliability means less downtime, and the robust build quality handles tools and equipment well. The ability to handle Perth's outer suburbs and light off-road conditions makes it versatile for accessing job sites.

Long-Term Cost Considerations

When renting for longer periods in Perth, consider:

• Fuel Costs: The Hiace's efficiency adds up over longer rentals
• Reliability Factor: Less chance of vacation or work disruption
• Insurance Excess: Often lower for Hiaces due to better safety ratings and lower repair costs
• Comfort for Long Drives: Important if exploring wider WA beyond Perth

Conclusion

While every van has its strengths, the Toyota Hiace consistently ranks as one of the best all-round options for Perth van rentals. Its combination of reliability, practical design, fuel efficiency, and comfort make it suitable for most rental needs.

At BILD Rentals, we've chosen to specialise in Toyota Hiace vans precisely because they meet the needs of the widest range of Perth customers. Whether you're moving apartments in Scarborough, delivering products around Fremantle, or picking up furniture in Cannington, the Hiace provides a dependable, efficient solution.

Have questions about whether the Hiace is right for your specific needs? Contact our team at 0413 922 287 for personalised advice on choosing the right van for your Perth rental requirements.

This comparison is based on the BILD Rentals team's extensive experience with various van models and customer feedback from Perth renters.