Head to head
Ford Transit Custom vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter takes loads 45cm (1.5ft) longer.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Load length: the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter takes loads 45cm (1.5ft) longer.
Specifications side by side
| Ford Transit Custom | Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 1079-1207 kg (300 L1H1); 1262-1361 kg (320 L2H1) | up to 1.28 tonnes (diesel); up to 1 tonne (electric) |
| Load volume | 5.8 m3 (L1H1); 6.8 m3 (L2H1) | 5.8 m3 (SWB); 6.8 m3 (LWB) |
| Load length | 2602 mm (L1H1); 3002 mm (L2H1) | 3050 mm (SWB (with load-through bulkhead)); 3450 mm (LWB (with load-through bulkhead)) |
| Gross weight | 3225 kg (320 derivative) | 2800-3350 kg |
| Towing capacity | 2500-2800 kg (diesel) | up to 2.8 tonnes (diesel) |
Sources: Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the Custom if...
The Transit Custom is the van most UK hire firms stock as their default medium van, and its L1/L2 length and 280/300/320 weight choices cover most trade and removals jobs without stepping up to a large van.
Full Custom specifications →Buy or hire the Transporter if...
- you want one that takes loads 45cm (1.5ft) longer
The Transporter is positioned above budget medium vans on cabin quality and resale value, and stays under 2 metres tall on both wheelbases so it can access multi-storey car parks that rule out taller rivals.
Full Transporter specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Ford Transit Custom and the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter?
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter takes loads 45cm (1.5ft) longer. The Ford Transit Custom is a medium panel van, Ford's best-selling UK van and the segment benchmark for self-drive hire.; the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter is a medium panel van (T6.1 generation), VW's rival to the Transit Custom and Vivaro..
Can I tow the Ford Transit Custom or the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter on a car licence?
Yes, as far as the licence goes. Both are rated at or under 3,500kg gross, and a car (B) licence has covered towing up to 3,500kg since 16 December 2021. Your car still has to be rated to tow the loaded weight - check the handbook or the VIN plate.
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Model and brand names are the trademarks of their owners.