specialist vehicle hire - head to head
Citroen vs Ford Transit
Both makes turn up on the same shortlists, and the honest answer is that they are built for different buyers rather than one being better than the other. Here is what actually separates them - from a directory that sells neither.
| Citroen | Ford Transit | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | France | United States and Europe (Ford) |
| UK availability | Good UK dealer coverage | Widely available - large UK network |
| Range covers | panel van, window van, chassis cab, Luton conversion | Panel vans, Luton and box bodies, Tippers, Crew cabs |
| Best known for | Relay | Transit Custom |
Choose Citroen if...
Citroen's Relay is the large-van sibling of the Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato, sharing the same body and chassis architecture. UK buyers choose it mainly for its wide range of lengths and heights and towing capacities, making it a frequent base for Luton and other specialist conversions.
Look at: Relay
Full Citroen profile →Choose Ford Transit if...
The default British van, and the one most hire fleets are built around. Anyone who has driven a van has probably driven a Transit, which removes a whole category of friction from a one-day hire.
Look at: Transit Custom, Transit Luton and tipper conversions
Full Ford Transit profile →Where to hire or buy either
Most UK specialist vehicle hire companies carry several makes and advertise none of them, so the practical move is to find the firms covering your area and ask what is on the yard.
Citroen vs Ford Transit - common questions
Is Citroen better than Ford Transit?
Neither is better outright - they are built for different buyers. Citroen's Relay is the large-van sibling of the Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato, sharing the same body and chassis architecture. UK buyers choose it mainly for its wide range of lengths and heights and towing capacities, making it a frequent base for Luton and other specialist conversions. The default British van, and the one most hire fleets are built around. Anyone who has driven a van has probably driven a Transit, which removes a whole category of friction from a one-day hire.
Which is easier to get hold of in the UK, Citroen or Ford Transit?
Citroen: The Relay is sold through Citroen's UK business/LCV dealer network and is a regular sight in UK removals and conversion fleets alongside its Boxer and Ducato siblings. Ford Transit: The best-supported commercial vehicle in Britain for parts and servicing.
Can I hire rather than buy?
Yes. Most UK specialist vehicle hire companies hire as well as sell, and many carry several makes without listing them. Search by your area and ask what they have on the yard.
Other comparisons
GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Brand and model names are the trademarks of their owners, used here only to identify the products they refer to. Specifications vary by model year and market - confirm weights, dimensions and towing limits with the supplier before hiring or buying.