Ford Transit Custom vs Kia PV5
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Transit Custom starts from $62,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia PV5 opens at $55,990. That makes the Kia PV5 the more affordable entry point by $7,000.
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 $61,589 respectively.
The Kia PV5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Ford Transit Custom, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
71.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Transit Custom features a 13-inch touchscreen paired with a 12-inch digital dash, while the Kia PV5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 7.5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia PV5 counters with V2L that the Ford Transit Custom does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Transit Custom uses a Diesel producing 125kW and 390Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Kia PV5 responds with a Electric Motor making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds.
The Ford Transit Custom has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Transit Custom measures 5,050mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 355mm longer than the Kia PV5 at 4,695mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit Custom generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 5800L in the Ford Transit Custom and 1500L in the Kia PV5, giving the Ford Transit Custom a 4300L advantage.
For towing, the Ford Transit Custom leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m diameter
Good
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.1 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.1 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia PV5). The Kia PV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia PV5 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Ford Transit Custom and Kia PV5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Ford Transit Custom has a clear edge. The Kia PV5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Transit Custom and Kia PV5?
The Kia PV5 is the cheapest at $55,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Transit Custom by $7,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Transit Custom uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Ford Transit Custom and Kia PV5 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Ford Transit Custom has the largest boot at 5800L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit Custom has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia PV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Transit Custom makes the most power at 125kW.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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