Ford Transit Custom 2025 review

To understand why the Transit is venerated so, the 1965 original instantly exploded the prevailing van mindset.

Before that, most, barring small European panel vans such as the French "fourgonnette" set, were narrow forward-control vans. With the engine under the front seats, they proved fatiguingly hot, smelly, noisy, crude, uncomfortable, slow, cumbersome and often dangerously wayward.

In contrast, the big British Ford was literally and metaphorically streets ahead of the pack, with a wide stance, bold design, thoughtful packaging and American-inspired car-based engineering.

Commerce and private buyers alike embraced it with almost fanatical fervour and rivals were forced to quickly follow suit.

The first thing mid-sized van novices notice is just how high-up they are.

Nigh-on 60 years ago, that first Transit’s tech might have seemed almost Cybertruck-like within its competitor set, but without the galling cost, aesthetics, hubris and cult. Ford’s Steve McQueen to Tesla’s Elon Musk.

So, how much does the real thing cost nowadays in Australia?

In dealers now, Transit Custom prices kick off from a hefty $56,590, before on-road costs, but there are plenty of features as well as innovation to help justify the circa-10 per cent premium over, say, a Toyota HiAce – including winning the 2024 International Van of The Year award.

Initially, the Custom is available in standard Trend short wheelbase (SWB) and optional 400mm-stretched long wheelbase (LWB) styles, the latter for an extra $1000.

Being workhorses first, both versions include 1+2 bucket/fixed-bench seating for three people up front, eight-way driver’s seat adjustability, tilt/telescopic steering, heated outboard seating, three cupholders, two glove boxes, a multitude of storage areas on the dash/in the doors/under seats, powered folding exterior mirrors, one-press up/down driver’s powered window and illuminated steps for safer entry/egress. Plus, a rear bulkhead with window and a load-through hatch into the cargo area behind (as before) for really long items is fitted.

Don’t expect soft-touch materials in this premium Euro workhorse.

Meanwhile, in/above the cargo area, you’ll find tie-down loops, bright LED load-space lights, a moulded load floor liner, floor-to-ceiling load-area protection, a kerb-side load door, rear twin barn doors that open to 180 degrees and integrated roof racks.

The Trend also includes push-button start, climate control air-conditioning, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, swish 13-inch central touchscreen offering the excellent 'SYNC 4' multimedia system, a 180-degree view reversing camera, sat-nav, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital radio, a wireless phone charger, USB C/A ports and an Australian Ford-first 5G modem, to facilitate connectivity such as the new 'FordPass' app for remote vehicle info and data access.

Plus, a host of driver-assist safety, like AEB, collision warning tech, lane-keep support systems and adaptive cruise control are also present, as well as exit-warning alert to help stop cyclists being doored. More on these in the safety section below – along with how the Custom won Euro NCAP’s highest-ever van crash-test rating.

Additionally, a host of work- and play-related options are available.

It may look the same, but everything has changed in the Transit Custom, except the diesel engine.

Options for the LWB include 'Load Space Refrigeration' and a 'Secure Visibility Pack' featuring steel instead of windows, extra cameras, a dash cam and digital rear-view mirror, a choice of 58 special-order colours (for a reasonably-priced $1400) and windowless side-door panels.

Finally, the popular Sport grade returns as a $3400 two-seat SWB option, as well as in a new Double Cab five-seat LWB configuration with a fixed middle bench seat, and starting from $62,990, before ORC. Ford calls the latter the ‘crew-friendly’ choice.

Among other things, both include sharper-looking wheels, a body kit and racier trim inside, as well as questionable bonnet stripes. 

But you know what’s not in question? The Transit Custom’s design and engineering credentials.

Seven decades of continuous van evolution and one of the company’s most extensive research programs mean for the new generation five version Ford reckons it designed and engineered the Transit Custom to be easier to spend long hours in.

The first thing mid-sized van novices notice is just how high-up they are. Much more so than most SUVs. So, among other things, grab handles help haul yourself up if necessary whilst new steps improve load compartment access.

Once inside, the driver's seat is sufficiently comfortable and supportive, offering a lofty seating position that conspires with the vast windscreen, thin pillars, low dash cowl, deep side windows and general airy ambience to impart a sense of commanding forward vision and control.

Yes, there’s a bulkhead behind you, but the crisp reverse camera and sensors do help cut the Custom’s perceived size around the driver when manoeuvring, especially in tight spaces.

Once inside, the driver's seat is sufficiently comfortable and supportive.

The other basics are well-sorted, too, with a multi-adjustable driving position (though the twin bench that passengers sit on is flat and fixed), ample ventilation, sensible switchgear placement and even one cupholder per occupant. it all makes instant sense.

As mentioned earlier, the flat floor and less-protruding wheel arches increase room for movement, aided by a smaller, flat-bottomed steering wheel and now-column-shift stalk for the auto-only transmission choice in Australia. Sadly, the light and satisfying manual shifter available elsewhere is a no-go. Please feel free to direct indignant letters to Ford, please.

Anyway, the dashboard is simple in its electronic twin-screen modernity, with the 13-inch touchscreen angled slightly to towards the driver.

And while Ford has reduced the physical button count in the name of simplicity, the SYNC 4 system is one of the easiest and most intuitive in the business, with a logical layout and fast access. Note, too, that, as per Ranger, the programmable touchscreen has provisions for controls of accessories like extra lighting and towing paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, in/above the cargo area, you’ll find tie-down loops, and bright LED load-space lights.

Relocating the front passenger airbag up above the ceiling is how there are now two glove boxes, while placing a small shelf next to the USB C/A outlets for phone placement is genius as it helps eliminate wayward cords. Behind the 12-inch instrument cluster is more storage, too.

Downsides? The folding centre armrest is a bit of a wasted opportunity for even deeper storage, with the elasticised holder seeming flimsy.

As do the passenger-seat cushions that are at least light and easy to lift and drop with a single hand. Don’t expect soft-touch materials in this premium Euro workhorse, though the hardy plastics, overall quality and fit/finish seemed first class in the vehicles tested. And owing to that bulkhead right behind, a camera mirror should be standard at this price point.

Nonetheless, the interior’s thoughtful packaging and driver-orientated comfort and refinement are ahead of the other mid-sized vans, justifying that aforementioned 10 per cent premium in our opinion.

Anyway, let’s check out what’s underneath the bonnet...

If there is one area where the Transit Custom has long excelled at, that’s driving pleasure. And not just for a van.

Even the ageing and not-so-frugal diesel engine, hands-down the least likeable aspect of the new Ford after also sampling the PHEV and e-Transit EV versions over the same period, puts in a strong-enough showing.

Floor the throttle and, after a moment’s hesitation as the single turbo spools up, there’s enough torque for speeds to start rising quickly.

And once on the move, there’s plenty in store for lively overtaking and relaxed highway cruising. Expect around 12.5 to 13 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint time.

And once on the move, there’s plenty in store for lively overtaking and relaxed highway cruising.

Helping things out is a smooth-shifting eight-speed auto, that would always seem to be in the right ratio, as well as a decent wad of sound-deadening, as the din from this particular diesel felt more muffled than the PHEV we had been driving moments earlier.

Where the Custom seems to have progressed over its already competent predecessor is in its involving dynamic capabilities – in the way it steers, corners and rides.

While the high driving position and squared-off proportions clearly denote this as a van, the newly-adopted independent rear suspension, combined with the more rigid platform and lighter overall weight transform the experience beyond this being simply a big box on wheels.

After a brief period of familiarity, and if you’re open and ready for it, this is where the Ford DNA magic happens, turning the Custom into the extension of whatever you want it to be.

If you’d rather pretend that this 2.0-tonne van is actually an overblown hot-hatch impersonator that can slice through a tight set of curves (or roundabouts, as is more likely) if you’re game enough, it will comply.

There’s a leaf spring front end and semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension system out back.

Likewise, if your fantasy is cruising some highway perched up high Winnebago-style, with just the big sky ahead instead of your next work appointment, the mid-sized Transit can help you pretend that, too.

That’s because there is the steering precision, handling composure, roadholding balance and suspension compliance for the keen driver to literally think outside their box.

The Custom is what every great van should be: the high-quality paint, brushes and canvas to inspire and have fun with, albeit within in a professional workplace environment.    

Of course, the Ford is far from perfect.

Buying diesel is increasingly on the nose for many consumers, so electrification powertrain options should already be offered to Australians. The ride quality, while impressive for a van in its ability to absorb, isolate and settle over bumps, is not quite car-like in suppleness because this workhorse must move objects like heavy furniture or tow hefty trailers for a living; and there are cheaper alternatives.

The Custom is what every great van should be.

But the Transit Custom is likely the best van there is for what it’s been designed and imagined to do.

And that has always been the point of this Ford. Over its 59-year history, it has led the pack by being comfortable, refined, safe, sophisticated and fun, while still being able to get the job done. A character in its own right.

The Custom is a workhorse first but does so much more. Well worth the premium.

Ford reckons it's also keen to keep your comparatively expensive van investment secure in terms of service and warranty.

The Transit Custom comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as seven years of conditional roadside assistance. Service intervals are every 12 months or 30,000km, whichever comes first.

Finally, there’s also fixed-price servicing outlined on the company’s website. The first five years start from $499, $499, $499, $499 and $575, respectively, for retail and small-business buyers. All other customers are charged $575, $915, $715, $915 and $575, respectively.

Helpfully, Ford also lists pricing right up to 12 years/360,000km.

Helpfully, Ford also lists pricing right up to 12 years/360,000km.