CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 4,000
Average Price: Around £18,000

Ford Transit Custom (2012-2022) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Better to drive than most commercial vehicles	Bouncy ride if van isn't loaded
Tough and durable mechanical parts	Pre-2018 facelift vans have less storage space in the cab
High payloads	There was no electric version

Quick Summary

The Ford Transit Custom (2012-2022) is a versatile, medium-sized commercial vehicle that sits between the smaller Transit Connect and the full-size Transit. Available in multiple configurations with two body lengths (L1 and L2) and two heights (H1 and H2), it offers exceptional flexibility for businesses and operators. The 2018 facelift brought a more modern cab with improved storage, updated infotainment, and a refreshed exterior with slimmer headlights and LED daytime running lights. A 2019 Plug-In Hybrid variant added an electric-only range of 35 miles alongside conventional petrol and diesel options.

The Transit Custom excels as a workhorse with high payloads ranging from 686kg to 1,459kg depending on specification. The 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine dominates the line-up, available in 104bhp, 128bhp, 168bhp, and 182bhp variants, with the 128bhp mild hybrid offering superior fuel economy of 47.9-55.4mpg. The van drives remarkably well for a commercial vehicle, with direct steering, neat handling, and strong brakes. Multiple trim levels from spartan Leader to premium MS-RT variants cater to different budgets and requirements. Running costs are competitive, particularly with the economical diesel engines, though the PHEV suits specific short-journey use cases.

Best for: Business owners and operators seeking a versatile, hard-working medium-sized van with excellent payload capacity, flexible body configurations, and car-like driving dynamics.

Not ideal for: Those requiring a pure electric van or preferring a lighter, more responsive ride when carrying light loads.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Transit Custom if: You're a business owner or operator seeking a versatile, hard-working medium-sized van with excellent payload capacity, flexible body configurations, and car-like driving dynamics.

Consider alternatives if: You require a pure electric van or prefer a lighter, more responsive ride when carrying light loads.

Competitive Position: The Ford Transit Custom (2012-2022) is a strong contender in the medium-sized commercial van market, offering excellent versatility, high payloads, and superior driving dynamics compared to most rivals. Whilst the Vauxhall Vivaro edges ahead with marginally higher user ratings, the Transit Custom matches or exceeds competitors on expert ratings and value for money. Its multiple body configurations, robust mechanical components, and economical diesel engines make it an exceptionally practical choice for operators. The 2018 facelift improvements further enhance its appeal, particularly regarding cab storage and modern infotainment. For those prioritising flexibility and workability, the Transit Custom remains a default choice in its segment.

Read our full Ford Transit Custom Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.