A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Mahindra Bolero MaXX Pik-Up vs Ford Transit Custom: the short answer
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up and Transit Custom are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up starts ZAR 571,000 cheaperBolero MaXX Pik-Up from ZAR 199,000 · Transit Custom from ZAR 770,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Maximum Power
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up60 kW @ 3200 rpm
Transit Custom100 kW
Maximum Torque
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up220 Nm @ 1400-2200 rpm
Transit Custom360 Nm
Engine Size
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up2523 cc
Transit Custom1996 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up17.2 km/l
Transit Custom12.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up200 mm
Transit Custom130 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mahindra Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
1.7T HD
Hagalu editorial rating
4.2/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Transit Custom
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Transit Custom
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Model Introduced Year
2026
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
First South African Bolero MaXX Pik-Up range, launched on 11 August 2026 as a model line distinct from the earlier Bolero Maxitruck
Current South African Transit Custom listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
New South African model line; not a facelift of the historical Bolero Maxitruck record
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
2026
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Pickup
Van
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Active
active
Segment
Commercial Pickup
Commercial van
Vehicle Type
Pickup
Van
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Base grade in the South Africa lineup
Wheelbase Type
-
Long wheelbase
Tare Mass Kg
-
1756 kg
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Length
5345 mm
5450 mm
Width
1800 mm
2032 mm
Height
1895 mm
1979 mm
Wheelbase
3290 mm
3500 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
130 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
175 mm
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
3569 l
484 l
Kerb Weight
1780 kg
1756 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3480 kg
3025 kg
Payload Capacity
1700 kg
1269 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
3 seats
3 seats
Number of Rows
1 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
7.0 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
1025 mm
984 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
947 mm
Front Legroom
1010 mm
1047 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
881 mm
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Engine
2.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
m2Di
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2523 cc
1996 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
8
16
Valves per Cylinder
2
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Common-rail direct injection
Compression Ratio
18.6:1
10.5:1
Bore
88.9 mm
82.0 mm
Stroke
101.6 mm
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
60 kW @ 3200 rpm
100 kW
Maximum Torque
220 Nm @ 1400-2200 rpm
360 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
RWD
RWD
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
80 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
7.8 sec
Quarter Mile
22.9 sec
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
No
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
4000 rpm
4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
33.7 kW/tonne
56.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
123.6 Nm/tonne
205 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Gearbox
5-Speed Manual
6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive
RWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
No
Final Drive Ratio
Not Available
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
5
6
Transmission Type
Manual
Manual
Clutch Type
Single Plate Dry
Dry single-plate clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Floor-Mounted Manual
Manual gear lever
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
RWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Synchromesh Manual
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Rear driven axle
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
5
6
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Claimed Mileage
17.2 km/l
12.2 km/l
City Mileage
14.4 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.2 km/l
14.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
BS VI
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
17.2 km/l
12.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
60
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Airbags
0
Front passenger and side airbags
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Applicable
Not Available
Brake Assist
Not Available
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Yes
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
TCS
Not Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Yes
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Seat Material
Stain-resistant fabric
Fabric upholstery
Heated Seats
Not Available
No
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
No
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Urethane
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Recline, reach and height adjustment
Manual adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Fixed
Manual adjustment
Seat Trim
Stain-resistant fabric
Fabric upholstery
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Transit Custom grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Climate Control
Manual
Manual air conditioning
Power Windows
Not Available
Yes
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
No
Sunroof
Not Available
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Applicable
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
AC Type
Manual
Manual air conditioning
Load Bed Length
-
2602 mm
Load Bed Width
-
1392 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
2602 mm
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
1392 mm
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
transit-custom
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
base
Variant Role
-
Commercial utility derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Infotainment System
Not Available
SYNC 4 infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Not Available
Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
Multi-information instrument display
USB Ports
Not Available
USB-A and USB-C
Infotainment Screen
Not Available
8
Touchscreen
Not Available
8
Infotainment Screen Size
Not Available
8
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
No
Exterior Colour Options
White
Multiple Ford South Africa factory exterior colours
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
No
Body Type
-
Van
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
130 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
130 mm
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Tyre Size
7 R16 LT
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Full-Size
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
7 R16 LT
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Manual
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Front Suspension
Leaf Spring
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
CO2 Emissions
Not Available
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Diesel
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Service Plan
Optional
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Maintenance Plan
-
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Duration
Optional
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Distance
Optional
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Ownership Role
long-deck heavy-duty flagship
Base
Price Zar
259000 ZAR
770000 ZAR
Pricing Role
top
Current listed price
Starting Price
259000
770000
Starting Price Zar
259000
770000
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Transit Custom
Warranty
4 years / 120000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
4 years / 120000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
4 years / 120000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
4 years / 120000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Bolero MaXX Pik-Up and Transit Custom comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Bolero MaXX Pik-Up 38 vs Transit Custom 60.
Efficiency index: Bolero MaXX Pik-Up 69 vs Transit Custom 53.
Safety-equipment index: Bolero MaXX Pik-Up 88 vs Transit Custom 90.
Practicality index: Bolero MaXX Pik-Up 78 vs Transit Custom 61.
Ownership-cover index: Bolero MaXX Pik-Up not separately scored vs Transit Custom not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up and Transit Custom image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up leads by 0 points
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up and Transit Custom are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Performance
38/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
78/100
Transit Custom
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
53/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
61/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMahindra Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
leads the specification evidence index with 67 pts
vs 67 pts for Transit Custom
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Bolero MaXX Pik-Up leads. However, Transit Custom may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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