Ford Transit Custom vs Hyundai Staria-Load
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Ford Transit Custom starts from $62,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Staria-Load opens at $47,740. That makes the Hyundai Staria-Load the more affordable entry point by $15,250.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $69,289 and $52,514 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Staria-Load by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Transit Custom features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Staria-Load gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Transit Custom stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Hyundai Staria-Load. The Hyundai Staria-Load counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Transit Custom uses a Diesel producing 125kW and 385Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai Staria-Load responds with a Diesel I4 Turbo CRDi making 130kW and 430Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic w/ sequential manual driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Staria-Load has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Transit Custom measures 4,975mm long on a 3,300mm wheelbase, 278mm shorter than the Hyundai Staria-Load at 5,253mm (3,273mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit Custom generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 6800L in the Ford Transit Custom and 4935L in the Hyundai Staria-Load, giving the Ford Transit Custom a 1865L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Staria-Load leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m diameter
Average
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,223/year for the Ford Transit Custom and $1,995/year for the Hyundai Staria-Load. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Staria-Load.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Ford Transit Custom) vs $1,995 (Hyundai Staria-Load). The Hyundai Staria-Load saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (Ford Transit Custom) vs 5 years / 160,000km (Hyundai Staria-Load). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You need more boot space, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Staria-Load if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Staria-Load takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Hyundai Staria-Load will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Ford Transit Custom has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
