Ford Transit Custom Review 100,000 miles later
The Ford Transit Custom review dominates UK’s van sales, and with good reason too. I’ve clocked 10,000 miles in just six months for this Ford Transit Custom review and discovered why this vehicle has led the market for over 50 years. Source
The Ford Transit Custom 2024 earned the What Van? 2024 Van of the Year award. My extensive testing covered all variants – from the strong 2.0-litre diesel engines that deliver up to 168bhp to the innovative PHEV model. This hybrid combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an 11.8kW battery and delivers an impressive 35-mile electric range. The van’s payload capacity reaches up to 1,406kg while its towing capability extends to 2,500kg.
This van stands out with its perfect mix of practicality and technology. A massive 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system – the largest in any van today – takes centre stage in its well-designed cabin. The Transit Custom comes in different configurations to match your needs, from the short-wheelbase L1 with its 5.8m³ load area to the roomier L2 model offering 6.8m³ space.
Ford Transit Custom 2024: Specs, Trims and Engine Options Ford Transit Custom Review
My experience with the Ford Transit Custom spans thousands of miles. I’ve had a chance to examine its impressive range of powertrains and specifications. The 2024 lineup gives businesses plenty of options with multiple engines, trim levels, and drivetrain configurations. See all Ford Transit Custom for sale
Diesel, PHEV and Electric Variants Explained
The 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines are the foundations of the ford transit custom 2024 range. You can choose from four power outputs: 110PS, 136PS, 150PS and 170PS. These engines save up to 6% more fuel than previous models. The diesel variants proved reliable on my long-distance trips. See all Ford Vans for sale
The Transit Custom PHEV is perfect for businesses looking to go green. It pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an 11.8kWh battery. You can drive up to 35 miles on electric power alone – ideal for city deliveries. The PHEV returns WLTP fuel consumption of 39.8mpg and CO2 emissions start at just 35g/km. This balance of efficiency and practicality works well. See Ford Van Leasing Deals
The all-electric E-Transit Custom comes in two power variants – 100kW and 160kW. It targets a driving range of 163-204 miles. One feature that stands out is its quick charging time. It takes just 39 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% at DC fast charging stations. This means less downtime during busy workdays.
Trim Levels: Leader, Trend, Limited, Sport, MS-RT Ford Transit Custom Review
Let’s take a closer look at the diverse trim options:
Ford Transit Custom Trend is the entry-level model. It offers great value with a 13″ SYNC 4 touchscreen, 12″ digital instrument cluster, and air conditioning. These features meet daily work needs well.
Ford Transit Custom Limited adds premium features to the Trend. You get the Mobile Office Pack with a tilting steering wheel, heated driver’s seat, keyless entry and LED headlights. These extras made a big difference during my extended testing.
Ford Transit Custom Trail focuses on rough terrain capability. It comes with either All-Wheel Drive (automatic transmission) or a Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (manual transmission). A unique grille, skid-plate and optional 17″ black alloys give it a tough look.
Ford Transit Custom Sport stands out with racing stripes, 17″ sport alloy wheels, a sport body kit with rear spoiler, and dual-zone climate control. This variant helps businesses make a bold statement.
The Ford Transit Custom MS-RT tops the range with motorsport-inspired design. It features 19″ alloy wheels, a unique front bumper with integrated splitter, and bespoke sport seats. You can get it with diesel, PHEV or electric powertrains, with the electric version pushing out 281hp. See Transit Custom Double Cab
Transmission and Drivetrain Choices Ford Transit Custom Review
The new ford transit custom brings better transmission options. A six-speed manual comes standard. The new 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoother and uses less fuel. Automatic models can also come with All-Wheel Drive. This helps with traction in tough conditions and improves cornering. See Ford Connect
Manual transmission models work with a Mechanical Limited Slip Differential. This system moves engine torque to the wheel with the most grip when things get slippery. Every model comes with six Drive Modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery Road, Tow/Haul and Trail). These modes adjust the vehicle’s response to match different driving conditions.
My 10,000-mile experience with various transit custom 2024 models showed their versatility. They handled everything from city deliveries to long highway drives with confidence. See Ford Courier
Driving 10,000 Miles: Real-World Performance Review
My six-month experience covering 10,000 miles in the Ford Transit Custom gave me a chance to test this versatile workhorse in a variety of driving conditions. The van proved to be a reliable companion during city deliveries and long motorway hauls.
Manual vs Automatic Gearbox Experience Ford Transit Custom Review
Ford Transit Custom’s six-speed manual gearbox delivers slick, quick, effortless gear changes that make Ford’s light commercials prominent. The shifting action feels precise and satisfying, even after thousands of miles, unlike some competitors.
The new eight-speed automatic transmission is worth thinking over. It gives you a smoother ride, especially on motorway cruising. Its higher top gear lets the engine rev less at high speed. The column-mounted auto-shifter creates a clean cabin walkthrough, which I really liked during multiple drop-offs.
The automatic has one small drawback – it’s sometimes too eager to downshift when gentle acceleration would be enough. In spite of that, the auto box makes a great investment if you do regular long trips or city driving.
Fuel Economy: Diesel vs PHEV
My real-life testing of the diesel Transit Custom showed about 35.5mpg on the onboard computer, which lined up with what I actually got. This matches closely with the combined WLTP figure of 38.7mpg, showing Ford’s honest approach to consumption figures.
The PHEV variant showed impressive efficiency with regular charging. It averaged 42.4mpg overall during testing, reaching up to 66mpg in winter months. The electric-only range changed substantially with temperature – about 25-30 miles in summer dropping to just 15 miles in cold winter conditions.
City drivers who can charge nightly will see big fuel savings over diesel variants with the PHEV. Without regular charging, the PHEV gives similar economy to diesel models at around 40mpg.
Handling, Comfort and Ride Quality
The Transit Custom handles with remarkable composure despite its size. The steering could be a bit tighter, but stays accurate, nicely geared and linear. This van is genuinely fun to drive.
Ride comfort is impressive, thanks to the independent rear suspension that keeps the back end planted on the road. The ride feels firm but well-dampened. The in-cab noise could be better controlled, with diesel variants’ exhaust noise being quite noticeable.
The Transit Custom weighs 50kg less than a BMW M3 Touring, which helps its surprisingly agile handling. Empty van ride quality is good and becomes excellent with a full load.
Drive Modes and Long-Distance Comfort
The Transit Custom comes with a complete suite of drive modes that really improve the driving experience. These include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Tow/Haul, and Trail. Each mode adjusts throttle response, steering and gear-change behaviour for specific conditions.
Eco mode gives better fuel economy with slightly reduced performance. Sport mode offers extra performance but uses more fuel. Slippery mode helped a lot during winter months by providing better traction on snow and ice.
You can drive for hours without back or backside pain, thanks to exceptional long-distance comfort. The refined cabin makes motorway cruising feel almost like driving a car, with noise levels similar to a family hatchback. A less upright seating position than previous models adds to the comfort on long journeys.
Interior and Tech: 6 Months of Daily Use
My daily experience with the Transit Custom’s interior shows Ford’s smart design choices. The cabin’s practical layout and tech features have made my workday more efficient over the last six months.
Cabin Layout and Storage Practicality
The Transit Custom’s interior shines with its new flat floor design. It gives more room to work and lets you walk through easily. I love how I can slide across to the passenger door when parking gets tight.
The storage options are smart and well-placed. Ford moved the passenger airbag to the roof, which created a handy storage spot on the dashboard. The door bins come in different sizes, and the biggest one fits water bottles or flasks perfectly.
The van also has:
- Under-seat storage that fits laptops and files
- A lockable glovebox and a wide dashboard compartment with a lid
- Cupholders on both ends of the dashboard and one that folds down near the gear stick
This smart storage setup keeps the cabin tidy, unlike other vans I’ve used.
Infotainment: SYNC 4 and 13-inch Touchscreen
A massive 13-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen takes centre stage on the dashboard – the biggest screen you’ll find in any van. The menu system took some getting used to, but the large screen makes button-pressing easier than other vans.
Voice commands help me make calls and set up navigation while driving. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto blend naturally with the system and connect as soon as I get in.
The climate controls live in the touchscreen instead of physical buttons, which can be annoying. At least Ford kept a real knob for volume control – a small but useful touch.
Mobile Office Features: Foldable Steering Wheel
The tilting steering wheel stands out as my favourite innovation. One button press turns it into an angled desk for laptop work or lunch. It locks at 45 degrees – perfect for laptop use – or flat, with a plastic desktop insert stored by the driver’s seat.
This Mobile Office pack feature helps me work better between jobs. The front passenger seat folds down to create another work surface with an elastic band that holds papers in place.
Comfort for Driver and Passengers
The Transit Custom rides comfortably on long trips. The driver’s seat adjusts eight ways with lumbar support and movable armrests, though the backrest feels thin on longer drives.
Dual-zone automatic temperature control lets driver and passengers set their own climate preferences. The cabin could be quieter though – engine and road noise are louder than expected.
Back-seat riders get plenty of space for legs, head, and shoulders. The rear area lacks the fancy touches of the front, with basic door panels and no storage, cupholders, or power outlets.
Load Space, Payload and Utility After 6 Months
My six-month test of the Transit Custom proved its worth as a reliable workhorse. I loaded everything from construction materials to camping gear, and the van’s cargo space ranks among the best in its class. The practical load area handled diverse working conditions with ease.
L1 vs L2 Load Bay Dimensions Ford Transit Custom Review
The standard L1H1 model gives you 6.0 cubic metres of load volume, while the L2H1 bumps that up to 6.8 cubic metres. This extra space made a real difference when I needed to move larger items. The L1’s internal load length measures 2,554mm, and the L2 stretches it to 2,921mm.
All models share the same width specs – 1,775mm at the widest point and 1,392mm between wheel arches. This means you can easily fit standard UK pallets (1200mm x 1000mm) and Euro pallets (1200mm x 800mm). The L1 model handles three Euro pallets up to 1.0 metre high without any issues.
Bulkhead Pass-Through and Tie-Down Points
The load-through bulkhead feature is a game-changer. This smart hatch extends the maximum load length to 3,037mm in the L1 and 3,404mm in the L2 models. I could transport long items like pipes and timber while keeping the cabin secure.
Ford added six sturdy steel tie-down loops to keep cargo in place. I added extra cargo tie-down rings that move along the rails, letting me create anchor points wherever needed. These steel rings come with blue plastic sliding blocks and can hold loads up to 500 daN.
Payload Capacity and Towing Experience
The payload range starts at 695kg and reaches up to 1,469kg. My L1H1 Transit Custom double-cab carried 904kg with 3.5m³ cargo space – plenty for daily work needs.
Towing capacity impresses too, ranging from 2,000kg to 2,800kg braked depending on the model. Most versions can pull around 2,300kg, and the 136hp Trend in L1H1 form leads the pack at 2,800kg. This makes the Transit Custom a top performer in the medium van segment for towing.
Ownership Costs and Value: Is It Worth It?
My six-month journey covering 10,000 miles with the Transit Custom has helped me track every penny spent. This detailed cost analysis goes beyond the original purchase price and shows whether this popular van deserves its premium price tag.
Pricing Breakdown by Trim
The Transit Custom now costs about 10% more than its previous generation. Prices begin at £32,000 excluding VAT, placing it between various competitors. Each trim level adds valuable features:
- Leader (entry-level): Simple equipment, central locking, 15-inch steel wheels
- Trend: Body-coloured bumpers, 8-inch touchscreen, cruise control
- Limited: Chrome grille surround, heated seats, air conditioning
- Sport: Styling kit, side stripes, 17-inch alloy wheels
- MS-RT: Motorsport-inspired design with aerodynamic bumper and leather steering wheel
The Transit Custom’s higher price tag comes with complete standard equipment that makes it worth the extra cost.
Servicing, Warranty and Running Costs
Ford’s standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty doesn’t match competitors like Nissan’s five-year/100,000-mile coverage. The Ford Protect Service Plan helps balance this with clear, fixed-price servicing that covers oil, brake fluid and philtre changes.
My diesel variant averages 35.5mpg, close to the official 40mpg rating. Service, maintenance and repair costs run at 3.95 pence per mile. These figures make it an economical choice in its class.
Charging Time and Real-World PHEV Range
The PHEV model charges in just over four hours from a standard home outlet and needs about three hours with a wallbox. While Ford claims 35 miles of electric range, my experience shows 25-30 miles in summer and 15 miles in winter.
The official PHEV economy figure reaches 176mpg only with regular charging. Without consistent charging, efficiency drops to match diesel versions at around 40mpg.
Comparison with Rivals: Vivaro, Vito, Trafic
The Transit Custom proves competitive against its rivals. The van costs less than the Citroën Despatch, Peugeot Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro and offers better standard equipment, particularly safety features.
Mercedes Vito brings brand prestige at a premium price, while Renault Trafic offers good engine options but lacks modern infotainment. The Transit Custom stands out by offering diesel, PHEV and fully electric options on one platform.
Conclusion
Final Verdict: 10,000 Miles Later
Six months and 10,000 miles of testing various Transit Custom models have proven one thing – Ford’s medium van stays at the top of its class and with good reason too. The van showed exceptional versatility in every working scenario during my extended testing.
The driving experience sets it apart from its competitors. A new eight-speed automatic transmission makes long trips easier, while diesel and PHEV models deliver impressive ground economy. My diesel test vehicle hit 35.5mpg steadily. These numbers match Ford’s claimed figures – a rare honest approach in today’s automotive world.
The cabin shows the biggest step forward. Mobile office features, especially the tilting steering wheel desk, have boosted my daily output. The massive 13-inch touchscreen with wireless phone connectivity brings car-like tech to commercial vans. Quick adjustments with touchscreen climate controls can be frustrating though.
Load space versatility shines bright. A clever bulkhead pass-through substantially extends carrying capacity. Six standard tie-down points keep varied cargo secure. The Transit Custom costs about 10% more than its predecessor, but complete standard equipment makes up for much of this premium.
Your choice of specification plays a crucial role. The PHEV makes sense only if you commit to nightly charging – diesel variants give better overall value. Higher trims add luxury features, but mid-range Trend specification strikes the perfect balance between equipment and cost for most buyers.
Ford listened carefully to what customers wanted. A flat floor design creates more cabin space. Better storage solutions keep things tidy. Independent rear suspension gives unexpected comfort. Small businesses might hesitate at the higher price tag, but the Transit Custom proves its worth through everyday usability and refined driving.
Does this van deserve to be Britain’s bestseller? My extended experience says absolutely yes. Strong competition exists, especially from the Stellantis trio (Despatch, Expert, Vivaro). Yet the Transit Custom’s unmatched versatility, superior tech integration, and refined driving dynamics keep it firmly on top. This van doesn’t just move your cargo – it helps your business grow every single day.
FAQs Ford Transit Custom Review
Q1. How fuel-efficient is the Ford Transit Custom in real-world conditions? Based on extensive testing, the diesel variant of the Ford Transit Custom achieves approximately 35.5 mpg in real-world driving conditions. This closely aligns with the official combined WLTP figure of 38.7 mpg, demonstrating Ford’s honest approach to fuel consumption figures. See all vans for sale
Q2. What are the key differences between the manual and automatic transmissions? The six-speed manual gearbox offers precise and satisfying gear changes. The new eight-speed automatic transmission provides a smoother experience, especially during motorway cruising, with a higher top gear allowing the engine to rev less at high speeds. The automatic also features a column-mounted shifter for a cleaner cabin walkthrough. See Ford van lease
Q3. How practical is the Transit Custom’s load space? The Transit Custom offers impressive load space versatility. The standard L1H1 configuration provides 6.0 cubic metres of load volume, while the L2H1 offers 6.8 cubic metres. A clever load-through bulkhead feature extends the maximum load length to 3,037mm in the L1 and 3,404mm in the L2 models, allowing for transportation of longer items without compromising cabin security. See Transit custom lease
Q4. What innovative features does the Transit Custom offer for mobile working? The Transit Custom includes a tilting steering wheel that creates an angled desk for laptop work or lunch breaks. This feature, part of the Mobile Office pack, significantly improves productivity between jobs. Additionally, the dual front passenger seat with a fold-down backrest creates an extra work surface with an elasticated band to secure paperwork.
Q5. How does the Transit Custom PHEV perform in terms of range and efficiency? The Transit Custom PHEV offers an official electric-only range of 35 miles. In practical use, this varies between 25-30 miles in summer and drops to around 15 miles in winter conditions. When regularly charged, it can achieve impressive fuel economy, averaging 42.4 mpg overall. However, without consistent charging, economy drops to diesel-comparable levels of around 40 mpg.
