A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Transit Custom starts ZAR 1011500 cheaperTransit Custom from ZAR 770,000 · Transit Van from ZAR 1,011,500
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Engine Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Size
2000
2000
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance
130 mm
147 mm
Boot Space
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Kerb Weight
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Seating Capacity
3
3
Warranty
4 years / 120 000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both Transit Custom and Transit Van are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Transit Van
+3 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Transit Custom
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Transit Van
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Transit Custom
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Transit Van
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Current South African Transit Custom listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current South African Transit Van listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
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
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Panel van
Panel van
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
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
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
published
Segment
Van
Van
Vehicle Type
Van
Van
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Ground Clearance
130 mm
147 mm
Wheelbase
3500 mm
3750 mm
Length
5450 mm
6704 mm
Width
2032 mm
2059 mm
Height
1979 mm
2781 mm
Kerb Weight
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gross Vehicle Weight
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Seating Capacity
3
3
Boot Space
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Towing Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turning Radius
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Headroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Doors
5
5
Max Payload
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Volume
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Doors
5
5
Seats
3
3
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
130 mm
147 mm
Ground Clearance Min
130 mm
147 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
130 mm
147 mm
Height Mm
1979 mm
2781 mm
Length Mm
5450 mm
6704 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Payload Kg
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wheelbase Type
Long wheelbase
Extra-long wheelbase
Cargo Volume
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Tare Mass Kg
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turning Circle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turning Circle M
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Width Mm
2032 mm
2059 mm
Gross Weight Class
-
470 series
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Engine
2.0L EcoBlue single-turbo diesel
2.0L EcoBlue diesel
Engine Type
2.0L EcoBlue single-turbo diesel
2.0L EcoBlue diesel
Displacement
2000 cc
2000 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Power @ RPM
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Torque @ RPM
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Top Speed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
0-100 km/h
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Cylinder Bore
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Piston Stroke
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Code
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Diesel
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Aspiration
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Type Config
2.0L EcoBlue single-turbo diesel
2.0L EcoBlue diesel
0–100 km/h
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Capacity
Not Available
Not Available
Charging Port
Not Available
Not Available
AC Charging Time
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Displacement
2000 cc
2000 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
2 l
2 l
EV Range
Not Available
Not Available
Acceleration 0 100
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined System Power
Not Available
Not Available
Combined System Torque
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Config
2.0L EcoBlue single-turbo diesel
2.0L EcoBlue diesel
Engine Cylinders
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement Cc
2000 cc
2000 cc
Engine Power kW
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Torque Nm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Valves
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Induction
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Max Power kW
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Max Torque Nm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Maximum Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Position
Not Available
Not Available
Motor Power
Not Available
Not Available
Motor Torque
Not Available
Not Available
Motor Type
Not Available
Not Available
Power kW Rpm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
System Output
Not Available
Not Available
Torque Nm Rpm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turbo Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Transmission
Manual
Manual
Drive Type
Front-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
Not Applicable
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6 km/h
6 km/h
Transmission Type
Manual
Manual
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Transmission
Manual
Manual
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
Differential Type Front
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Manual
Manual
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
6 km/h
6 km/h
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
City Mileage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Efficiency
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Time AC Full
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption L 100km
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Economy Combined
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
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
Range Wltp
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
ABS
Not Available
Not Available
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Traction Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
EBD
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Not Available
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
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
Not Available
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Not Available
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
Drive Modes
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Not Available
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
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Seat Material
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
3
3
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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.
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Transit Van grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
3
3
Seat Capacity
3
3
Seat Count
3
3
Seat Trim
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Climate Control
Not Available
Not Available
Power Windows
Not Available
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
AC Type
Not Available
Not Available
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
Not Available
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Manual
Launch Control
Not Available
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
Not Available
Rev Matching
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Service Plan
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Battery Voltage
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Difflock
Not Available
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
transit-custom
transit-van
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Trim Level
base
top
Variant Role
Commercial utility derivative
Core range derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Not Available
Android Auto
Not Available
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Not Available
Number of Speakers
Not Available
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
SYNC
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
SYNC
Connected Services
SYNC
SYNC
Touchscreen
SYNC
SYNC
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
3
3
Body Type
Van
Van
Exterior Colour Options
3
3
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Front-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Response System
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Tyre Size
Not Available
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
Not Available
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wheelbase Mm
3500 mm
3750 mm
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Front Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Maintenance Plan
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Duration
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Service Plan Distance
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
6 years / 90 000 km optional plan included in listed price
Battery Type
Not Available
Not Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Warranty Years
4 years / 120 000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
4 years / 120 000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
4 years / unlimited km
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 years / unlimited km
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
4 years / 120 000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
4 years / unlimited km
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty
4 years / 120 000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
4 years / unlimited km
4 years / unlimited km
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Diesel
Spec
Transit Custom
Transit Van
Ownership Role
Base
Top
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar
770000 ZAR
1062000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current listed price
Starting Price
770000
1062000
Starting Price Zar
770000
1062000
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Transit Van leads by 1 points
Both Transit Custom and Transit Van are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Transit Van
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
65/100
Safety
0/100
Practicality
47/100
Ownership
42/100
Transit Custom
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
65/100
Safety
0/100
Practicality
44/100
Ownership
42/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Ford Transit Van
wins with 42 pts
vs 41 pts for Transit Custom
In structured scoring, Transit Van emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Transit Custom may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Transit Van edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Transit Custom 65 vs Transit Van 65. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Transit Custom 0, Transit Van 0. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Transit Custom 42, Transit Van 42. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Transit Custom 44, Transit Van 47. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Transit Custom 59, Transit Van 59. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Transit Van edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Transit Van scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Transit Custom and Transit Van in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Transit Custom scores 59 vs 59.
Efficiency: Transit Custom scores 65 vs 65.
Safety: Transit Custom scores 0 vs 0.
Practicality: Transit Custom scores 44 vs 47.
Ownership: Transit Custom scores 42 vs 42.
Final structured scoring gives Transit Van
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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