Renault Trafic in Tenerife: Our Honest Driving Review

When you arrive in Tenerife with a lot of equipment, a standard hatchback simply will not do. Whether you are carrying surfboards, photography gear, or camping supplies, you need space. We recently found ourselves in exactly this situation and decided to see how a commercial vehicle handles the unique topography of this volcanic island. Driving a van here is a completely different prospect to renting a small city car, requiring a shift in driving style and route planning.

The Renault Trafic is a familiar sight on European roads, usually seen delivering parcels or carrying tradesmen. But driving it across a diverse island like Tenerife is a completely different experience. We spent a few days putting it through its paces to find out exactly what it is like to pilot this large vehicle from the sunny coasts to the high-altitude peaks, testing it in everyday holiday scenarios to see if it makes sense for a gear-heavy trip.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Taking the Trafic onto the TF-1 motorway along the south coast is an easy introduction. The long fast sweepers of the highway allow the van to settle into a comfortable cruise. The elevated driving position gives you fantastic visibility over the concrete barriers, letting you take in the ocean views while keeping an eye on the traffic ahead. It feels planted and surprisingly refined at highway speeds. Wind noise is noticeable due to the large mirrors and boxy shape, but it never becomes intrusive enough to ruin a conversation. The van holds its lane well, and the steering feels secure when navigating the gentle curves between the southern airport and the major resorts.

Turning inland and upward, we pointed the van towards the TF-21 climbing to Mount Teide. This road takes you up to 2,100 metres above sea level. As you ascend through the pine forests, the temperature drops significantly and the air gets noticeably thinner. We were driving the manual 2.0-litre two-seat variant, and the diesel engine provided plenty of low-end torque to keep us moving up the steep inclines. You do have to work the gearbox to maintain momentum, especially as the altitude increases and saps a bit of the engine power. However, the shift action is positive and the clutch is light enough that it does not become a chore. Going downhill, the engine braking is highly effective, which saves you from overheating the brakes on the long descent.

The real test of nerve comes when you approach the TF-436 into Masca. This road is infamous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and steep gradients. Small cars definitely have the advantage here. In the Trafic, you have to be acutely aware of your dimensions. Taking the tightest corners requires a wide approach and sometimes a quick reverse to make the turn safely. The steering is relatively light, which helps when you are wrestling the wheel lock-to-lock, but you will be breathing in when passing oncoming buses. It is doable, but it requires patience, a calm head, and a willingness to reverse to the nearest passing place when you meet traffic on a blind bend.

In the north, the Anaga forest roads present a different challenge. These routes are frequently damp, twisty, and often misty. The sheer size of the van means you occupy most of your lane, leaving little margin for error. The road surface can be slippery under the dense canopy of trees, but the Trafic maintains good traction even when unladen. The large side mirrors are absolutely essential here for keeping track of the road edges, and the torquey engine pulls you smoothly out of the slow, wet corners. The visibility out of the large windscreen is excellent, allowing you to spot oncoming traffic through the trees as early as possible.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

This van is entirely in its element when you need to move large items across the island efficiently. The cargo area is vast, making it the perfect companion for active travellers who refuse to leave their bulky gear at home. On the open roads and the sweeping coastal routes, it is a remarkably comfortable place to sit. The cabin is designed for drivers who spend all day at the wheel, so the seats are supportive, the driving position is highly adjustable, and the ergonomics are generally very good. You get plenty of storage cubbies for water bottles, sunglasses, and snacks.

However, we must be honest about its drawbacks. The sheer footprint of the vehicle makes it a liability in ancient, narrow village centres. If your itinerary consists entirely of visiting remote mountain hamlets like Masca or navigating the oldest parts of La Orotava, you will find the width and length frustrating. The suspension is also tuned to carry a heavy load. When the cargo bay is completely empty, the ride can feel a bit bouncy over broken pavement and speed bumps. You will feel the rear end skip slightly over harsh potholes, a common trait in commercial vehicles that settle down once you add a few hundred kilograms of weight in the back.

Practical notes

Parking in the busy resort streets of Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas is where you will feel the size of the Trafic the most. Finding a parallel parking spot big enough for a commercial van is a genuine challenge. You will spend a lot of time looking for blue-line meters with generous spacing at either end, often having to park several streets away from the beach. Underground parking garages in these areas frequently have height restrictions of 1.9 or 2.0 metres, so you must pay close attention to the clearance signs before committing to a ramp, otherwise you risk scraping the roof.

Fuel economy is surprisingly reasonable for a vehicle of this size, provided you are not constantly flooring it up mountain passes. The 2.0-litre engine is efficient on the TF-1, returning respectable figures for a large, heavy box. The consumption naturally spikes on the long 40-60 minute climb up the TF-21, but averages out nicely once you cruise back down. As for luggage, the two-seat configuration means the entire rear of the vehicle is empty space. You could fit several bicycles, surfboards, paragliding gear, and weeks worth of luggage without stacking anything above the window line. It is a highly specific vehicle for a specific type of trip, offering unmatched utility.

Verdict

Driving the Renault Trafic in Tenerife is an exercise in planning ahead. It is a highly capable, comfortable workhorse that eats up motorway miles and tackles steep gradients with surprising ease. If you are visiting the island for a specialized trip that requires hauling significant amounts of equipment, it is an excellent choice that removes all the stress of trying to cram gear into a standard passenger car.

You just have to accept the compromises. You will need to park further away from the busy beaches, you will have to double-check parking garage heights, and you will have to tackle the narrowest mountain hairpins with extreme caution. But if you value space and utility above all else, the Trafic delivers exactly what you need to explore the island on your own terms, bringing all your passions and equipment along for the ride.

Where to book the Renault Trafic in Tenerife

If this one sounds like your kind of drive, you can check dates and prices for the Renault Trafic hire in Tenerife directly. Prefer to compare first? Browse all Renault rentals in Tenerife, van and minivan hire in Tenerife, car hire in Tenerife.