Large Van Leasing: Ford Transit vs Renault Master

February 26th, 2025

Looking for a large van lease, but you’re not sure which van to choose? We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through the benefits of each van – from payload to MPG. So, you’ll be able to choose the right van for your business.

These two staples of van leasing are known to be reliable, capable work-horses, popular among everyone from tradespeople to couriers. While the Ford Transit has achieved such classic status it’s nearly synonymous with the word van, the Renault Master has long been a favourite of van drivers – and its latest re-vamp offers the Transit healthy competition.

Exterior

You know a Ford Transit when you see one. Even generations after it’s first iteration hit the market, the Ford Transit has retained its signature look. This classic of van leasing is robust, practical and durable. The Leader and mid-range Trend model don’t offer many frills, but if you’re looking for a sleeker look as well as increased interior spec – the Limited model offers a body-coloured front bumper and alloy wheels.

The redesigned new Renault Master however has made waves with this latest update to the exterior. The beefy front end features a large grille, and c-shaped LEDs alongside the redesigned Renault badge. With a steeper windscreen and gently tapering roof, the Renault Master has been designed with aerodynamics in mind, helping to reduce MPG and road noise. We’re certain this new Renault Master is going to turn heads.

Interior and Spec

Both of these large vans are designed for hard work. With durable seat fabric and storage focused dashboards, in terms of practicality in the cab, the Ford Transit and Renault Master are on par. Both vans also offer a multimedia touchscreen as standard, the Ford features the 12’’ SYNC4 and the Master, the new 10” RLink system.  

The Renault Master offers a host of advanced driver safety systems, cruise control and rear parking sensors as standard. If you’re looking for a higher level of spec however, the Ford Transit range features the patented Quickclear heated windscreen on the mid-range Trend and even a 360-degree Camera on the Limited model.

Cargo and Payload

With no L4 Renault Master available in the UK at present, the Ford Transit wins out on the number size variants. Aside from this, there is negligible difference in load length/height between the corresponding sizes of both vans.

One area in which the Renault Master comes up trumps, is the increased side door width of 1313mm, which can come in handy when completing kerbside deliveries or manoeuvring europallets in the cargo space. We’re also a big fan of the LED lighting in the load space.

If you’re looking for the maximum payload capability, then you’ll be swayed by the 1971kg offered by the L2H2 Master, beating out the 1385kg on the RWD Transit of the same size.

MPG

Whether you’re looking at long motorway journeys or short trips around town, another important factor consider in van leasing is MPG. The Renault Master’s new shape offers an impressive 20% reduction in drag due to the more aerodynamic design. This brings the fuel economy up to a very respectable 34mpg. This is in line with the 34.1mpg quoted on the 2.0 TDCi Ford Ecoblue 130ps Transit. The Euro 6.2 Emissions designation on both vehicles, also means you’ll be exempt from expensive ULEZ or Clean Air Zone charges – making city driving much more affordable.

Price

Even with the re-design, the Renault Master comes in below the Ford Transit when you’re looking at price tags. Things to consider here are residual value – which is used to work out how much you’ll pay over the term of a van lease, and importantly you also need to think about bang for your buck… While the Renault Master offers a decent amount of spec for a large van, the mid-range Transit offers some more driver tech for your money.

Conclusion

When you’re looking for a van lease, you’ll need to consider first what features the vehicle needs to have to ensure it works for you and your business. Do you need fuel efficiency, do you need cargo space and payload, or is it more important to have a comfortable experience for your driver?

We’ve offered a quick run through of the major talking points on the Renault Master vs the Ford Transit here – but if you’re still un-decided, or you have more questions. Our vehicle experts are always on hand to chat through your requirements, so we can find the perfect van for you.

To get in touch, Contract Us or call 0117 962 5314 to speak to one of our experts.