Ford Transit Custom vs Volkswagen Caddy
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Data checked: specs 4 Oct 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Ford Transit Custom: we're still completing height, 0-100km/h and ground clearance.
Volkswagen Caddy: we're still completing kerb weight, 0-100km/h and ground clearance.
Blank cells below mean we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Track the Ford Transit Custom & Volkswagen Caddy
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Transit Custom starts from $56,890 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Caddy opens at $57,600. That makes the Ford Transit Custom the more affordable entry point by $710.
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 $62,579 and $63,360 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Caddy by roughly $2,565 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.
Recalls on our record
Ford Transit Custom
- REC-006724 · published 18 Sep 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, there may be insufficient clearance between a bulkhead mounting bolt and the fuel tank.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- REC-006661 · published 13 Jul 2026Due to a software issue, the door control units may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006660 · published 13 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, vehicles with 8F57 transmission may contain an Electronic One-Way Clutch Assembly built with an unseated snap ring.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- 11 more on the model page.
Volkswagen Caddy
- REC-005864 · published 12 Jan 2024An airbag deactivation switch may have been incorrectly fitted instead of a blanking plug.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- REC-005575 · published 5 Dec 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the transverse link bushes fitted to the front axle may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-001375 · published 2 Apr 2020Vehicles fitted with a 7 speed dual clutch gearbox have a fluid leak that can lead to pressure loss in the gearbox.Year range on the notice: 2011 - 2015
- 7 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Transit Custom features a 13-inch touchscreen paired with a 12-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Caddy gets a 8.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford Transit Custom stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Caddy. The Volkswagen Caddy counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Ford Transit Custom gets cloth upholstery while the Volkswagen Caddy offers cloth (double grid).
Drivetrain
The Ford Transit Custom lines up producing 125kW and 390Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Volkswagen Caddy responds with a Petrol I4 Turbo TSI making 84kW and 220Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual clutch (dsg) driving the front wheels.
The Ford Transit Custom has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 84kW. 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, 197mm longer than the Volkswagen Caddy at 4,853mm (2,970mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit Custom generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Ford Transit Custom leads with a 2,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m to 12.1m
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,280/year for the Ford Transit Custom and $1,767/year for the Volkswagen Caddy. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Caddy.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Caddy). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Caddy if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Volkswagen Caddy: Top CarSorted Score, 65 vs 61, but the Ford Transit Custom is $710 cheaper
The Volkswagen Caddy comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 61), taking 1 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Ford Transit Custom ahead by 34), safety (Volkswagen Caddy ahead by 24), fuel economy (Volkswagen Caddy ahead by 16). The Volkswagen Caddy will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Caddy?
The Ford Transit Custom is the cheapest at $56,890 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Caddy by $710.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Caddy uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Volkswagen Caddy holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Ford Transit Custom, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Transit Custom has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,800kg.
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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