2026 Ford Transit Custom PHEV Review

Ford’s Transit nameplate has been around for six decades, and over 13 million have been delivered worldwide. The all-new Transit Custom continues that legacy with major advances in safety, design and connectivity — but this new PHEV version represents something entirely new for Australia. It’s the first plug-in hybrid commercial van to ever go on sale here, sitting neatly between Ford’s diesel lineup and the fully electric E-Transit Custom.

With improved aerodynamics, a lighter structure, and smarter packaging, Ford claims the Transit Custom PHEV offers all the practicality of a diesel with the urban efficiency of an EV. But with its premium price tag, modest EV-only range, and growing list of diesel competitors, does this electrified van actually make sense for Australian fleets?

How much does the Ford Transit Custom cost?

The Transit Custom PHEV range starts from $67,590 before on-road costs, with the higher-spec Sport variant priced at $69,990. That positions it above the new diesel Trail variant ($61,990) and Sport Double Cab variant ($62,990) and below the fully electric E-Transit Custom, which starts at $77,590.

It’s worth noting that no other van in Australia currently offers plug-in hybrid power — the PHEV sits alone as a transition point between combustion and full EV fleets.

Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen and Renault continue to offer diesel powertrains only — though the new Volkswagen Transporter based on the same platform as the Transit Custom is expected to receive plug-in hybrid power in 2026 — while the E-Transit Custom is one of the few pure-electric vans of comparable size.

Against diesel competitors, the Transit Custom PHEV looks expensive. The Toyota HiAce LWB Auto sits at around $53,880, the Hyundai Staria Load from $46,990, the Volkswagen Transporter at $58,590, and the Renault Trafic Premium from $56,990. So Ford’s PHEV carries a significant premium — but also brings lower servicing costs (around $2,500 over five years) and the potential for big fuel savings in metro driving.

For urban trades or fleets with reliable overnight charging, the Transit Custom PHEV’s efficiency could genuinely offset its higher entry cost. Yet for long-distance regional operators, diesel alternatives remain the cheaper, simpler choice.

2026 Ford Transit Custom Pricing:

• Transit Custom Trend SWB (Diesel) - $56,590
• Transit Custom Trend LWB (Diesel) - $57,590
• Transit Custom Sport SWB (Diesel) - $59,990
• Transit Custom Trail (Diesel AWD) - $61,990
• Transit Custom Sport Double Cab (Diesel) - $62,990
• Transit Custom PHEV Trend LWB - $67,590
• Transit Custom PHEV Sport SWB - $69,990
• E-Transit Custom Trend LWB - $77,590
• E-Transit Custom Sport SWB - $79,990

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs.

A Van That Actually Looks Good

The 2025 Ford Transit Custom brings a more refined and professional appearance to the one-tonne van segment. 

The proportions have been refined too, with the front wheels pushed forward and the floor height lowered, improving both stance and practicality when loading or stepping inside.

Its overall shape remains familiar, but subtle refinements in aerodynamics, proportions, and detailing make it appear sleeker and more modern. 

Where rivals such as the Toyota HiAce maintain a purely commercial look, the Transit Custom leans slightly toward lifestyle appeal without compromising practicality.

The Sport SWB variant adds some visual distinction with 17-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Duravis tyres, as well as blue-accented sports stripes and side decals.

Buyers can also opt for dual side-load doors (without windows) for greater flexibility in confined worksites or urban deliveries.

Functional, Connected, Well Thought Out

Inside, the Transit Custom PHEV feels well considered and genuinely modern for a commercial van. 

Most of the materials are hard-wearing plastics — as expected in this segment — but the cabin still feels cohesive and professional. 

The contrast of black and grey surfaces helps break up the space visually, while the large 13-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen remains the clear centrepiece. It’s one of the best infotainment systems I’ve used in a van — fast, intuitive, and backed by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in satellite navigation, and Ford’s connected vehicle services.

Those connectivity features aren’t just for convenience. Through FordPass, fleet managers can monitor vehicle location, battery range, and charging status remotely, while drivers can pre-condition the cabin temperature or check trip data on the go.

Seat comfort is solid, with both PHEV variants using durable cloth upholstery. The Trend LWB offers 8-way manual seat adjustment with heating for the outboard seats, while the Sport SWB upgrades to 10-way power adjustment, dual armrests, and dual-zone climate control.

The driving position is well judged, giving good visibility in all directions, and the flat front floor (thanks to the column-mounted gear shifter and electric park brake) makes it easy to move across the cabin.

Storage is abundant — including dual gloveboxes, large door bins, cup holders, and open shelves across the dash. The absence of a traditional transmission tunnel means even bulky items can be stored on the floor up front.

Visibility is generally excellent, particularly when equipped with the optional Secure Visibility Pack, which adds a digital rear-view mirror and integrated dash cam for added safety and convenience.

Overall, it’s a practical, well-connected, and easy-to-live-with workspace that draws on some of Ford’s lifestyle-focused offerings, adapted for long journeys, frequent stops, and durability.

As Capable and Clever as a Diesel

Despite the addition of its plug-in hybrid system, the Transit Custom PHEV retains the same load space dimensions and towing capacity as its diesel equivalents — a significant engineering achievement. 

Ford’s battery packaging beneath the floor means the load area dimensions are identical to those of the standard diesel models. This ensures the PHEV still provides up to 5.8 cubic metres of cargo volume in the SWB Sport and 6.8 cubic metres in the LWB Trend, with enough space to accommodate Euro pallets.

Loading and unloading have also become easier, with the rear barn doors now opening to 180 degrees. The available side-load doors (without windows) further enhance usability for urban operators needing entry from either side. Inside, Ford has included eight sturdy tie-down points, a moulded load floor, and bright LED cargo lighting.

The Transit Custom PHEV retains up to 1,255 kg of payload and 2,300 kg of braked towing capacity, meaning no compromise compared to the diesel variants. An integrated roof rack system and load-through hatch for carrying longer items help maximise versatility, while the independent rear suspension ensures the van remains stable and composed, even with a full load on board.

Ultimately, the Transit Custom PHEV demonstrates that adopting a plug-in hybrid system doesn’t necessarily require any real-world sacrifice in practicality — a crucial point for trades and fleets looking to transition toward electrification without losing everyday usability.

A New Class of Van

The Transit Custom PHEV is powered by a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, paired with an electric motor and an 11.8 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. 

Together, the system produces a combined output of 171 kW, with the electric motor alone delivering 111 kW and 320 Nm of torque from 0–3,000 rpm, while the petrol engine contributes 86 kW peak power at 4,500 rpm and 209 Nm at 3,000 rpm.

Drive is sent to the front wheels via a CVT powersplit automatic transmission, providing smooth transitions between hybrid and electric operation. The hybrid system supports three main driving modes — Auto EV, EV Now, and EV Later — allowing the driver to choose between fully electric, hybrid, or engine-only operation depending on range requirements.

Official WLTP-combined fuel consumption is 1.7 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions rated at just 38 g/km. The fuel tank holds 63 litres, providing a substantial total range when combined with electric assistance.

Feels like a First-Generation Product

Powering the Transit Custom PHEV is an 11.8kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, operating through a plug-in hybrid system that prioritises electric driving for shorter trips.

Ford claims an electric-only range of up to 56 kilometres (WLTP), though in real-world driving, this figure is likely to be lower depending on load and driving conditions.

Charging is handled via a Type 2 port with 7.4kW AC capability, allowing a full recharge in roughly 2 to 2.5 hours using a wallbox or public AC charger. While this charge time is reasonable, the relatively small battery capacity means the range is modest by modern PHEV standards — especially given smaller SUVs can now exceed 30kWh battery sizes. That said, Ford’s focus here is clearly on maintaining uncompromised load volume, payload and towing capacity, aligning the PHEV with the diesel and electric versions in practicality rather than chasing outright EV range.

A Smooth Operator - Mostly

Our time behind the wheel of the Transit Custom PHEV was limited to a short loop and, notably, without any payload — so a full assessment of how it performs under load will have to wait. Still, even within that window, the plug-in hybrid setup impressed with how seamlessly it blended petrol and electric power. Transitions between the two were smooth and largely imperceptible, and performance was stronger than expected for a van of this size. The instant torque from the electric motor made it feel eager off the line and confident when merging into faster traffic.

In typical urban driving, the PHEV felt composed and easy to manoeuvre. The steering was light and accurate, which, combined with good visibility and the high driving position, made navigating tighter streets and carparks straightforward. Torque was always available when needed, and the drivetrain delivered enough flexibility for stop-start city use.

That said, I did find the one-pedal driving mode — borrowed from the E-Transit — a bit overly sensitive. It occasionally led to some lurching in slower traffic until I adjusted to its calibration. The ride quality was generally comfortable, but the suspension could feel surprisingly harsh over larger speed bumps or sharper imperfections, where the van transmitted a noticeable jolt into the cabin.

Importantly, the additional weight of the battery didn’t appear to compromise balance or handling. The van still felt stable through corners, with the independent rear suspension helping to keep it composed and settled over uneven roads. 

Overall, the Transit Custom PHEV drives more like a well-sorted large SUV than a commercial van — refined, quiet and easy to live with in the city, yet very capable of long hauls when needed.

Benchmark for Commercial Van Safety

The Transit Custom PHEV sets the benchmark in its class when it comes to safety technology. It achieved the highest ANCAP score in the 2024 commercial van comparison, scoring 96% for Safety Assist, thanks to its comprehensive active safety suite.

Standard features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and speed sign recognition. The Exit Warning system helps prevent doors being opened into passing traffic or cyclists — a feature few vans offer.

The Reverse Brake Assist system automatically stops the van if it detects an obstacle when reversing, while the rear-view camera with a 180-degree split view dramatically improves visibility in loading zones or tight laneways. Higher grades also add a digital rear-view mirror integrated with a built-in dash cam as part of the Secure Visibility Pack.

It’s clear Ford’s goal was to make the Transit Custom as safe for drivers and pedestrians as possible, and the execution here is first class.

Longer Service Intervals and Low Running Costs

The Transit Custom PHEV offers excellent long-term running costs compared with its diesel equivalents. Scheduled servicing is required every 12 months or 30,000 kilometres, and Ford claims total servicing costs of around $2,500 over five years, which is competitive for the segment.

For comparison, the E-Transit Custom comes in even cheaper at about $1,200 over five years, thanks to fewer moving parts and no oil changes. Meanwhile, diesel rivals such as the Toyota HiAce or Renault Trafic typically incur higher maintenance costs, shorter intervals, and more consumable replacements.

Warranty coverage is good too, with five years/unlimited kilometres for the vehicle, and eight years/160,000 kilometres for the hybrid battery.

What do you get with the Ford Transit Custom PHEV?

Transit Custom PHEV Trend LWB

• 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with plug-in hybrid system (171 kW combined output)
• Front-wheel drive, CVT automatic transmission
• 13-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with built-in satellite navigation
• 12-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, wireless charging pad
• FordPass Connect embedded modem with fleet tracking and remote vehicle data
• Cloth seat trim with heating for driver and front outboard passenger
• 8-way manually adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
• Single-zone climate control
• Keyless start
• Automatic headlights (dusk sensing) and high beam control
• Integrated roof racks
• Power-adjustable, folding side mirrors with blind-spot magnified view
• Full-width metal bulkhead with load-through hatch
• Load area protection kit (full-height walls and moulded floor)
• Eight tie-down loops and ultra-bright LED load compartment lighting
• Kerbside sliding door and twin rear barn doors with windows (180° opening)
• Front and rear parking sensors, 180° split-view rear camera, Reverse Brake Assist
• 16-inch steel wheels with full covers and full-size steel spare wheel
  

Optional Equipment:

• Dual side load doors (no windows) – $1,000
• Prestige paint finishes – $700
• Special Vehicle Options (SVO) paint range – $1,400
• Rear liftgate – $700
• Secure Visibility Pack (adds digital rear-view mirror with dash cam, deletes glazing) – $1,500
• Single passenger seat – $150
  

Transit Custom PHEV Sport SWB

Adds Over Trend LWB:

• Sport trim with blue-accented cloth upholstery
• 10-way power driver’s seat with dual armrests
• Dual-zone climate control
• Smart keyless entry
• Locking lower glovebox and upper glovebox with USB-C port
• LED headlights and LED daytime running lights
• Power-adjustable, heated, auto-fold side mirrors with blind-spot magnified view
• Sport body kit, rear spoiler and stripe package
• 17-inch matte black multi-spoke alloy wheels with Bridgestone Duravis tyres

Optional Equipment:

• Dual side load doors (no windows) – $1,000
• Prestige paint finishes – $700
• Rear liftgate – $700

Final thoughts on the Ford Transit Custom PHEV

The Ford Transit Custom PHEV brings plug-in hybrid technology to the one-tonne van segment for the first time. It’s an interesting proposition for businesses that want to reduce fuel use and emissions without sacrificing practicality or uptime, sitting between the conventional diesel range and the fully electric E-Transit Custom.

With pricing from $67,590 for the Trend LWB and $69,990 for the Sport SWB, it’s a noticeable premium over the diesel equivalents, but still undercuts the electric version by around $10,000.

Additionally, its small 11.8 kWh battery limits electric-only operation to shorter urban trips, so the real-world fuel savings will depend heavily on how and where the van is used.

On the road, the PHEV powertrain feels responsive and well-integrated, delivering smooth transitions between petrol and electric power. The interior tech and safety equipment are among the strongest in the class.

Ride comfort and cabin practicality are solid, although some suspension harshness and the regenerative braking system can feel a little abrupt.

Ultimately, the Transit Custom PHEV is not a perfect solution — its limited EV range and higher entry price won’t suit everyone — but it’s a step towards electrification nonetheless. For individuals and fleets looking to decrease carbon emissions without compromising payload or towing capability, it is a viable solution.