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.
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.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia PV5 by roughly $6,580 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Ford Transit Custom uses a Diesel producing 125kW and 385Nm of torque, sent through a 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 4,975mm long on a 3,300mm wheelbase, 280mm 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 6800L in the Ford Transit Custom and 1500L in the Kia PV5, giving the Ford Transit Custom a 5300L advantage. The Kia PV5 seats 5 vs 2.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,223/year for the Ford Transit Custom and $907/year for the Kia PV5. That is a $1,316 annual difference in favour of the Kia PV5.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Ford Transit Custom) vs $907 (Kia PV5). The Kia PV5 saves you roughly $1,316 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 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, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia PV5 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Ford Transit Custom takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Kia PV5 will save you roughly $1,316 a year in fuel. 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.
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
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