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Photo of a Ford Transit Custom

Ford Transit Custom

The van that topped the UK's entire vehicle sales chart in 2021.1

Researched October 23, 2026 from 22 sources

At a glance

0150300
99–229 hpPower
0250500
300–415 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
1,786–2,512 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.289

Engine
Gen 1: 2.2/2.0 L diesel, 2.0 L gas, 1.0 L PHEV; gen 2: diesel, 2.5 L PHEV, EV2
Layout
Gen 1: front-engine FWD; gen 2: FWD/AWD; electric: RWD/AWD12
Gearbox
Gen 1: 5/6-speed manuals, 6/9-speed autos; gen 2: 6-speed manual, 8-speed auto2
Built at
Ford Otosan, Gölcük, Turkey (both generations)2

The story

Split from the larger Transit in 2012, the Custom gave Ford a smaller van and Tourneo Custom passenger models. Its second generation combined independent rear suspension with diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric choices.2

2012: Custom splits from the larger Transit20122013: International Van of the Year20132017: 2.0 L EcoBlue replaces the Duratorq20172018: Facelift brings an 8-inch touchscreen20182019: 48V assist and a range-extender PHEV20192021: The UK's best-selling vehicle20212022: Independent rear suspension arrives20222023: Ford Otosan starts generation-two build20232024: Nugget adds PHEV and all-wheel drive2024 Ford FK 1000/1250 / Taunus Transit: 1953–1966Ford Thames 400E (400E): 1957–1965400EFord Transit Mark I (Mark I): 1965–1977Mark IFord Transit Mark II (Mark II): 1977–1986Mark IIFord Transit (1986 platform) (VE6): Introduced 1986VE6Ford Transit (2000 platform): Introduced 2000Ford Transit (2000 platform)Ford Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom (first generation): 2012–2023; China 2016–presentFord Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom (second generation): 2023–present 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones2111213
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1953–1966Ford FK 1000/1250 / Taunus Transit
1957–1965Ford Thames 400E (400E)
1965–1977Ford Transit Mark I (Mark I)
1977–1986Ford Transit Mark II (Mark II)
Introduced 1986Ford Transit (1986 platform) (VE6)
Introduced 2000Ford Transit (2000 platform)
2012–2023; China 2016–presentFord Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom (first generation)
2023–presentFord Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom (second generation)
2012Custom splits from the larger Transit
2013International Van of the Year
20172.0 L EcoBlue replaces the Duratorq
2018Facelift brings an 8-inch touchscreen
201948V assist and a range-extender PHEV
2021The UK's best-selling vehicle
2022Independent rear suspension arrives
2023Ford Otosan starts generation-two build
2024Nugget adds PHEV and all-wheel drive
  1. 2012

    Custom splits from the larger Transit

    Shown at Birmingham's Commercial Vehicle Show, the smaller Custom formed a separate Transit branch; passenger versions became Tourneo Custom.2

  2. 2013

    International Van of the Year

    The new Transit Custom claimed the International Van of the Year title for 2013.3

  3. 2017

    2.0 L EcoBlue replaces the Duratorq

    The 2.0 L EcoBlue turbodiesel replaced the original 2.2 L Duratorq, bringing Euro 6 compliance to the first-generation Custom.2

  4. 2018

    Facelift brings an 8-inch touchscreen

    The first-generation facelift paired a wide grille with a redesigned dashboard and an available 8-inch touchscreen.45

  5. 2019

    48V assist and a range-extender PHEV

    EcoBlue gained optional 48V assist; the Tourneo PHEV used a 1.0 L EcoBoost range extender, a 13.6 kWh battery and up to 50 km of electric range.2

  6. 2021

    The UK's best-selling vehicle

    The Transit Custom led the UK's entire vehicle market, outselling passenger cars as well as other vans.1

  7. 2022

    Independent rear suspension arrives

    Generation two debuted in September with independent rear suspension; the Tourneo Custom followed on November 22 with diesel, PHEV and EV plans.2

  8. 2023

    Ford Otosan starts generation-two build

    Ford Otosan began building generation two in Gölcük, Turkey; an eight-speed diesel automatic also brought the option of four-wheel drive.26

  9. 2024

    Nugget adds PHEV and all-wheel drive

    Ford and Westfalia's new Nugget gained Active trim, a longer wheelbase and a 2.5 L PHEV; all-wheel drive was available with the EcoBlue diesel.7

Every generation

  • Ford FK 1000/1250 / Taunus Transit
    Ford FK 1000/1250 / Taunus Transit1953–1966
  • Ford Thames 400E
    400E1957–1965
  • Ford Transit Mark I
    Mark I1965–1977
  • Ford Transit Mark II
    Mark II1977–1986
  • Ford Transit (1986 platform)
    VE6Introduced 1986
  • Ford Transit (2000 platform)
    Ford Transit (2000 platform)Introduced 2000
  • Ford Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom (first generation)
    Ford Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom (first generation)2012–2023; China 2016–present
  • Ford Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom (second generation)
    Ford Transit Custom / Tourneo Custom (second generation)2023–present

Power over the years

From 99 hp to 229 hp in 14 years.

0100200300 20122014201620182020202220242026 hp 2012 · 99 hp · 2.2 Duratorq entry diesel2012 · 123 hp · 2.2 Duratorq midrange diesel2012 · 153 hp · 2.2 Duratorq top diesel2017 · 103 hp · 2.0 EcoBlue entry diesel2017 · 168 hp · 2.0 EcoBlue diesel2019 · 123 hp · 1.0 EcoBoost PHEV2019 · 203 hp · Vietnam Tourneo 2.0 EcoBoost2021 · 182 hp · Sport 2.0 EcoBlue (reviewed)2023 · 170 hp · 2.0 EcoBlue automatic; AWD option2024 · 134 hp · E-Transit Custom 100 kW (planned)2024 · 215 hp · E-Transit Custom 160 kW (planned)2026 · 229 hp · 2.5 L PHEV (reviewed) 229 hp 2.5 L PHEV (reviewed) 99 hp 2.2 Duratorq entry diesel
1268
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2012992.2 Duratorq entry diesel
20121232.2 Duratorq midrange diesel
20121532.2 Duratorq top diesel
20171032.0 EcoBlue entry diesel
20171682.0 EcoBlue diesel
20191231.0 EcoBoost PHEV
2019203Vietnam Tourneo 2.0 EcoBoost
2021182Sport 2.0 EcoBlue (reviewed)
20231702.0 EcoBlue automatic; AWD option
2024134E-Transit Custom 100 kW (planned)
2024215E-Transit Custom 160 kW (planned)
20262292.5 L PHEV (reviewed)

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • L1/L2 and H1/H2 (first generation)

    Standard

    L1/L2 and H1/H2 (first generation)

    2012–2023

  • Trend / Limited (first generation)

    Standard

    Trend / Limited (first generation)

  • Standard

    2.2 Duratorq ECOnetic

    2012–2016

    99 hp
  • Double Cab In-Van / Kombi (first generation)

    Standard

    Double Cab In-Van / Kombi (first generation)

  • Tourneo Custom

    Standard

    Tourneo Custom

  • Sport (first generation)

    Performance

    Sport (first generation)

    182 hp
  • Trail (first generation)

    Special

    Trail (first generation)

  • Active (first generation)

    Special

    Active (first generation)

  • MS-RT (first generation)

    Special

    MS-RT (first generation)

How to spot one

Look for

  • The facelifted first-gen nose has a wide grille and a Fiesta-like appearance.25
  • Second-gen Customs have a shorter front overhang, with their front wheels pushed farther forward.2
  • The second-generation hood slopes sharply down toward the nose.9

Year by year

  1. 2018 facelift

    A Fiesta-like nose gains a wide grille, with LED daytime running lights on some higher-spec versions.5

  2. 2018 facelift

    The dashboard gains a high-mounted 8-inch touchscreen on equipped models; versions without it use a single-DIN radio.5

  3. 2020

    Trail brings a truck-inspired grille; Active adds its own look with 17-inch alloys and standard roof rails.10

  4. 2023–present

    The new generation moves the front wheels forward and shortens the nose overhang; a standard 13-inch touchscreen fills the dashboard.28

  5. 2024 Nugget Active

    The camper gains black rocker and wheelarch cladding, a skid-plate-look front bumper and unique 17-inch alloys.7

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Ford Transit Custom
    Transit Custom
    Photo of a Volkswagen Transporter (2024)
    Volkswagen Transporter (2024)

    Volkswagen Transporter (2024)

    A rebadged second-generation Custom: check the model name before relying on the shared body shape.2

  • Photo of a Ford Transit Custom
    Transit Custom
    Photo of a Mercedes-Benz Vito
    Mercedes-Benz Vito

    Mercedes-Benz Vito

    The third-generation Vito has a noticeably lower stance than the first-generation Custom.24

  • Photo of a Ford Transit Custom
    Transit Custom
    Photo of a Volkswagen California
    Volkswagen California

    Volkswagen California

    Look for the second-generation Nugget's backward-facing pop-top; its kitchen is at the rear.6

Against its rivals

  • Transit Custom vs Mercedes-Benz Vito

    Comparable LWB price lower is better

    Transit Custom28,005 £
    Mercedes-Benz Vito28,010 £
    4
  • Volkswagen Transporter

    Transit Custom vs Volkswagen Transporter

    Comparable LWB price lower is better

    Transit Custom28,005 £
    Volkswagen Transporter29,285 £
    4
  • Vauxhall Vivaro

    Transit Custom vs Vauxhall Vivaro

    WLTP combined economy

    Transit Custom39.8 mpg
    Vauxhall Vivaro42.8 mpg
    28

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “37 seconds off the Pikes Peak class record”
    • “Three Bathurst records in 1m56.32s”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 22 sources
  1. Ford Transit Custom (2012-2023) van review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  2. Ford Transit Custom - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. New Ford Transit Custom promises improved resale values | Business Motoring businessmotoring.co.uk
  4. Medium Van Test: Transporter v Transit Custom v Vito | Van Guide vanguide.co.uk
  5. Ford Transit Custom 2018: transformation of market leader | Business Motoring businessmotoring.co.uk
  6. Ford Transit Custom 150hp Diesel (2023) | CompleteVan.ie completevan.ie
  7. Ford Transit Custom Nugget campervan gains rugged-looking Active trim and all-wheel drive | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  8. Ford Transit Custom van review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  9. 2025 Ford Transit Custom review | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  10. New Trail and Active trims beef up the Ford Transit family | The Van Expert thevanexpert.co.uk
  11. Ford FK 1000/1250 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  12. Ford Thames 400E - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  13. Ford Transit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  14. How Ford Turned a Transit Van into a Record-Breaker - Racecar Engineering racecar-engineering.com
  15. Top Drives - Ministry Of Racing Part 2: Rogue Agents Release Notes hutch.io
  16. Swipe Right For Adventure – Ford’s New Transit Custom Trail Concept Vehicle | IMB imbikemag.com
  17. Ford Transit Custom PHEV: long-term review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  18. Ford 2.0L EcoBlue Timing/Wet Belt Replacement Revised Service Interval - Palmers Garage of Exmouth palmersgarage.co.uk
  19. Ford Transit Custom common problems (2013-2022) – Haynes Manuals United Kingdom uk.haynes.com
  20. 2019 Ford TRANSIT CUSTOM 340L LWB VN Turbo Diesel Automatic Van Auction (0001-21036534) | Grays Australia grays.com
  21. Used Ford Transit Custom prices — what should you pay? · Cert certmotors.com
  22. 2019 Ford Transit 300 Custom Camper For Sale by Auction themarket.co.uk
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • businessmotoring.co.uk
  • vanguide.co.uk
  • completevan.ie
  • carexpert.com.au
  • thevanexpert.co.uk
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • racecar-engineering.com
  • hutch.io
  • imbikemag.com
  • palmersgarage.co.uk
  • uk.haynes.com
  • grays.com

Photo credits

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