Cadillac Optiq vs Ford Transit Custom
What's the difference?

Cadillac Optiq

$80,000 - $80,000

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series

Toyota Prado

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen Transporter

Summary

2026 Cadillac Optiq

2026 Ford Transit Custom

By Andrew Chesterton

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

8.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Sharp pricing in premium land
Punchy dual-motor powertrain
Considered and comfortable cabin

Looks great
Smooth to drive
Potential as a touring vehicle/camper fit-out

Dislikes

Ride can feel brittle on harsh road surfaces
Slow DC charge rate
Five-year warranty feels underdone these days

Auto transmission stalk on steering wheel column
No seats in the rear
Would benefit from all-terrain tyres

2026 Cadillac Optiq Summary

The lonely Cadillac Lyriq finally has some company, with the iconic US brand tripling its range down under with the launch of the much bigger Vistiq (which we've already tested) and this entry-level Optiq, which Cadillac describes as the gateway to its electric family.

It's a medium all-electric SUV with plenty of equipment and – depending on whether you see it as an established premium player or another newcomer brand – pretty sharp pricing.

Cadillac says it has the German big three in its sights with the Optiq, so how does it stack up?

View full pricing & specs

2026 Ford Transit Custom Summary

Ford has introduced what is being touted as an adventure-type van to its Transit Custom line-up and it’s called the Trail.

The Trail is based on the long-wheelbase Transit Custom Trend and it’s equipped with a suspension lift, on-demand all-wheel drive, 'Trail' drive mode, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a variant-specific grille, black wheel arch moulding and side strip, yellow exterior decals and 16-inch matt black twin-spoke alloy wheels.

With all that in mind, maybe a van is your next adventure vehicle?

Read on.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Cadillac Optiq 2026 Ford Transit Custom

Verdict

A taste test, but so far so good for the Cadillac Optiq, which is already my favourite model in the Caddy range. More space than you think meets a lovely cabin experience and a punchy powertrain.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Verdict

The Ford Transit Custom Trail has plenty of appeal as a work van or a camper fit-out candidate. It’s a well-packaged, comfortable and contemporary van that’s nice to drive and as a bonus, with all-wheel drive it’s given the scope of capability to be able to tackle mild off-roading situations with confidence.

It’s built for work and play and though it’s limited to two-up for travels, the Trail offers so much potential as a camper conversion for adventure seekers its few niggles are easily forgotten when you’re busy making memories.

Cadillac Optiq vs Ford Transit Custom What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cadillac Optiq vs Ford Transit Custom
What's the difference?