Toyota Proace Verso Review 2024

Toyota Proace Verso At A Glance

4/5

+Cheap to run, capable of carrying up to nine, lots of interior space.

-Rivals are better to drive, boot space is limited when all of the seats are in place, some of the engines lack refinement.

The Toyota Proace is a compact and flexible people mover aimed predominantly at taxi drivers and airport shuttle firms.

Like the van it is based on, the Proace Verso is built in France as part of a joint agreement with Citroen and Peugeot. This means it's almost identical to the SpaceTourer and Traveller, with low running costs and high levels of standard equipment. 

There are three body styles to pick from as well as three trims - Shuttle, Family and VIP - reflecting the market that the Proace Verso is aimed at. Entry Shuttle models are well-equipped, with nine-seats fitted as standard, along with automatic headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, heated door mirrors and automatic dual-zone - for the front and rear - climate control.

The range-topping VIP model is aimed at the executive transport end of the market and features seven leather heated seats and a rear table. Like the Proace Verso in Family trim, the seats are rail-mounted, which means they can be moved forwards/backs or removed altogether.

Compact versions offer the least boot space with the rear seats in place - just 224 litres - but things are more practical with the medium and long bodystyles, which offer a respective 603 and 989 litres. Family-spec versions get a split tailgate, which means you can access the boot without having to lift the large, heavy tailgate.

The front-wheel drive Proace Verso is available with a choice of three powertrains featuring 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. The 1.6 diesel is the most efficient on paper, returning a claimed 54.3mpg 137g/km of CO2 while the 177PS 2.0-litre will provide 47.9mpg and 155g/km, according to the official figures. Most of the engines are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the most powerful version gets a six-speed automatic. 

The Proace Verso isn't as good to drive or refined as its German rivals - such as the Mercedes-Benz V-Class or Volkswagen Caravelle - but it is efficient for its size and nimble in town. The high price and van-origins will limit its appeal for private buyers, but its flexible and practical nature will make it a tempting choice for professional drivers. 

Ask Honest John

Best replacement for a Volkswagen T5?

"Our Volkswagen T5 just keeps on going (320,000 miles) but we would like to replace with a cleaner van. We don't want full electric (yet), and we don't think we should be buying a new diesel. Are there any hybrids coming along? We like the smaller Peugeot Traveller/Citroen Space Tourer/Vauxhall Vivaro Life but think a Peugeot Rifter/Citroen Berlingo is too small. Or should we stick with the T5 for a few more years?"
The Volkswagen T5 Transporter diesel engine has an excellent reputation for reliability, I'm not surprised to read that your van has hit 320,000 miles. If you are happy with your Transporter experience, you might want to consider the newer T6 model or consider the Ford Transit Custom. The Peugeot Traveller/Citroen SpaceTourer/Vauxhall Vivaro Life are all excellent vans but I would recommend the Toyota Proace Verso version, which has a manufacturer warranty that can be extended up to 10 years if you keep it serviced within the Toyota dealer network.
Answered by Dan Powell

How reliable is the Peugeot Traveller?

"We need an eight-seater for our large family, and a Peugeot Traveller 2.0 HDi looks to tick all the boxes. We're looking to buy second hand. However, research with online forums suggests all manner of problems with the Adblue system (tank/pump) and electrical gremlins, including sliding doors that won't open or close. We're looking at the Allure model which has plenty of extra toys, but we need something reliable and dependable. Do you have any experience or advice?"
If you are concerned about reliability then I'd recommend the Toyota Proace Verso. It's built at the same factory as the Peugeot but can have its manufacturer warranty extended by up to 10 years if you keep it serviced within the Toyota dealer network: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/toyota/proace-verso/
Answered by Dan Powell

What is the best used seven-seater under £15,000?

"I need a larger car. I have two young children and will soon have newborn twins. Please can you recommend a suitable seven-seater? I would prefer an SUV, I currently have a 2015 Honda CR-V and love it. But am realistic that an MPV is maybe the most practical. I also drive 15k miles per annum with work so reliability (and low maintenance costs) are important."
I think a van-based MPV will be the best option. A seven-seat SUV will give you practicality for your family to travel in comfort, but the third row of seats (which rise up from the boot floor) will reduce storage space to near zero. A van-based MPV will give you seven-seats and a useable boot, which will carry pushchairs and overnight bags. I would recommend something based on a medium-size van, like the Ford Tourneo Custom, Toyota Proace Verso or Volkswagen Caravelle.
Answered by Dan Powell

What's the best eight seat van for ride comfort?

"What's the best Volkswagen Transporter type van with eight seats? We have bumpy road occasionally and transport large items so seats coming out would be good, too. "
The ride quality on a van-based MPV will always be on the firm side of comfortable. Vans tend to use leaf suspension (at the rear) which makes them better suited for carrying heavy loads but bumpy when unladen. The Volkswagen T6 Caravelle is very good. But I would also consider the Toyota Proace Verso. The Toyota is better equipped as standard and is sold with a five-year-warranty: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/toyota/proace-verso/
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Toyota Proace Verso cost?