Ford Transit vs Ford Transit Custom
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 starts from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the Ford Transit Custom opens at $62,990. That makes the Ford Transit Custom 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 $76,989 and $69,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Custom hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Ford Transit and 84% for the Ford Transit Custom.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 1 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 2 in the Ford Transit and 4 in the Ford Transit Custom.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Transit features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Transit Custom gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Ford Transit uses a Diesel producing 96kW and 360Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12 seconds.
The Ford Transit Custom responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 385Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Ford Transit Custom has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 96kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Transit measures 5,531mm long on a 3,750mm wheelbase, 556mm longer than the Ford Transit Custom at 4,975mm (3,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 9000L in the Ford Transit and 6800L in the Ford Transit Custom, giving the Ford Transit a 2200L advantage. The Ford Transit seats 3 vs 2.
For towing, the Ford Transit leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Ford Transit and $2,223/year for the Ford Transit Custom. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Ford Transit Custom.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Ford Transit) vs $2,223 (Ford Transit Custom). The Ford Transit Custom saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (Ford Transit) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Ford Transit Custom). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Transit if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Ford Transit Custom takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Ford Transit Custom will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Ford Transit 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
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