VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
125 kW
Torque
390 Nm
390 Nm
Fuel
7.4 l/100km
8.0 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2800 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 125 kW. On fuel, the Tourneo Custom returns 7.4 l/100km while the Transporter uses 8.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 278 500 for the Tourneo Custom and R1 102 800 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
125 kW
Torque
390 Nm
390 Nm
Top Speed
180 Km/h
175 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
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4 l/100km
8.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
194 g/km
209 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5050 mm
5050 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
2032 mm
Height
1961 mm
1978 mm
Wheelbase
3100 mm
3100 mm
Ground Clearance
—
164 mm
Kerb Weight
2416 Kg
1912 Kg
Doors
5
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear
Seats
8
8
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
1313 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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
3
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
Optional
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Transporter
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tourneo Custom
Value
Transporter
Practicality
Transporter
Pros & Cons
Ford Tourneo Custom
Better fuel economy (7.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Transporter
Lower starting price (R1 102 800)
Higher towing capacity (2800 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.0 l/100km)
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 8.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Tourneo Custom 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 125 kW and 390 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Tourneo Custom and Transporter?
The Tourneo Custom starts from R1 278 500 and the Transporter from R1 102 800. The Transporter is cheaper by R175 700 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 2800 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.