Volkswagen Transporter 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.
Data checked: specs 4 Oct 2026, price 4 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Volkswagen Transporter: we're still completing height, kerb weight, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and CO2 emissions, plus 1 other.
Ford Transit Custom: we're still completing height, 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.
$58,590RRP
- with the Ford Transit Custom's standard kit: at least $58,590 (1 option priced only inside packages; 1 with no data, not charged)
1 added option
- 360-Degree Camera: no price printed
$56,890RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Transporter starts from $58,590 before on-road costs, while the Ford Transit Custom opens at $56,890. That makes the Ford Transit Custom the more affordable entry point by $1,700.
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 $64,449 and $62,579 respectively.
Matching the Ford Transit Custom's standard equipment means adding extra-cost options to the Volkswagen Transporter, and one is priced only inside a package whose price the maker doesn't publish, so the true gap is larger than the sticker difference suggests.
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.
Recalls on our record
Volkswagen Transporter
- REC-006558 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software issue, the headlamp low/high beam may not have been adjusted according to specifications.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-001406 · published 11 Apr 2017Variations in the mixture ratio of the airbag propellant may prevent the airbag and/or the belt tensioner from deploying in the event of an accident.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2017
- REC-001405 · published 30 May 2016In the event of an accident the front left side airbag may not deploy correctly because of an incorrectly folded airbag.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2016
- 2 more on the model page.
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.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Transporter stands out with head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Ford Transit Custom. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Transporter uses a 2.0L TDI turbo-diesel producing 125kW and 390Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Ford Transit Custom lines up 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 Volkswagen Transporter measures 5,050mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, matching the Ford Transit Custom at 5,050mm (3,100mm wheelbase).
For towing, the Ford Transit Custom leads with a 2,800kg braked capacity vs 2,800kg. That 0kg 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 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m 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 $2,252/year for the Volkswagen Transporter and $2,280/year for the Ford Transit Custom. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Transporter.
Warranty: 5 years (Volkswagen Transporter) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Transporter if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Ford Transit Custom: Top CarSorted Score, 67 vs 63
The Ford Transit Custom comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (67 vs 63), taking 1 of 2 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: technology (Ford Transit Custom ahead by 23), safety (Ford Transit Custom ahead by 4). The Volkswagen Transporter will save you roughly $28 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, Volkswagen Transporter and Ford Transit Custom?
The Ford Transit Custom is the cheapest at $56,890 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Transporter by $1,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Transporter uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volkswagen Transporter and Ford Transit Custom carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. 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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