Ford Transit Custom vs BYD Sealion 5

What's the difference?

VS
Ford Transit Custom
Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

BYD Sealion 5
BYD Sealion 5

$33,990 - $37,990

2026 price

Summary

2026 Ford Transit Custom
2026 BYD Sealion 5
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 1.5L
Fuel Type
Diesel

Premium Unleaded/Electric
Fuel Efficiency
8.5L/100km (combined)

4.5L/100km (combined)
Seating
3

5
Dislikes
  • Auto transmission stalk on steering wheel column
  • No seats in the rear
  • Would benefit from all-terrain tyres

  • Engine noisy under load
  • Driving position not quite right
  • Sometimes feels unsettled at high speed
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.

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2026 BYD Sealion 5 Summary

This is the most affordable plug-in hybrid available in Australia – as this review is published – but it’s got a lot more going for it than just that.

The 2026 BYD Sealion 5 is a mid-size SUV wearing a BYD badge that has been thrust into the public’s awareness by the popular BYD Shark 6 – as well as by widespread criticism of brand's less popular aftersales shortcomings through much of 2025.

It’s also a plug-in hybrid that is showing up as the nation faces a fuel crisis, despite many remaining sceptical of going ‘full EV’.

The Sealion 5 has a long list of features, of course, plus a claimed four-figure driving range. Is this BYD too good to be true?

We grabbed the entry-level Essential to find out.

@carsguide.com.au Don’t want an EV yet? The 2026 BYD Sealion 5 might be the answer to rising fuel prices. #BYD #Sealion5 #ev #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au
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Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford Transit Custom 2026 BYD Sealion 5

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