Renault Trafic 2025 Refrigerated Van Review – The Ultimate Buying Guide
The Renault Trafic has been a stalwart in the commercial van world for over four decades, evolving from its humble beginnings into a versatile, modern workhorse. The 2025 Renault Trafic Refrigerated Van, enhanced by Glacier Vehicles’ expert conversion service, takes this legacy to new heights, blending Renault’s refined engineering with cutting-edge refrigeration technology. Designed for businesses that demand reliable, temperature-controlled transport—be it food delivery, pharmaceuticals, or floral distribution—this van promises efficiency, durability, and adaptability. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore every facet of the 2025 Trafic, from its refrigeration prowess to its real-world performance, ensuring you have all the details to decide if it’s the refrigerated champion your operation needs.
Quick Comparison Table
To kick things off, let’s lay out the essentials of the 2025 Renault Trafic Refrigerated Van in a clear, concise table. This snapshot highlights its core specs, giving you a quick reference point before we dive into the nitty-gritty.
| Feature | 2025 Renault Trafic Refrigerated Van (L2H1 Base Spec) |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity | 1,145 kg |
| Temperature Range | +5°C (chilled) to -25°C (frozen), dual-zone capable |
| Fuel Type | Diesel (Electric E-Tech option available) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed EDC Automatic |
| MPG (Fuel Economy) | 40-42 MPG (diesel) |
| Load Volume | 8.9 m³ (with load-through bulkhead) |
| Noise Level | 42dB (GAH refrigeration system) |
| Ideal Use Case | Food Delivery, Pharma, Medium Fleets |
This table reflects the L2H1 diesel variant with Glacier’s standard refrigeration conversion, but the Trafic’s range of configurations ensures flexibility for various needs.
Van Overview
The Renault Trafic has long been a contender in the medium van segment, sitting neatly between the compact Kangoo and the hefty Master in Renault’s lineup. For 2025, it retains its reputation for practicality while introducing subtle refinements—sharper exterior lines, a revamped interior, and an optional all-electric E-Tech version. The diesel model, our focus here, comes in two lengths (L1 and L2) and two heights (H1 and H2), with the L2H1 offering a balance of manoeuvrability and capacity that suits most refrigerated tasks.
Glacier Vehicles takes this solid base and elevates it with bespoke refrigeration conversions, tailoring the Trafic to specific business demands. The van’s boxy shape maximises cargo space, while its front-wheel-drive setup ensures a tight turning circle—ideal for urban deliveries. With a payload capacity reaching up to 1,145kg in the L2H1 diesel variant and a load-through bulkhead extending usable length to 4.15m, the 2025 Trafic is a practical canvas for Glacier’s chilling expertise.
Refrigeration System & Temperature Control
The heart of any refrigerated van is its cooling system, and the 2025 Renault Trafic, as converted by Glacier Vehicles, doesn’t disappoint. It’s equipped with the GAH SRF351 refrigeration unit—a British-made powerhouse delivering 2.5kW of cooling capacity. This system excels in precision, maintaining temperatures from +5°C for chilled goods down to -25°C for deep freeze, with an optional dual-zone setup allowing simultaneous chilled and frozen compartments in a single van.
Insulation is equally critical, and Glacier opts for high-density Styrofoam—50mm for chilled applications and 75mm for freezers. This lightweight yet robust material ensures thermal stability, holding -20°C even in 40°C ambient conditions, as proven in rigorous testing. The electric standby feature, standard on Glacier conversions, keeps the system running overnight without engine power, saving £200-£300 annually in fuel costs compared to idling competitors. At just 42dB, the GAH unit runs quieter than many rivals, a boon for noise-sensitive urban routes.
The Trafic’s refrigeration performance shines in consistency—12-hour trials show zero temperature drift, outpacing budget units by 15% in energy efficiency. Whether you’re hauling ice cream or vaccines, this setup delivers reliability that businesses can bank on.
Load Capacity & Cargo Space
When it comes to hauling goods, the 2025 Renault Trafic Refrigerated Van offers impressive flexibility. The L2H1 variant boasts a payload of 1,145kg—outstripping the Citroën Dispatch’s 1,000kg and edging close to the Mercedes Sprinter’s 1,500kg—while its 8.9m³ load volume accommodates up to 10 Euro pallets with the load-through bulkhead engaged. This feature, a flap under the passenger seat, extends the usable length to 4.15m, making it a class leader for long items like piping or floral arrangements.
Glacier enhances this capacity with practical interior features: custom shelving, movable partitions for multi-zone cooling, and six heavy-duty tie-down points to secure loads. The Trafic’s wide sliding side door and 180-degree rear doors simplify loading, even in tight spaces. Compared to the Peugeot Boxer’s 10m³ or the Ford Transit’s 10.5m³, the Trafic sacrifices a touch of volume for better manoeuvrability—a trade-off that pays off in congested cities.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Efficiency is a make-or-break factor for refrigerated vans, and the 2025 Renault Trafic diesel model delivers. Its 2.0L dCi engine, available in 110hp, 130hp, 150hp, and 170hp outputs, achieves 40-42 MPG on the WLTP cycle—outpacing the Ford Transit’s 30-35 MPG and the Sprinter’s 28 MPG. This translates to £1,300-£1,500 in annual fuel savings over a Sprinter for 20,000 miles of mixed driving.
Glacier’s GAH system further optimises costs, drawing 10% less fuel than generic units—adding another £150-£200 yearly saving. Over five years, the Trafic’s £35,890 base price (plus £5,000-£7,000 for Glacier conversion) totals £42,890, compared to a £32,000 Boxer’s £47,000 TCO (factoring £12k repairs, £3k lower resale). The Trafic’s premium upfront cost—£5k more than budget options—nets £10k in long-term savings, a compelling case for value-driven buyers.
Maintenance & Reliability
Reliability is where the Trafic shines, backed by Renault’s engineering and Glacier’s conversion expertise. Field data shows a 2% mechanical failure rate—half the Peugeot Boxer’s 5% (often clutch issues)—while the GAH system requires only annual £99 servicing via Glacier’s network. Renault offers a 5-year/200,000km warranty, with Glacier adding a 2-year refrigeration guarantee—far surpassing the Boxer’s 3-year/100k miles.
Glacier’s UK-wide callout service and GAH Connect monitoring minimise downtime, saving £500-£700 annually compared to rivals with spotty support. The Trafic’s widespread Ford-esque service network keeps parts and labour costs low, averaging £300-£400 less per year than a Sprinter’s premium upkeep.
Technology & Safety Features
The 2025 Trafic blends practicality with modern tech. Its cab features Renault’s 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, GPS, and remote temp alerts via GAH Connect—letting you monitor cargo from your phone. The steering wheel, lifted from the Captur SUV, feels premium, while payload sensors and a fold-down passenger seat desk cater to tradies.
Safety is robust: ABS, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) come standard—addressing past Euro NCAP critiques (3-star rating in 2015, now improved). The reinforced GRP panels and 360° cameras add crash protection and parking ease, making it a safer bet than the Boxer’s bare-bones kit.
Real-World Performance & User Experience
In the field, the 2025 Trafic Refrigerated Van earns rave reviews. UK businesses rate it 4.7/5 across 60+ testimonials, praising its payload flexibility and cooling reliability. “My Trafic’s 8.9m³ and -25°C chill cut spoilage by £6k last year,” says Sarah, a Manchester caterer. Drivers laud its car-like ride—smooth suspension and light steering shine in city traffic, though the 170hp auto feels punchiest on highways.
The downside? At £42k fully converted, it’s £5k pricier than a Boxer upfront—some baulk at the cost. But with £10k 5-yr savings and Glacier’s bespoke fit, most agree it’s worth it. What’s your take—food or pharma? We’d love to hear!
Best Refrigerated Vans for Different Use Cases
The Trafic isn’t the only player—here’s how it stacks up:
| Use Case | Best Model | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Food Delivery | Renault Trafic 2025 | 8.9m³ + 42 MPG—tops Transit’s 35 MPG |
| Pharmaceuticals | Mercedes Sprinter Fridge Van | 1,500kg payload—25% more than Trafic |
| Urban Transport | Citroën Dispatch Refrigerated Van | 5.3m³, tighter turn than Trafic’s 12.4m |
| Budget Option | Peugeot Boxer Fridge Van | £32k, but 5% failure rate lags |
The Trafic’s efficiency and volume make it a food delivery star, while Sprinter’s heft suits pharma.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Refrigerated Van
Choosing the right van starts with your needs. Need deep freeze (-25°C) for ice cream? The Trafic’s GAH dual-zone excels. Hauling 1,000kg+ daily? Its 1,145kg payload fits. Compliance matters—ECWTA for pharma, food safety for perishables—the Trafic meets both via Glacier’s certification.
Cost-wise, the £42k Trafic vs. £32k Boxer debate hinges on TCO: £5k more upfront, £10k saved over 5 yrs (fuel: £6k, repairs: £2k, resale: £2k). Fleets lean toward buying for longevity; small biz might prefer cash flow flexibility—Glacier sells direct, no leasing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best refrigerated van for small businesses?
How long does the 2025 Renault Trafic maintain its temperature?
Is it better to buy or lease the Renault Trafic refrigerated van?
What’s the best alternative to the Renault Trafic in its category?
Conclusion
The 2025 Renault Trafic Refrigerated Van, transformed by Glacier Vehicles, is a cold chain titan. Its 1,145kg payload and 8.9m³ volume handle hefty loads, while the GAH SRF351’s -25°C precision and 42 MPG efficiency crush rivals. At £42k, it’s a premium buy—£5k over a Boxer—but £10k 5-yr savings and Glacier’s UK-wide support make it a no-brainer for serious operators. From food to pharma, this van delivers—chilling goods, cutting costs, and cementing Renault’s legacy with Glacier’s icy touch.
