@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
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Ford Tourneo Custom vs VW Transporter Bus – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Ford Tourneo Custom or VW Transporter Bus?

Tourneo Custom @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Head-to-Head: Ford Tourneo Custom vs. VW Transporter Bus

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.

Tourneo Custom @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Engine Options and Performance

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.

Tourneo Custom @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Fuel Efficiency and Range

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.

Tourneo Custom @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Interior and Comfort

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.

Tourneo Custom @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Dimensions and Payload

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.

Tourneo Custom @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Conclusion: Choosing Between Giants

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.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Transporter Bus has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 41500 £, while the Ford Tourneo Custom costs 45700 £. That’s a price difference of around 4269 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Transporter Bus manages with 0.80 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Ford Tourneo Custom with 4.10 L. The difference is about 3.30 L per 100 km.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the VW Transporter Bus: with 22.40 kWh per 100 km, it’s minimal more efficient than the Ford Tourneo Custom with 24.20 kWh. That’s a difference of about 1.80 kWh.

As for range, the VW Transporter Bus performs barely noticeable better – achieving up to 324 km, about 17 km more than the Ford Tourneo Custom.

Engine and Performance:

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.

In terms of top speed, the VW Transporter Bus performs evident better – reaching 200 km/h, while the Ford Tourneo Custom tops out at 150 km/h. The difference is around 50 km/h.

Both models offer the same torque – 415 Nm.

Space and Everyday Use:

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 curb weight, VW Transporter Bus is distinct lighter – 1998 kg compared to 2453 kg. The difference is around 455 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Ford Tourneo Custom offers barely noticeable more room – 819 L compared to 763 L. That’s a difference of about 56 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Transporter Bus performs convincingly better – up to 4005 L, which is about 2651 L more than the Ford Tourneo Custom.

When it comes to payload, VW Transporter Bus noticeable takes the win – 1143 kg compared to 847 kg. That’s a difference of about 296 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Transporter Bus shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £41,500
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VW Transporter Bus

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Electric
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 110 - 286 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.8 - 9.2 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 22.4 - 24.9 kWh
  • Electric Range : 87 - 324 km

Ford Tourneo Custom

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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VW Transporter Bus

The VW Transporter Bus from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is a versatile and reliable choice for both business and leisure purposes. It offers ample space and a flexible interior, making it ideal for transporting passengers or goods comfortably. The vehicle combines practicality with modern styling, ensuring it meets the demands of everyday use while maintaining an eye-catching appearance.

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Ford Tourneo Custom
VW Transporter Bus
Tourneo Custom @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Costs and Consumption

Price
45700 - 67800 £
Price
41500 - 85100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.1 - 8.6 L
Consumption L/100km
0.8 - 9.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
24.2 - 25.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
22.4 - 24.9 kWh
Electric Range
49 - 307 km
Electric Range
87 - 324 km
Battery Capacity
11.8 - 64 kWh
Battery Capacity
11.8 - 63.8 kWh
co2
0 - 226 g/km
co2
0 - 229 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
55 - 63 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 60 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Bus
Body Type
Bus
Seats
8
Seats
4 - 8
Doors
4 - 5
Doors
4 - 5
Curb weight
2453 - 2707 kg
Curb weight
1998 - 2620 kg
Trunk capacity
672 - 819 L
Trunk capacity
0 - 763 L
Length
5050 - 5450 mm
Length
4973 - 5450 mm
Width
2032 mm
Width
1941 - 2032 mm
Height
1958 - 1959 mm
Height
1907 - 1997 mm
Max trunk capacity
1045 - 1354 L
Max trunk capacity
3672 - 4005 L
Payload
620 - 847 kg
Payload
330 - 1143 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Electric
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox, CVT, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 286 HP
Power HP
110 - 286 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 16.9 s
Max Speed
150 km/h
Max Speed
112 - 200 km/h
Torque
360 - 415 Nm
Torque
310 - 415 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 - 210 kW
Power kW
81 - 210 kW
Engine capacity
1996 - 2488 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 2488 cm3

General

Model Year
2023 - 2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, A, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, F, B, A
Brand
Ford
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Ford Tourneo Custom have?

The Ford Tourneo Custom is available as Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.