Ford Transit Custom vs Volkswagen Transporter
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.
Ford Transit Custom
From $62,990
Van
Diesel
Diesel
125kW
7.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
5800L
Volkswagen Transporter
From $58,590
Van
Diesel
2.0L TDI turbo-diesel
125kW
7.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Volkswagen Transporter: we're still completing height, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and CO2 emissions, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Ford Transit Custom starts from $62,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Transporter opens at $58,590. That makes the Volkswagen Transporter the more affordable entry point by $4,400.
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 $64,449 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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.
The Ford Transit Custom stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Volkswagen Transporter. The Volkswagen Transporter counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display 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 390Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Volkswagen Transporter responds with a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel making 125kW and 390Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. 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, matching the Volkswagen Transporter at 5,050mm (3,100mm wheelbase).
For towing, the Volkswagen Transporter leads with a 2,800kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 800kg 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 11.8m
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $2,223/year for the Ford Transit Custom and $2,252/year for the Volkswagen Transporter. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Ford Transit Custom.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (Ford Transit Custom) vs $2,252 (Volkswagen Transporter). The Ford Transit Custom saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom) vs 5 years (Volkswagen Transporter). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Transporter if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Transporter takes 2 of 3 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Ford Transit Custom will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. 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 Volkswagen Transporter?
The Volkswagen Transporter is the cheapest at $58,590 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Transit Custom by $4,400.
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 Volkswagen Transporter carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Transporter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,800kg.
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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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