Compare performance (286 HP vs 286 HP), boot space and price (52,900 £ vs 41,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Tourneo Custom or VW Transporter Bus?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
In the world of versatile multi-purpose vehicles, two titans stand out: the Ford Tourneo Custom and the VW Transporter Bus. Both are renowned for their capacity, comfort, and advanced technology. We compare these two models to see which offers the most for those looking to transport families or groups in style and efficiency.
The Ford Tourneo Custom offers a diverse engine lineup, including diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options, delivering power ratings between 136 HP and 286 HP. The flexibility in drivetrain configurations is also notable, with front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive options.
By contrast, the VW Transporter Bus provides a slightly more comprehensive array of engines with diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid, and electric variations, pushing power outputs ranging from 110 HP to 286 HP. It also includes options for front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive. Notably, the Transporter Bus offers a high top speed potential, reaching up to 200 km/h.
For fuel-conscious drivers, the Ford Tourneo Custom's consumption figures are commendable, with averages from 1.7 L/100km for its hybrid configurations to 8.6 L/100km for diesel. Electric variants achieve up to 306 km of range on a single charge, supported by battery capacities up to 64 kWh.
VW's Transporter Bus rivals closely with petrol consumption as low as 6.3 L/100km and its most efficient hybrid sipping just 0.8 L/100km. Its electric models boast superior range capability, offering up to 324 km fully charged owing to a 63.8 kWh battery capacity.
Both vehicles seat eight comfortably, making them ideal for families or small groups. The Ford Tourneo Custom features a trunk capacity of up to 819 liters, practical for luggage or gear, while the VW Transporter Bus offers a maximum of 763 liters, slightly less but still ample for most needs.
The interior design in both models prioritizes comfort and functionality. Ford's sophisticated layout includes an intuitive dashboard and high-res infotainment system, while VW emphasizes durable materials and a user-friendly interface, with an emphasis on modern technological integration.
On dimensions, the Ford Tourneo Custom stretches from 5050 mm to 5450 mm in length and maintains a width of 2032 mm, with a consistent height of about 1958 mm. Its payload capacity reaches up to 928 kg, significant for heavy-duty transportation needs.
VW’s Transporter Bus offers slightly more diverse dimension ranges in length from 4973 mm to 5450 mm and is somewhat narrower in width at 1941 mm. Its height options vary considerably, up to 1997 mm. The Transporter's payload ceiling is slightly higher at 939 kg, accommodating larger cargo demands.
The Ford Tourneo Custom and VW Transporter Bus are both robust choices for anyone in the market for a versatile bus. They both deliver extensive options for customization, power, and fuel efficiency. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs: whether you prioritize cutting-edge electric range and efficient hybrids of the VW or the expansive engine adaptability and payload of the Ford, rest assured that both serve excellently as leaders in their class of transport solutions.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
VW Transporter Bus is visibly cheaper – starting at 41,500 £ , while the Ford Tourneo Custom costs 52,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,409 £.
In terms of energy consumption, the VW Transporter Bus is marginally more efficient: consuming 22.4 kWh/100km compared to 24.1 kWh/100km for the Ford Tourneo Custom. That’s a difference of about 1.7 kWh/100km.
As for electric range, the Ford Tourneo Custom offers marginally more range – reaching up to 339 km, about 15 km more than the VW Transporter Bus.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
Both models deliver identical power – 286 HP each.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Ford Tourneo Custom delivers markedly more torque with 630 Nm compared to 415 Nm. That’s about 215 Nm more.
Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.
Both vehicles offer seating for 8 people.
In terms of curb weight, VW Transporter Bus is markedly lighter – 1,998 kg compared to 2,660 kg. The difference is around 662 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Ford Tourneo Custom offers marginally more boot space – 819 L compared to 763 L. That’s a difference of about 56 L.
When it comes to payload, the VW Transporter Bus carries clearly more – 1,143 kg compared to 690 kg. That’s a difference of about 453 kg.
The VW Transporter Bus is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Ford Tourneo Custom is a practical and polished people‑carrier that turns hauling crew and weekend kit into something surprisingly pleasant, with a composed ride and a cabin built for real life rather than showroom gloss. With clever storage, flexible seating and tech that keeps everyone happy on the road, it’s the sensible choice for families or businesses that want function without sacrificing a bit of style — the van that learnt how to be nice to live with.
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The VW Transporter is the Swiss Army knife of vans — rugged, practical and surprisingly civilized on the road, whether you’re hauling kit for a job or converting it into a weekend camper. It isn’t trying to be glamorous, but its blend of durability, clever packaging and familiar VW charm makes it a sensible choice for buyers who need space without sacrificing driveability.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
52,900 - 69,700 £
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Price
41,500 - 85,100 £
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption L/100km
0.8 - 9.2 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
24.1 - 26.6 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
22.4 - 24.9 kWh/100km
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Electric Range
310 - 339 km
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Electric Range
87 - 324 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
11.8 - 63.8 kWh
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co2
0 g/km
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co2
0 - 229 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
45 - 60 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Bus
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Body Type
Bus
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Seats
8
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Seats
4 - 8
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Doors
-
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Doors
4 - 5
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Curb weight
2,660 - 2,707 kg
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Curb weight
1,998 - 2,620 kg
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Trunk capacity
672 - 819 L
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Trunk capacity
0 - 763 L
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Length
-
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Length
4,973 - 5,450 mm
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Width
2,032 mm
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Width
1,941 - 2,032 mm
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Height
-
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Height
1,907 - 1,997 mm
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
3,672 - 4,005 L
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Payload
620 - 690 kg
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Payload
330 - 1,143 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Electric
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Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Electric
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
218 - 286 HP
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Power HP
110 - 286 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 16.9 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
112 - 200 km/h
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Torque
415 - 630 Nm
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Torque
310 - 415 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
160 - 210 kW
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Power kW
81 - 210 kW
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Engine capacity
-
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,488 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, F, B, A
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Brand
Ford
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Brand
VW
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España