Toyota Proace Review: Stack Up?

In the competitive world the Toyota Proace Review of commercial vans, the Toyota Proace has made a significant impact. This versatile vehicle has gained attention for its reliability and efficiency, prompting many businesses to consider it as a viable option for their fleet. As the market for light commercial vehicles continues to grow, potential buyers are keen to understand how the Proace measures up against its rivals, including the Ford Transit, Volkswagen Transporter, Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro, and Mercedes Vito. Source

This comprehensive Toyota Proace review aims to analyze its performance across various aspects. We’ll explore its design and exterior features, assess its engine performance and fuel economy, and examine its practicality and payload capacity. Additionally, we’ll look into the Proace’s value proposition, warranty coverage, and address common concerns such as reliability issues, engine problems, and service intervals. By comparing the Proace with its competitors, readers will gain valuable insights to help them make an informed decision about whether this Toyota van is the right fit for their needs. See all Toyota vans for sale

Design and Exterior Features

The Toyota Proace stands out in the competitive commercial van market with its distinctive styling and versatile configurations. This section examines the unique Toyota design elements, available body sizes, and how it compares to key competitors in terms of exterior features. See all Toyota Proace vans fro sale

Unique Toyota styling elements

The Proace showcases Toyota’s commitment to blending functionality with esthetic appeal. Its exterior design incorporates impressive van styling with elements reminiscent of 4×4 and MPV designs. The front fascia features a bold grille and sleek headlights, giving the van a modern and professional appearance. Body-colored bumpers, door mirrors, and handles are available on higher trim levels, enhancing the van’s overall look. See all Toyota van lease deals

For businesses looking to make a strong visual impression, the Proace offers customization options. Painted products, such as side skirts, are carefully produced to match the van’s color, ensuring a cohesive and polished appearance. The painting process adheres to high industry standards, guaranteeing a quality finish that complements the van’s design.

Available body sizes and configurations Toyota Proace Review

The Proace caters to a wide range of business needs with its flexible configurations. It comes in three body lengths: Compact, Medium, and Long. The Compact version measures 4,606mm in overall length, while the Medium extends to 4,959mm. The Long variant, with its extended rear overhang, reaches 5,308mm.

Each size offers different load capacities, with the Compact providing 4.6 cubic meters, the Medium 5.3 cubic meters, and the Long an impressive 6.1 cubic meters. The Smart Cargo system, available on higher trims, further increases these capacities by 0.5 cubic meters.

All versions feature sliding doors on both sides of the load bay and twin rear doors that open 180 degrees, facilitating easy access to the cargo area. The Medium and Long variants can accommodate three Euro pallets, with side doors wide enough to allow pallet loading. See Toyota Proace Crew Cab

Comparison to key competitors

When compared to its rivals, the Proace holds its own in terms of design and versatility. While it shares a platform with the Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, and Vauxhall Vivaro, Toyota has made significant efforts to differentiate the Proace with unique styling cues and trim options.

In comparison to the Mercedes-Benz Vito, the Proace offers similar body length options but lacks a high roof variant. The Vito’s Premium trim provides features like 17-inch alloy wheels and a chrome grille as standard, which are only available on the Proace’s top-tier Design trim.

The Ford Transit Custom, another key competitor, offers more varied roof height options compared to the Proace. However, the Proace matches or exceeds the Transit in terms of load volume and payload capacity, depending on the specific configuration.

In terms of styling, the Proace strikes a balance between functionality and esthetics. While it may not have the immediate brand recognition of the Mercedes-Benz Vito, its design is more distinctive than some of its platform-sharing counterparts. The availability of features like front fog lights and alloy wheels on higher trims allows the Proace to compete effectively in the style department with its rivals.

Performance and Efficiency Toyota Proace Review

The Toyota Proace offers a range of engine options to suit various needs. The lineup includes 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter diesel engines with different power outputs. The 1.5-liter diesel comes in two variants: a 100hp version producing 270Nm of torque and a 120hp version generating 300Nm of torque. For those requiring more power, the 2.0-liter diesel engine is available in 120hp and 180hp configurations, delivering 340Nm and 400Nm of torque, respectively.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Proace performs admirably. The most efficient option is the 120hp 1.5-liter diesel, which can achieve up to 44.8mpg under WLTP testing conditions. All versions of the Proace can manage over 38mpg, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses concerned about fuel consumption.

The Proace’s driving dynamics are impressive, thanks to its underpinnings shared with the Peugeot 308 passenger car. This results in a van that handles more like a car than a typical commercial vehicle. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and control, maintaining composure even when the cargo area is empty. This controlled suspension also helps keep body roll in check, allowing drivers to approach corners with confidence without compromising the load.

While only available in front-wheel drive, the Toyota Proace Review maintains good levels of grip under normal road conditions. The steering is responsive and direct, although it may lack some feedback in faster corners. However, this doesn’t detract from its overall performance, as the Proace remains easy to maneuver in urban environments. The van boasts a relatively tight turning circle, with 11.3m for the shorter model and 12.4m for the medium and longer versions.

The Toyota Proace Review performance can be adapted to tackle different driving conditions with Toyota Traction Select. Using a rotary controller, drivers can choose between Normal, Snow, Sand, and All-terrain modes, enhancing the van’s versatility across various environments.

For those considering the Toyota Proace Review vs Ford Transit or other competitors, it’s worth noting that the Proace holds its own in terms of performance and efficiency. While each van has its strengths, the Proace’s car-like handling and impressive fuel economy make it a strong contender in the commercial van market.

In conclusion, the Toyota Proace Review offers a well-rounded package of performance and efficiency. Its range of engines provides options for different power requirements, while its fuel economy figures are competitive within its class. The van’s driving dynamics, inherited from its passenger car roots, contribute to a comfortable and controlled driving experience, making it a practical choice for businesses looking for a reliable and efficient commercial vehicle.

Practicality and Payload Capacity Toyota Proace Review

The Toyota Proace Review stands out in its class for its impressive practicality and payload capacity. This section examines the van’s load space dimensions, maximum payload ratings, and clever storage solutions that make it a strong contender in the commercial vehicle market.

Load space dimensions Toyota Proace Review

The Toyota Proace Review offers a range of body sizes to suit various business needs. It comes in three lengths: Compact, Medium, and Long. The Compact version measures 4,606mm in overall length, with a maximum load length of 2,162mm. The Medium extends to 4,959mm, offering a 2,512mm load length, while the Long variant reaches 5,308mm with a generous 2,862mm load length.

All versions feature a maximum load width of 1,636mm between the sides and 1,258mm between the wheel arches. The load height across all models is 1,397mm, providing ample vertical space for cargo. These dimensions allow the Medium and Long versions to accommodate up to three Euro pallets, making them versatile options for businesses with diverse transportation needs.

Maximum payload ratings Toyota Proace Review

The Toyota Proace’s payload capacity is competitive within its class. The Compact version offers a 1-ton payload, which is impressive for its size. The Medium variant provides a range of 1.0 to 1.4 tons, depending on the specific configuration. The Long version maintains the 1.4-ton payload capacity, making it suitable for heavier loads.

These payload ratings position the Proace favorably against competitors like the Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Transporter. The van’s ability to carry substantial weight while maintaining maneuverability makes it an attractive option for businesses that require a balance between capacity and agility.

Clever storage solutions Toyota Proace Review

Toyota has incorporated several innovative features to enhance the Proace’s practicality. The Smart Cargo system, available on higher trim levels, is a standout feature. This system includes a removable bulkhead panel and a flip-up passenger seat, significantly increasing the van’s versatility.

With Smart Cargo, the maximum load length increases to 3,324mm for the Compact, 3,674mm for the Medium, and an impressive 4,026mm for the Long version. This feature allows for the transportation of longer items without compromising on safety or comfort. The flip-up passenger seat also provides an additional 0.5 cubic meters of storage space, complete with lashing points for securing cargo.

All Toyota Proace Review models come standard with sliding doors on both sides of the load bay, enhancing accessibility. The twin rear doors open to 180 degrees, facilitating easy loading and unloading of large items. This configuration is particularly beneficial when working in tight spaces or when using forklifts for loading pallets.

Toyota Proace Review  offers various racking and storage solutions directly from the factory, allowing businesses to customize their Proace to suit specific needs. These options include roof platforms, rear ladders, and interior racking systems, enabling users to maximize the van’s storage potential and organize their cargo efficiently.

The Proace’s thoughtful design and practical features make it a versatile and efficient choice for businesses looking for a reliable commercial van. Its combination of generous load space, competitive payload ratings, and innovative storage solutions positions it as a strong competitor in the medium van segment.

Value Proposition and Warranty

The Toyota Proace offers a compelling value proposition in the competitive commercial van market. With a range of trim levels, competitive pricing, and an industry-leading warranty, the Proace stands out as a reliable and cost-effective choice for businesses.

Standard equipment by trim level Toyota Proace Review

The Proace is available in three equipment grades: Active, Icon, and Design. Each trim level provides a comprehensive set of features to meet the diverse needs of van users.

The Active grade, while being the entry-level option, comes well-equipped with essential features. It includes the Smart Cargo system, central remote locking with deadlocks, an alarm, cruise control with speed limiter, and air conditioning. The Active trim also offers smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring connectivity on the go.

Stepping up to the Icon grade adds more sophisticated cabin acoustic treatments for a quieter environment, including an acoustic windscreen. This trim level also includes driver’s seat height adjustment, a cooled and illuminated glovebox, and additional 12V power outlets in the glovebox and cargo area. Full wheel covers, satellite navigation, and a dashboard information display further enhance the Icon’s appeal.

The top-tier Design grade distinguishes itself with chrome side bars, body-color bumpers and door mirror casings, front fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. It also features the Toyota Pro Touch multimedia system, front parking sensors, a blind spot monitor, auto-folding door mirrors, and keyless entry.

Pricing compared to rivals

When it comes to pricing, the Toyota Proace has been positioned aggressively in the market. It offers excellent value for money, with prices ranging from around £17,000 to £31,000, depending on the specific model and configuration. This pricing strategy makes the Proace competitive against rivals such as the Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter, and Mercedes-Benz Vito.

While the Proace shares its platform with the Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, and Vauxhall Vivaro, Toyota has made efforts to differentiate it through unique styling cues and trim options. This differentiation, combined with Toyota’s reputation for reliability, helps justify its pricing in comparison to its platform-sharing counterparts.

Toyota’s 5-year/100,000-mile warranty

One of the Proace’s standout features is its warranty coverage. Toyota offers an industry-leading warranty that sets it apart from many competitors. Until June 1, 2021, new Toyota vehicles, including the Proace, came with a standard 5-year/100,000-mile warranty. This extensive coverage provided peace of mind for businesses, knowing their investment was protected for a significant period.

However, Toyota has since introduced an even more impressive warranty scheme. From June 1, 2021, Toyota implemented the Toyota Relax warranty, which offers up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of coverage. This innovative approach provides a standard 3-year/60,000-mile warranty, which can be extended by an additional 12 months or 10,000 miles with each qualifying service at an authorized Toyota center. This extension can continue annually until the vehicle reaches 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

This warranty structure not only demonstrates Toyota’s confidence in the Proace’s reliability but also offers significant value to owners. It provides long-term protection against unexpected repair costs and enhances the van’s resale value. For businesses looking to maximize their investment, this warranty coverage is a compelling reason to consider the Toyota Proace over its competitors. See all Toyota Hilux for sale

Conclusion Toyota Proace Review

The Toyota Proace has proven to be a strong contender in the commercial van market. Its blend of practical design, efficient performance, and impressive payload capacity gives it an edge over many competitors. The van’s versatile configurations, combined with Toyota’s reputation for reliability, make it a compelling choice to consider for businesses looking to enhance their fleet.

What’s more, the Proace’s competitive pricing and industry-leading warranty coverage add significant value to the package. The innovative Toyota Relax warranty, offering up to 10 years of protection, showcases Toyota’s confidence in the Proace’s durability. This comprehensive offering, along with its well-rounded features, positions the Toyota Proace as a smart investment for businesses seeking a dependable and cost-effective commercial vehicle solution.

FAQs Toyota Proace Review

What vehicles are comparable to the Toyota ProAce?
The Toyota ProAce is closely related to the Peugeot Expert, Citroen Dispatch, and Vauxhall Vivaro, sharing many similarities in design and functionality. See all Toyota vans for sale

Is the Toyota ProAce identical to any other vehicles?
Yes, the Toyota ProAce is mechanically identical to the Peugeot Expert, Citroen Dispatch, and Vauxhall Vivaro. These models are medium-sized vans that compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Custom, and Renault Trafic.

What are the equivalents of the Toyota ProAce Verso?
The Toyota ProAce Verso is nearly identical to the Citroen SpaceTourer, Peugeot Traveler, and Vauxhall Vivaro Life, differing mainly in equipment levels, pricing, and warranty options.

Does the Toyota ProAce share components with the Peugeot models?
Yes, the Toyota ProAce shares many parts with the Stellantis group’s vehicles, including the Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, and Vauxhall Vivaro, though it is branded and serviced by Toyota.