Toyota Proace
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a commercial van that combines Japanese reliability with European engineering? The Toyota Proace might be exactly what your business needs. This mid-size commercial vehicle offers impressive practicality and build quality, making it a compelling choice for businesses needing dependable goods transportation. While technically built by PSA Group under Toyota’s badge, it brings together the best of both worlds.

The Proace stands out in the competitive van market with its spacious cargo area and efficient diesel engines. It competes directly with popular choices like the Ford Transit Custom and Vauxhall Vivaro, but brings Toyota’s reputation for reliability to the table. The interior feels more car-like than many commercial vehicles, with decent materials and intuitive controls that make long working days more comfortable.

What makes the Proace appealing is its balance of practicality and refinement. The ride quality is surprisingly good for a commercial vehicle, while the generous load space means it can handle most business requirements. It’s designed for operators who want a van that works hard but doesn’t feel like a penalty to drive. The strong build quality and comprehensive warranty make it particularly attractive for businesses looking at total cost of ownership rather than just the initial purchase price.

What's the Toyota Proace Like to Drive?

The Toyota Proace is built around proven diesel powertrains that prioritise efficiency and reliability over outright performance. The range includes 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre HDi diesel engines, producing between 95 and 180 horsepower depending on specification. The entry-level units provide adequate power for urban deliveries, while the higher-output versions handle motorway driving and heavy loads with confidence. Acceleration feels measured rather than brisk, but it’s perfectly suited to commercial applications.

Where the Proace excels is in its driving refinement and handling characteristics. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces despite its commercial van dimensions. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between load-carrying capability and ride comfort when empty. Road noise is well-controlled, and the six-speed manual gearbox shifts smoothly with well-spaced ratios. It feels more like driving a large estate car than a traditional commercial vehicle, which reduces driver fatigue on longer journeys.

How Comfortable Is the Toyota Proace?

Step inside the Proace and you’ll immediately notice the car-like cabin quality that sets it apart from many commercial rivals. The dashboard layout is logical and user-friendly, with well-positioned controls and decent material quality throughout. The seats offer good support for long working days, with plenty of adjustment to find a comfortable driving position. Higher specification models include features like air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and a touchscreen infotainment system that wouldn’t look out of place in a passenger car.

Storage solutions are well thought out, with numerous cubbyholes, cup holders, and document storage areas around the cabin. The driving position provides excellent visibility in all directions, aided by large mirrors and optional parking sensors. Road and engine noise are impressively well-controlled, creating a calm working environment that reduces stress during busy delivery schedules. The overall ambience feels professional and comfortable, making it a pleasant place to spend long working days while maintaining the rugged durability expected from a commercial vehicle.

The Toyota Proace succeeds in bringing together commercial practicality with passenger car refinement in an impressive package. Its biggest strengths are the comfortable, quiet cabin, efficient diesel engines, and the reassurance of Toyota’s reliability reputation. The driving experience is genuinely pleasant, making it easier for businesses to attract and retain drivers. Build quality feels solid throughout, suggesting it will handle the demands of commercial use well.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Toyota Proace?

The Toyota Proace delivers impressive running costs that make it attractive for cost-conscious businesses. The efficient diesel engines typically return between 40-50 MPG in real-world use, depending on load and driving conditions. Insurance costs are reasonable for the commercial vehicle class, and the comprehensive Toyota warranty provides peace of mind. Servicing intervals are sensibly spaced, and parts availability is generally good thanks to the shared platform with PSA Group vehicles.

The initial purchase price positions the Proace competitively against established rivals, though it may command a slight premium over some alternatives. However, the strong residual values and Toyota’s reputation for reliability help offset this. Many businesses find commercial vehicle finance options make the Proace accessible, with flexible payment structures available. Regular maintenance costs are reasonable, and the robust build quality means fewer unexpected repair bills. Overall, the total cost of ownership compares very favourably with competitors, especially when factoring in reliability and resale values.

Toyota Proace Practicality & Boot Space

The Toyota Proace excels in practical applications with its intelligently designed cargo area and flexible loading solutions. The load bay offers between 5.1 and 6.6 cubic metres of space depending on wheelbase, easily accommodating most business requirements. The payload capacity ranges from 1,000 to 1,400 kg across the range, suitable for everything from parcel delivery to construction materials. Loading height is sensibly judged, making it easier to lift heavy items, while the wide rear doors and optional side loading door improve access.

The Proace works particularly well for businesses requiring a balance of load capacity and driving refinement. It’s ideal for courier services, small construction firms, and service engineers who spend significant time behind the wheel. Compared to other used Toyota cars, the Proace brings commercial capability without sacrificing the build quality Toyota is known for. The various body lengths and height options mean most businesses can find a configuration that suits their specific needs, from urban delivery work to longer-distance hauling applications.

The Toyota Proace stands out in the competitive commercial vehicle market by successfully combining business practicality with genuine driving comfort. It delivers the reliability and build quality Toyota is famous for, wrapped in a package that makes commercial driving less of a chore. The efficient diesel engines, comfortable cabin, and thoughtful design details create a van that works hard while looking after its occupants.

You choose the Proace when you want a commercial vehicle that doesn’t compromise on quality or driver experience. Its refined ride, excellent fuel economy, and robust build make it ideal for businesses that view their vehicles as long-term investments. While it may not offer the absolute maximum load space in its class, the overall package is compelling for operators who value reliability and comfort alongside commercial capability. For businesses looking at cars under £10,000, older Proace models offer excellent value.