VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
81 kW
Torque
390 Nm
310 Nm
Fuel
7.4 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2000 Kg
Engine
1996 cc
1996 cc
Choosing between the Ford Tourneo Custom and the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Tourneo Custom delivers 125 kW while the Volkswagen Transporter produces 81 kW. On fuel, the Tourneo Custom returns 7.4 l/100km while the Transporter uses 7.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 232 000 for the Tourneo Custom and R933 500 for the Transporter. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
125 kW
81 kW
Torque
390 Nm
310 Nm
Top Speed
180 Km/h
155 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1996 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
194 g/km
189 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5050 mm
5450 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
2032 mm
Height
1961 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3100 mm
3500 mm
Ground Clearance
—
164 mm
Kerb Weight
2396 Kg
1916 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
8
8
Load Volume
—
6800 with rear seats removed l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
—
1309 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
2
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6
3
Service Plan Distance
90000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tourneo Custom
Fuel Economy
Transporter
Value
Transporter
Practicality
Tourneo Custom
Pros & Cons
Ford Tourneo Custom
More powerful engine (125 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Transporter
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R933 500)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 125 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tourneo Custom or Transporter?
The Tourneo Custom uses 7.4 l/100km and the Transporter uses 7.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Transporter is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tourneo Custom or Transporter?
The Tourneo Custom produces 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque while the Transporter delivers 81 kW and 310 Nm of torque. The Tourneo Custom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tourneo Custom and Transporter?
The Tourneo Custom starts from R1 232 000 and the Transporter from R933 500. The Transporter is cheaper by R298 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tourneo Custom or Transporter?
The Tourneo Custom has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Transporter can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tourneo Custom or the Transporter?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.