The 2025 FORD Transit Custom lands as a fresh generation of Ford’s best-known work van, not just a facelift. New tech, a nicer cabin, and independent rear suspension make it feel less like a delivery box and more like a big hatch that happens to swallow pallets. It still hauls plenty, but now it also talks 5G, runs SYNC 4 on a 13-inch screen and gives your back a break on rough roads.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Car-like steering and ride, thanks to that independent rear end.
- Big 13-inch screen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and an embedded 5G modem.
- Long service intervals keep downtime low.
- Payload and cargo volume still competitive.
Cons
- Price jump puts it up against cheaper HiAce and Staria Load deals.
- Still no hybrid option in Australia, only diesel for now until the E-Transit Custom arrives.
- Square-ish steering wheel divides opinions.
How Much Does It Cost?
Sticker pricing for the 2025 Ford Transit Custom starts at $55,990 before on-road costs and stretches to $79,990 depending on trim and whether you go diesel or electric.
Features and Benefits
Talk “features” and you really mean productivity:
- Cargo capacity: up to 5.2 m³ in the SWB Trend and 6.0 m³ in the LWB. Payload peaks at 1,269 kg. That covers most tradie kits without flirting with GVM.
- Cabin tech: 13-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, wireless phone charging, digital driver display, multiple USB ports and that embedded 5G modem for live updates and fleet data.
- Driving manners: independent rear suspension smooths the load, and the shorter front overhang improves foot space and cabin movement.
- Engines: Australia gets the 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbo-diesel (around 7.2 L/100 km combined). Electric variants are listed, but delivery timing and pricing vary.
Safety
ANCAP’s Commercial Van Safety Comparison gave the Transit Custom a Platinum score in 2024, the highest tier. Driver-assist gear like adaptive cruise with sign recognition, lane keeping, and AEB is standard or widely available.
Running Costs
Service intervals are 30,000 km or 12 months for the Transit and Transit Custom in Australia, double what many rivals demand. That means fewer trips to the dealer and more billable hours. Official combined fuel use sits from 7.2 L/100 km for the diesel, so budget accordingly if you load it up or tow. Warranty is five years with unlimited kilometres for new Ford vehicles sold here.
Comparison To Its Competitors
Toyota HiAce still rules sales (roughly half the segment), largely on reputation, dealer reach and up-front price. The new Transit Custom fights back with a far sharper cabin, richer safety spec and longer service gaps. Hyundai’s Staria Load undercuts on price and offers a comfy cabin but lacks the Ford’s tech depth. LDV’s Deliver 7 (and G10) tempt with drive-away deals, yet resale and dealer support lag. Renault Trafic remains a quiet achiever with solid payload and a softer ride but fewer gadgets. If you value tech and refinement, the Ford feels more “new car” than “tool”.
2025 Ford Transit Custom Review: Price, Size, Tech and Safety Versus the Rivals in Australia
Conclusion
The 2025 FORD Transit Custom is not the cheapest mid-size van, but it behaves like a modern car, carries like a proper truck and keeps you out of the service bay longer. If your business lives on the road and your van doubles as an office, the Ford’s combination of load space, brainy tech and polish is worth the premium.
Rating: 8.5/10
Strong all-rounder status maintained: clever interior, long-legged servicing and serious safety creds. Loses points for the higher buy-in and no Aussie hybrid option yet.