Ford Transit Custom

Overview

The Ford Transit Custom is a medium-sized light commercial vehicle (LCV) under Ford and represents a pivotal branch of the Transit lineage. First spun off from the full-sized Transit in 2012 as a "more compact, versatile panel van", it has long dominated the European medium van sales charts. As of 2026, the model on sale is the second-generation iteration (unveiled in 2023), assembled at Ford's Ford Otosan facility in Turkey. It is offered in both short-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) configurations, boasting a cargo capacity between 5.2 and 6.8 cubic metres. In terms of pricing, the UK market starts from RM33,350 (excluding tax); the Australian market starts from RM61,990 (excluding on-road costs); and the Kombi Trend six-seater variant in Taiwan, China carries a recommended retail price of RM1,498,000. In China, it is manufactured and marketed by JMC Ford, serving extensively in logistics, ambulance fleets, and executive transport.

Design Language

The second-generation Transit Custom embraces Ford's latest family design cues. The front fascia features an imposing hexagonal radiator grille, complemented by a full-width LED daytime running light bar and sleeker, sharper headlamps. Down the flanks, crisp character lines match the high shoulder line and flush side glazing. The rear is fitted with vertically stacked tail lamps housing signature X-motif graphics. The lineup is available in a variety of styling trims, including Base, Trend, Limited, Active, Trail, and Sport.

The cabin represents the primary focus of this generational revamp. It is anchored by a 13-inch central touchscreen display and a digital instrument cluster. Its most ingenious feature is the tilt-adjustable steering wheel, which folds flat into an ergonomic work desk or dining surface when parked. Dashboard storage has been thoroughly re-engineered, partly by mounting the front passenger airbag into the roof lining to unlock extra dashboard stowage. High-spec variants add dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless entry with push-start. Meanwhile, the performance-oriented MS-RT variant comes dressed in a bespoke bodykit and a sport-themed interior.

Powertrain & Performance

The second-generation Transit Custom is available with three powertrain choices: Diesel (EcoBlue), Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and All-Electric (E-Transit Custom):

• EcoBlue Diesel: Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine tuned to four power outputs: 109PS, 134PS, 148PS, and 168PS. It is paired with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Australian-spec model delivers 125kW (approx. 170PS) and 390Nm, achieving a combined WLTP fuel consumption as low as 7.4L/100km.

• PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid): Combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 111kW electric motor for a total system output of 171kW (approx. 232PS), paired with an e-CVT automatic transmission. Backed by an 11.8kWh liquid-cooled battery pack, it provides a WLTP pure electric range of 54 km and a combined fuel economy of just 1.7L/100km. A full 0-100% recharge takes around 4.25 hours via a 3.5kW AC wallbox.

• E-Transit Custom (EV): Fitted with a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 100kW, 160kW, or 210kW. Fitted with a 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack, it offers a WLTP driving range of 301 to 307 km. It supports 125kW DC fast charging, juicing up from 15% to 80% in only 32 minutes.

Chassis & Handling

Underpinned by an all-new platform, the Transit Custom's most significant chassis upgrade is the switch from traditional rear leaf springs to an independent rear suspension setup, which substantially refines ride quality and handling stability whether laden or unladen. Up front, it retains an independent MacPherson strut configuration. Drivetrain options include Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Multiple selectable drive modes are available, comprising Normal, Eco, Slippery, and Tow. On the hauling front, it provides a maximum payload of 1,111 to 1,269 kg and a braked towing capacity of 2,300 to 2,500 kg. An optimised turning circle also ensures effortless manoeuvrability across tight urban streets.

Cabin & Equipment

The cockpit is centred around a 13-inch SYNC 4 infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system incorporates an embedded 5G telematics modem and built-in satellite navigation. The driver is greeted by a 12-inch semi-digital instrument cluster. Higher-spec grades can be optioned with a power-sliding side door. The cargo bay comes illuminated by LED lighting. With an overall vehicle height capped below 2.0 metres, it slips into height-restricted multi-storey car parks with ease. Seating configurations remain versatile, spanning from 3-seater to 9-seater layouts.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety remains a cornerstone of the Transit Custom. The van secured the top-tier "Platinum" rating in both Euro NCAP and ANCAP commercial vehicle safety assessments with an impressive score of 96%, setting the safety benchmark in the LCV segment. ANCAP highlighted that the model "sets the benchmark for commercial vehicle safety performance".

Standard active safety kit across the range includes: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist detection, Lane Departure Warning and Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Reverse Brake Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Exit Warning (preventing dooring hazards with passing cyclists or pedestrians), Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Driver Alert Monitoring.

Market Reception & Competitors

Ever since its introduction, the Transit Custom has maintained its crown as the best-selling medium van in Europe. In 2026, it was crowned "Medium Van of the Year" by Auto Express, with judges remarking that "the Transit Custom sets the standard that all other medium vans must follow". Its commercial triumph is attributed to its diverse powertrain options (diesel, PHEV, and pure electric), versatile body configurations, and class-leading safety suite. In the UK, it continues to reign as the nation's best-selling van overall.

In the Chinese market, the Transit Custom is locally assembled by JMC Ford under the Ford Transit nameplate (codenamed V362). The domestic version receives market-specific tweaks over the global model, including a dual 12.3-inch widescreen display setup. However, the domestic model's facelift lifecycle has differed from global schedules—the global model received a mid-cycle facelift back in 2017, whereas the domestic version implemented revisions at a later stage. In China, the Transit is heavily utilised across courier fleets, emergency ambulances, and corporate shuttles. Within the medium van segment, its primary rivals include the Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito, and Stellantis' medium van offerings (Citroën Jumpy, Peugeot Expert, and their siblings).