Ford Transit Custom Panel Van (2022 - ) review

This is the aspect of the new Custom that is relatively unchanged from the outgoing model, apart from the fact that (for the time being at least) there’s no high roof version, just the choice of the L1 or L2 lengths. The maximum load length is 2602mm for the L1, while the L2 will just carry a three-metre length with a capacity of 3002mm. You can add 473mm to each of these if you utilise the load through bulkhead and under seat storage area. The loadspace width and height are the same on both vans, at 1777mm and 1405mm respectively, with a gap of 1392mm between the wheel arches. Load volume is slightly down compared to the old van at 5.8cu/m and 6.8cu/m. The area is accessed by twin rear and a single side door as standard, although a tailgate and a second side door are on the option list. There is no interior floor or side lining as standard, but LED lighting is included (not something you see in every van these days – which is a pet peeve of mine) and there are plenty of tie-down loops enabling loads to be secured. Payloads vary considerably as the Custom is offered in a variety of plated weights, so reckon on anything between 932kg and 1378kg. Towing capacity varies between 2000kg and 2800kg. Loadspace security (or the lack of it) is a big concern to many van operators, some of whom have been the victims of ‘peel and steal’ attacks or other break-ins due to locks being compromised. These thefts not only see tools and equipment stolen but also leave the vehicle damaged, the operator often unable to work until the items are replaced and the van repaired. Ford is addressing this by offering additional security in the way of options designed by industry market leading company TVL. Armourshells, hook locks with lock cable loom guards, deadlocks, slam locks and Replocks are all available as factory fit options. The Custom has lived a successful life based on its abilities and practicality, and it’s satisfying to see that much of this has carried over to the new version. Height options (or lack thereof) is always a consideration when choosing your next van, but when you consider that the Stellantis medium vans also don’t offer varying heights I feel that this won’t hurt the new Custom’s chances at all.

The cab design and environment in the Custom have long been considered the cream of the crop across the entire van market. This has now been built upon, quite probably ensuring that the Custom in its latest guise retains the crown. First off, and with Ford responding to customer feedback, the cab floor is now flat. This doesn’t sound like any sort of game changing advancement, but for the central passenger in particular the lack of a ‘hump’ is a boon. There are times a driver will need to carry objects on the cab floor and this flush surface is more practical. The dash is dominated by an 8-inch digital instrument panel in front of the driver and a centrally mounted 13-inch touchscreen utilising SYNC 4, the latest version of Ford's popular operating system. Manufacturers are moving towards incorporating more and more functions into the screen and Ford is no exception, presumably a cheaper option than physical controls. Not all of these are welcomed by drivers who prefer to quickly reach out and adjust the heating and ventilation without having to take their eyes off the road, navigate to the correct screen and touch the necessary control. Especially awkward if the operator is wearing gloves… a slight backwards step, in my opinion. The all-important cab storage is okay, although the handy overhead storage area you'll see on competitor vans isn’t present. The doors have capacity in three different areas including one designed to take a bottle. The dash top will accept a few ‘bits and bobs’ and there are two gloveboxes, one of which is particularly deep. There is room under the passenger seat, but this is also used when taking advantage of the load through bulkhead from the loadspace area. Those who use their van as a mobile office might want to consider the optional tilting steering wheel. This can be adjusted to allow for a laptop to be used at a comfortable angle, something that will be appreciated by anyone who has tried to use one from the driving seat in pretty much any other van. Ford Pro has really thought through what the driver needs in a real-world working day, and the upgrades (as well as the few downgrades) are clear to see. For me, the Custom has always been my go-to benchmark for good van cabins and the latest version has retained that place in my mind. Some smaller vans are beginning to edge in on Ford’s dominance in this area – Renault Kangoo (and its platform sharers), in particular – but in the medium van category there’s not really any competition. Ford’s own new Courier small van also offers up an excellent cabin, which shows how serious a contender Ford intends on remaining in cabin experience – you can find out more in my ’2024 Ford Courier First Impressions’ to see what I mean.

With some of the best residual (second-hand) values of any medium sized van (translating to competitive lease prices), the Transit Custom is economical to operate from the get-go. Those strong used values mean finance companies are confident of a strong return at the end of the contract when they dispose of the van. The 2.0-litre EcoBlue engines give an official WLTP Combined cycle test result of around 40mpg, which isn’t the best in this segment. The fully electric E-Transit Custom, although not available to order at the time of writing, promises to offer lower operating costs for those able to charge at home or the workplace. We’ll publish a full review of this model as soon as we’re able to get our hands on one. There’s also a hybrid version due imminently. The warranty period that Ford offers is three years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Service intervals are reasonable, a scheduled visit to a dealer being necessary every 2 years or 25,000 miles.

The Transit Custom has a good reputation for reliability, although previously there has been a substantial number of premature engine failures attributed to early degradation of the timing belt, which runs in oil. This ‘wet belt’ can break up with particles blocking oil paths causing catastrophic damage. It remains to be seen if Ford has now addressed this issue on later Transits, but a quick internet search will bring up reports from many dissatisfied owners of earlier vans.

At the time of writing, the Transit Custom is only offered with the 2.0-litre diesel engine, but in four different flavours. Fleet customers will possibly opt for the 110PS version, but those wanting or needing more power and torque have the choice of 136PS, 150PS or 170PS power units, some of these mandating either manual or automatic transmission. Ford doesn’t quote acceleration or top speed figures for the Custom, but my previous experience of the van fitted with these engines makes me think that it’s unlikely many drivers will be left wanting, especially from the two with the highest power. Torque output is arguably more important than PS figures, and all four options provide excellent torque, something that drivers carrying full loads will appreciate, especially when driving around town or on motorways with those long, speed-crippling inclines.

The older Custom was a revelation when launched, providing a car-like driving experience which knocked the competition sideways. While the likes of the Stellantis group with the Vauxhall Vivaro and its peers have made some strides, Custom was still ahead, even before this new version was launched. Ford has improved ride quality by replacing the previously solid rear axle with independent suspension, a move that will undoubtedly improve handling. Changes have been made to the steering, which is lighter than before, something that will have a mixed reception – being welcomed by some but perhaps less desirable to those who prefer more ‘feel’, especially when driving the van quickly on winding roads. The van gets top marks in this segment of the review, I’ve yet to experience handling like it in the medium van sector.

Transit Custom earns a top 5/5 rating in this section of the review purely based on its NCAP Platinum safety rating, the top accolade awarded by this independent body. To quote its report, issued in April 2024: “It is equipped with a broad range of high-performing safety equipment, much of it as standard equipment, which it shares with its passenger-carrying stablemate, the Tourneo Custom. And it excels, scoring full or nearly full points in all of Euro NCAP's tests, and emerges with a thoroughly well-deserved Platinum grading”. I can’t add much to that except to highlight that for the entry ‘Leader’ model to include the likes of Lane Keeping Aid, Intelligent Speed Assist, Speed Sign Recognition and other driver aids and safety tech, Ford has demonstrated a commitment to keep the driver, passenger, other road users and pedestrians as safe as possible. It’s things like this that place vans at the top of the market; safety shouldn’t come at a premium and the Ford Transit Custom is testament to that attitude.

There are several trim levels offered, including some more niche ones such as Trail, Sport and the smart MS-RT version, but to keep things concise, I’ll just take a top-level look at what you’ll find as standard on the three core models: Leader, Trend and Limited. Leader is easily identified from the outside by the large black bumper, which spoils the otherwise fabulous looks that the new Custom boasts. The spec includes rear parking sensors, Ford's legendary heated windscreen, cruise control and LED loadspace lighting (you have to love LED lights in the back and I am mystified by the manufacturers who list this as a paid-for option). The touchscreen on the dash includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a ‘must have’ these days. The big omission is air conditioning, something that many, if not most other manufacturers include as standard on all trim levels. If you decide to opt for the Custom Trend, you’ll notice that the front bumper has been replaced by a colour coded version, that there are some nice wheel trims, you’ve now got air conditioning in the cab, and that the multimedia screen displays the output from a rear-view camera. Custom Limited looks even smarter on the outside with its 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and body-coloured rear bumper, and in the cab, there’s an upgraded driver's seat. ‘Super bright’ load compartment lights are added, and there’s now a Thatcham alarm, again, something that other brands include from the base model – the Renault Trafic, in particular. 5G connectivity is included on all Transit Customs, allowing you to take advantage of the Ford Pro Telematics offerings (additional charges apply). You’ll be able to download the FordPass Pro app to your phone, allowing for remote alerts, remote starting, remote locking and unlocking, vehicle health alerts and online service booking. It might be one of the best-equipped vans on the market, and when you consider how competitively priced it is you can understand why my hopes for this van to retain its best-selling crown are justified.

The Ford Transit Custom hasn’t topped the van sales charts for years for no reason. It’s topped them because it’s great to drive, has a comfortable well-designed cab, it’s practical, it’s (mostly) reliable, and has an unrivalled network of dealers to support it. The payloads are more than enough for most operators, and second-hand values are strong, keeping whole-life costs to a minimum. This latest version is almost guaranteed to keep the competition at bay, providing those needing a medium van with everything required in a working vehicle. And for those starting to consider if they are ready for a move to a fully electric vehicle, the forthcoming E-Transit Custom might just be the van to tempt you. There’s little more to add here except to say that if you’re looking for a new medium van and you get the chance to try out the new Custom, I’m confident you’ll be adding it to your list… and it’ll probably be right at the top.