best vans 2023 Page 119

Shopping for the best vans of 2023? Australia’s workhorses each have a party trick—and a quirk that’ll have you muttering at 6am job sites.

• Toyota HiAce — Pros: famed reliability, strong 2.8L diesel, top resale; Cons: higher purchase price, upright seating, firm ride when empty
• Ford Transit Custom — Pros: car-like handling, clever cabin, solid payload; Cons: servicing costs can sting, rural dealer coverage varies
• Hyundai Staria Load — Pros: massive space, 5-star ANCAP, sharp value; Cons: road noise when unladen, resale still proving itself
• Mercedes-Benz Vito — Pros: refined drivetrain, safety tech, comfy cabin; Cons: options get pricey, maintenance not the cheapest
• VW Transporter — Pros: versatile ranges and bodies, tidy dynamics; Cons: option packs add up, parts wait times can occur

Pick the one that fits your payload, cabin style and budget, then keep it serviced and it’ll pay you back in quiet competence. Plenty turn up on Tradingpost if you fancy a stickybeak between smoko and knock-off.