Mazda BT-50 vs Ford Transit Custom
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda BT-50 starts from $36,400 before on-road costs, while the Ford Transit Custom opens at $62,990. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $26,590.
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 $40,040 and $69,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda BT-50 and Ford Transit Custom hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Mazda BT-50 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 6 in the Mazda BT-50 and 4 in the Ford Transit Custom.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda BT-50 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Transit Custom gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Mazda BT-50 uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 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 Mazda BT-50 measures 5,320mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 345mm longer than the Ford Transit Custom at 4,975mm (3,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit Custom generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mazda BT-50 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m diameter
Large
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the Mazda BT-50 and $2,223/year for the Ford Transit Custom. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Mazda BT-50) vs $2,223 (Ford Transit Custom). The Mazda BT-50 saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda BT-50 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda BT-50 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $199 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, Mazda BT-50 and Ford Transit Custom?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $36,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Transit Custom by $26,590.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda BT-50 and Ford Transit Custom all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda BT-50 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Transit Custom makes the most power at 125kW.
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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