Kia PV5 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 Kia PV5 starts from $55,990 before on-road costs, while the Ford Transit Custom opens at $62,990. 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 $61,589 and $69,289 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 Kia PV5 uses a Electric Motor producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.5 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 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia PV5 measures 4,695mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 280mm shorter than the Ford Transit Custom at 4,975mm (3,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit Custom generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 1500L in the Kia PV5 and 6800L in the Ford Transit Custom, 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 $907/year for the Kia PV5 and $2,223/year for the Ford Transit Custom. That is a $1,316 annual difference in favour of the Kia PV5.
Estimated annual total: $907 (Kia PV5) vs $2,223 (Ford Transit Custom). 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia PV5) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Ford Transit Custom). The Kia PV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Ford'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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