Renault Trafic Trim Guide: Advance vs Extra vs Extra Sport

Let's be honest. Choosing the right van trim level for your needs can sometimes feel like ordering at a restaurant with a menu the size of a phone book. Do you go for the essential starter, the popular favourite, or splash out on the full works?

Well, Renault has made things a bit simpler. The entry-level Start trim? Gone. Discontinued. Finito. And before you panic, this is actually good news! The current lineup now kicks off with the Advance trim, which packs in features that used to be optional extras on the old Start model.

Renault has simplified things so you're now choosing between three solid options: Advance, Extra, and Extra Sport. Each one builds on the previous level, adding features that could genuinely make your working day easier. 

To help find the ideal Renault Trafic van for you, here at Loads of Vans, we've put together this no-nonsense guide to help you figure out which trim makes sense for your business, your budget, and your sanity!

Key Takeaways: 

• The entry-level Start trim has been discontinued 
• Advance is now the starting point
• All three trims (Advance, Extra, Extra Sport) come with impressive standard equipment
• The Extra trim is Renault's most popular choice and offers the best value-for-money upgrade
• Extra Sport is the only trim where you can spec the powerful 170hp automatic engine
• Expect real-world fuel economy of 40-42 mpg across all trim levels
• All Trafic vans are ULEZ compliant with Euro 6 engines
• The innovative Mobile Office feature comes as standard on every trim

Note: This guide covers the current generation Renault Trafic diesel range. Renault is also launching an all-new Trafic E-Tech electric model in 2026 with enhanced specifications. Contact us to discuss which model suits your needs best.

All About the Renault Trafic Advance Trim

Think of the Advance trim as the Trafic with all the important boxes ticked. It's far from a stripped-out basic van. In fact, Renault has made sure that even their entry-level model comes loaded with a kit that'll make your daily driving experience genuinely more pleasant. Here’s what you can expect:

Technology That Actually Works

• 8-inch EASY LINK touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 7-inch colour driver display
• DAB radio with Bluetooth and USB ports
• ECO mode button
• Cruise control with speed limiter

Interior Comfort

• Driver's seat with armrest, height adjustment, and lumbar support
• Electric front window
• Manual air conditioning with pollen filter
• Reach and rake adjustable steering wheel
• Front passenger bench with Mobile Office workbench
• Underseat storage
• 'Kompo' upholstery for all-day driving

The Clever Mobile Office Setup

So here's a feature that's become a bit of a game-changer for our customers: the Mobile Office. This means that the front passenger bench converts into a workstation, complete with a removable clipboard that angles towards you. 

It’s the perfect setup for filling out delivery notes, checking job sheets, or doing a quick quote while you're parked up. It's one of those features you don't realise you need until you've got it!

Safety Kit and Driver Technology

• Full LED headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights
• Active emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Driver attention alert
• Rear parking sensors and camera
• Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist
• Thatcham T1 volumetric alarm
• Remote central locking with deadlocking

Exterior Features

• 16-inch steel wheels with trims
• Heated, electrically adjustable door mirrors
• Left-side sliding door (unglazed)
• 180-degrees opening rear doors
• 80-litre fuel tank (20-litre AdBlue tank too)

Who Should Choose the Renault Trafic Advance Trim?

The Advance trim makes perfect sense if you:

✔️ Want a well-equipped van without paying for bells and whistles you won't use
✔️ Are happy using your phone for navigation
✔️ Don't meet clients regularly and aren't bothered about alloy wheels
✔️ Can live with steel wheels
✔️ Prefer manual air conditioning
✔️ Want to save money but still get all the essential safety features 

All About the Renault Trafic Extra Trim

Ask any Renault dealer in the UK which Trafic trim sells best, and they'll tell you: it's the Extra. This is because it’s not too basic, and not too fancy. It’s just right. And there's a very good reason for this… 

The Extra trim takes everything from the Advance trim and adds the features that genuinely improve your day-to-day experience. We're talking proper integrated navigation, automatic lights and wipers, and a professional look that says "successful business" rather than "just starting out."

You can expect everything from the Advance trim, plus… 

Upgraded Technology

• EASY LINK navigation system
• Connected services for 3 years (such as Google search for points of interest, Live traffic information, and Real-time weather updates
• Automatic headlights
• Rain-sensitive wipers
• Automatic high beam

Premium Interior Touches

• Dashboard with horizontal grain and chrome styling
• Faux leather steering wheel
• 'Java' upholstery (an upgraded fabric)
• Interior LED cabin lighting

Exterior Upgrades

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Body-coloured front and rear bumpers
• Body-coloured door mirrors and side mouldings
• Electric folding door mirrors
• Front fog lights

Who Should Choose the Renault Trafic Extra Trim?

Go for the Extra if you:

✔️ Meet customers at their homes or businesses
✔️ Want your van to look professional and well-maintained
✔️ Do a lot of driving and value the convenience features
✔️ Appreciate not having to fumble with lights and wipers
✔️ Plan to keep the van for several years
✔️ Think the alloy wheels and body-coloured styling are worth it

All About the Renault Trafic Extra Sport Trim

The Extra Sport is for people who view their van as more than just a tool. They consider it an extension of their brand, their mobile office, and they spend enough time in it to justify maximum comfort.

It is more expensive than the other trims, but it is absolutely worth it depending on how you use your van and how long you plan to keep it.

You can expect everything from the Extra trim, plus…

Driver-focused Technology

• Automatic climate control
• Next-level parking assistance
• 360-degree parking sensors
• Hands-free keycard with stop/start

Premium Styling

• Metallic paint included
• 17-inch alloy wheels with black inserts (for a much more sporty look)

Exclusive Engine Access

• Can specify the Blue dCi 170 Auto EDC
• 170 horsepower
• 380 Nm of torque
• 9-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox
• Only available with the Extra Sport trim

Who Should Choose the Renault Trafic Extra Sport Trim?

The Extra Sport makes sense if you:

✔️ Spend significant hours per day in your van
✔️ Regularly drive in congested city centres
✔️ Value maximum comfort and convenience
✔️ Want the hands-free entry/exit system
✔️ Need or want the most powerful engine option
✔️ View your van as a mobile office and brand ambassador
✔️ Plan to keep the van for over 5 years
✔️ Can justify the premium in your business budget

Renault Trafic Body Configurations

Regardless of which trim you choose, you can spec your Renault Trafic van in multiple body styles:

Panel Van Options

Crew Van Option

• Long wheelbase only
• Load volume: 4.0m³
• Maximum payload: up to 978kg
• Second row with 3 individual seats (ISOFIX on outer seats)
• Glazed side doors on both sides
• Ideal for work teams and dual-purpose use

Our Renault Trafic Trim Recommendations

Here at Loads of Vans, we sell all three trim levels, so we're not going to push you in a particular direction unless it genuinely makes sense for you.

For most buyers, the Renault Trafic Extra trim is the sweet spot. And here’s why: The integrated navigation, automatic lights/wipers, and professional appearance justify the more premium price over Advance, while you're not paying for features you might not fully use (like the Extra Sport's 360° sensors).

Here’s what trim we recommend:

1. If budget is tight and you just need a solid, reliable workhorse = Advance trim
2. If you want the best value for most business users = Extra trim
3. If you want maximum comfort and spec = Extra Sport trim

The Trafic itself is a brilliant van regardless of trim level. It's very reliable (the Master won 2025's most reliable LCV award, and they share a lot of engineering), economical, practical, and backed by a solid warranty. At the end of the day, you're getting a lot of van for your money.

Are You Ready to Choose Your Renault Trafic Van?

The best next step after reading this article is to come and see our Renault Trafic vans in person! Sitting in each trim level and experiencing the differences firsthand is worth a lot more than online comparison charts, so why not come and visit our Loads of Vans dealership in Sutton today?! 

Our team will help you work out which combination of trim, body style, and engine makes sense for your business and budget. No pressure and no nonsense. Instead, you’ll receive honest advice from people who've been doing this for decades.

Find Your Renault Trafic

Frequently Asked Questions About Renault Trafic Vans

What happened to the Start trim?

Renault discontinued the Start trim for 2025. The Advance is now the entry point, but it actually includes many features that were optional or unavailable on the old Start, so you're getting much better value. Think of it as Renault raising the baseline rather than reducing choice.

Can I retrofit features from higher trims later?

Some things you can, some things you can’t. For instance, the integrated navigation, 360-degree parking sensors, and hands-free keycard are all trim-specific electronics that would be very expensive (but not impossible) to add later. 

As for aesthetic features like alloy wheels? Sure, you could swap them. But honestly, it's almost always more cost-effective to buy the trim level you actually want from the start.

Is the Extra trim worth the extra money?

For most buyers, yes. This is because the integrated navigation alone is worth having, and the professional appearance from alloy wheels and body-coloured styling enhances your business image. Plus, Extra-trim vans typically hold their value better when it comes time to sell or trade in.

Which engine should I choose?

For most uses, the 150hp hits the sweet spot. It's got enough power for motorway overtaking and heavier loads without drinking diesel. The 130hp is fine for city-based work and lighter loads. The 170hp is brilliant if you regularly tow or want effortless performance, but remember it's Extra Sport only and automatic-only.

Should I get the automatic gearbox?

If you drive in heavy traffic regularly (hello, London commuters!), absolutely get the auto. We think the 9-speed EDC is genuinely good. It’s smooth, responsive, and makes stop-start driving so much less tiring. For mixed or motorway driving, it's a nice-to-have rather than essential, so it comes down to personal preference and budget.

Are there any electric Renault Trafic options?

Yes! The Trafic E-Tech electric is available with a 52kWh battery offering up to 185 miles of range. It's based on the same platform as the diesel versions, but with all the benefits of zero emissions and lower running costs. It’s definitely worth considering if your daily mileage is predictable and you have somewhere to charge.

How does the Renault Trafic van compare to rivals?

The Trafic competes directly with the Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro, Peugeot Expert, Citroen Dispatch, and Toyota Proace. It typically undercuts the Transit Custom on price and offers better standard equipment than many rivals. For example, the Mobile Office feature is unique to Renault.