Model against model
Ford Transit Custom vs Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter
Two models people put on the same shortlist. Every figure below is sourced, and where one side has a specification the other does not publish, the row is left out rather than filled with a guess.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
| 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) |
Only specifications published for both models appear here. Full Ford Transit Custom figures and full Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter figures.
Choose 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.
Figures shown for L1H1 and L2H1 front-wheel-drive diesel derivatives; an all-wheel-drive-badged 320 electric variant is also offered with a lower max trailer weight of 2300 kg.
Full specifications →Choose the Transporter if...
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.
Figures cover the standard-roof SWB and LWB panel van; the diesel range spans multiple TDI power outputs and the fully electric ID. Buzz Cargo derivative has a lower payload ceiling.
Full specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Ford Transit Custom and the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter?
Ford Transit Custom: 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. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Transporter: 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.
Are these figures reliable?
Every figure on this page was read off a manufacturer or established dealer page and is linked to its source. Anything we could not verify is left out rather than estimated. Specifications change by model year and configuration, so confirm with the supplier before relying on them.
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.