Ford Transit Custom Review 2023

If you’re after a mid-sized van, then the Ford Transit Custom should be at the top of your To Look At list. While there are other decent vans on the market, and some cheaper options too, the Transit Custom is so accomplished in so many ways, and offers such flexibility in terms of specification, that it’s very likely to be a top contender for your money.

When it comes to trim levels, even the base model Ford Transit Custom comes with the fancy 13-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as cruise control, keyless start and LED headlights. As you look up the trim levels, the best choice for you depends on what you want, because most of what you need is already included. Trend adds automatic air conditioning, a front parking aid and a reversing camera, while above that you’re mostly looking at aesthetic things like body coloured bumpers and niceties like heated seats. The exception is if you want dual side doors included as standard, in which case you’ll need Limited trim or above.

The Ford Transit Custom has many rivals, including the Volkswagen Transporter and the Renault Trafic, as well as the family of closely related models that forms the Citroen Dispatch, Vauxhall Vivaro, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace and Fiat Scudo. You could also look at the Mercedes Vito and the older Fiat Talento.

Many of these also offer electric van versions, including the Citroen e-Dispatch, Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, Peugeot e-Expert, Toyota Proace Electric and Fiat e-Scudo, as well as the Mercedes e-Vito.

Plug-in hybrid vans are far less common. You could look at the LEVC VN5, although it’s more of a range-extended electric vehicle than a traditional PHEV.

Much of the Ford Transit Custom’s interior is closer to that of a car than ever before, although you can’t escape the swathes of plastic everywhere. It’s of no real concern (and it’s easy to wipe clean), as some clever design breaks up the surface areas to both aesthetic and practical effect. The steering wheel feels like it could be taken straight out of a car, and on our test models was covered in leather for a classy feel, and all the buttons feel solid to the touch.

Impressively, even the entry-level Ford Transit Custom comes with Ford’s latest Sync4 infotainment system and a huge 13-inch touchscreen interface. It looks great, and it comes with a wireless phone charger and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so that your phone can seamlessly connect each time you hop back in. Amazon Alexa is built-in, too. 

There’s the now-usual concern that touchscreens aren’t as easy to use on the go as buttons and dials, which isn’t particular to Ford, but continues to be annoying at times when you’re trying to stab at the screen to adjust the aircon temperature, rather than feel for a button. That said, as touchscreen systems go, this one’s easy to navigate.

All models also get a 5G modem for telematics connectivity, and Ford will throw in access to its free software when you buy a Transit Custom. Smaller business users can use FordPass Pro to locate and manage up to five vehicles, while Ford Telematics Essentials lets fleet managers keep track of key data for larger fleets.

The Ford Pro Upfit Integration System is also controlled through the touchscreen, and is designed as a plug-and-play solution for external systems such as light bars, beacons, working lights and so on. Rather than having to drill the dash for extra buttons and controls, you can simply integrate them into the touchscreen.

Cargo space in the back of the L1H1 Ford Transit Custom we tried is actually down on the previous model, from 6m³ to 5.8m³, but with improved access you should find it more usable than before. The floor is lower for easier access, and the aperture in the side sliding door is now more than a metre wide and has a step built into it. The double doors at the back no longer feature retaining arms, which makes for easier access, as does a wider aperture. Limited trim and higher get dual side doors as standard, rather than just one kerbside door.

Up front, practicality has been very well thought out in the Ford Transit Custom. There are two cupholders on each front corner of the dashboard, and another than folds out of the centre of the dash. In each front door is a large angled slot for a drinks bottle, and three separate pockets for storage. Ford has relocated the passenger airbag into the roof, freeing up space for an opening storage space on top of the dashboard, with a regular-sized glovebox beneath. There’s also loads of space on top of the dash behind the steering wheel for odds and ends. On top of that, the centre of the passenger seat folds down for a flat writing surface, with an elastic strap to stop stuff sliding about.

One impressive and innovative optional feature is the tilting steering wheel on the Ford Transit Custom, included as part of the Mobile Office pack. This allows you to press a button on the base of the wheel and tilt the outer rim forward, either to flat or to around 45 degrees. A plastic tray can then be mounted to form a table, which could be great for laptop or tablet work, or even just eating your lunch. Oh, and yes, the wheel only tilts when you’re not in motion.

There are three broad power options in the Ford Transit Custom – diesel, plug-in-hybrid and electric. We think most buyers will fare best with the diesel, and of the four power options available, the 150PS option is the most well rounded, with enough grunt to make good progress on any road, even with a loaded van.

That said, you can’t get the 150PS model with the excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is very pleasant to use, or with all-wheel drive. If front-wheel drive or the six-speed manual gearbox aren’t for you, the 136PS or 170PS models are the best options.

For vans used predominantly in the city centre, the Ford Transit Custom plug-in hybrid model could be a good option, though it’s a jump up in price, and we’ve yet to test it. Using a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery that promises up to 34 miles of electric-only power, it boasts the most performance of any Transit Custom, with 227PS.

It also comes with 2.3kW of power for tools and equipment – a feature also included on the electric E-Transit Custom. This is another powertrain we’ve yet to try, but with a claimed range of up to 209 miles it could be a good option for clean air and low fuel costs. That said, Ford hadn’t announced the pricing for the E-Transit Custom at the time of writing.

The Ford Transit is one of the most refined and quiet vans on the road. We’ve yet to try the PHEV or electric versions, which we suspect will be even less intrusive, but the diesel models are on a par with similar engines fitted in cars – you’ll hear them chug slightly more than a petrol engine, but they’re smooth and relatively quiet. The noise level is further reduced inside the cab by some excellent insulation, with minimal wind or road noise even at motorway speeds.

All Ford Transit Customs come with a range of advanced driver safety systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition and Intelligent Speed Assist (which automatically detects the current speed limit). You also get auto high beam headlights and rear parking sensors.

Optional features include adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alert and Reverse Brake Assist (which is essentially automatic emergency braking when reversing). An exit warning system is also available, which watches for oncoming vehicles and cyclists when opening the cab doors. You can also spec a 360-degree camera.

Other options include the new Delivery Assist package, which automates delivery tasks by automatically applying the handbrake, turning off the engine, closing the windows, activating the hazard lights and locking the van when you pop out to drop something off. All the features can be configured to your specific requirements.

The Ford Transit Custom should prove pretty reliable, as Ford has been building these vans for decades and knows how to make them last. We've seen examples with 200,000 miles or more or the clock, so as long as servicing is kept up they should keep on going. 

Ford itself finished in the bottom third of the latest HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index. The vast majority of those entries were for passenger cars rather than vans, though. 

Insurance groups for the latest Ford Transit Custom are yet to be confirmed, though the previous generation Ford Transit Custom started in insurance group 5. PHEV and electric versions are expected to be in much higher groups though.

You'll currently pay a flat rate of £320/year (2023/2024) to tax a Ford Transit Custom, with the exception of the E-Transit, which costs nothing in Vehicle Excise Duty.

There are a wide choice of body styles and lengths in the latest Ford Transit, and a good choice of trims, too.

The base model, known as Leader, is only available with diesel engines. While it’s the entry into the Transit Custom range it comes very well equipped as standard, with features including keyless start, the 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the digital driver display in place of traditional analogue dials. You also get LED headlights, kerbside side load doors and heated mirrors, as well as automatic headlights and a quick-clear front window defroster.

Upgrade to the Trend trim and you’ll get partial body coloured bumpers on the outside and automatic air conditioning, with a locking glove box and a temporary spare wheel. Front parking sensors and a rear-view reversing camera are also included.

The Limited trim, if previous Transit Custom sales are anything to go by, is likely to be the biggest seller. It features body coloured bumpers and auto folding mirrors, and ups the comfort inside with adjustable armrests and lumbar support for the driver, heated seats across the front and a tray table that folds down. It rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and has a category 1 Thatcham Alarm included, as well as keyless entry and keyless start.

The Trail trim has a more rugged vibe and sits alongside the Limited model, with different 16-inch alloy wheels and a mechanical limited-slip differential on manual vans.

The Sport model, as the name suggests, has a more racy look, with 17-inch alloy wheels, stripes on the bonnet, LED rear lights and a rear spoiler on the outside. Inside, you’ll get dual zone air conditioning and a more supportive Sport Comfort driver’s seat, which is heated and electrically adjustable

Another high-end trim is due to be added to the Transit Custom range in the relatively near future. Ford hasn’t officially said what it is, but we’d put a small bet on it being a new, motorsport-inspired MS-RT model.