Ford Transit Custom vs BYD Shark 6
What's the difference?

Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

View pricing & specs

BYD Shark 6

$55,900 - $62,900

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Summary

2026 Ford Transit Custom

2026 BYD Shark 6

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.5L/100km (combined)

10.5L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

27.7 kWh/100km

Electric range

80 km

Battery capacity

29.60 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Refined on-road
Improved off-road
Impressive build quality

Dislikes

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

Needs better off-road tyres
Shallow departure and ramp-over angles
Battery/underbody vulnerable to off-road damage

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

2026 BYD Shark 6 Summary

The BYD Shark 6 Performance is the top-shelf variant in the Shark 6 line-up and, as such, it has a larger 2.0-litre petrol engine, an improved off-road system (or so BYD reckons), and 3.5 tonnes towing capacity (up from the Premium's 2.5 tonnes).

This Chinese-built plug-in hybrid electric ute also has more power and torque than the standard Shark 6, with maximum outputs totalling 350kW (up 29kW from the standard Shark 6) and 700Nm (up 50Nm).

And, if speed’s your specific cup of tea, it might delight you to know that the Performance can do the 0 to 100km/h sprint in a claimed 5.5 seconds.

So, with an updated Crawl mode claimed to simulate traditional low-range gearing, is this Shark better off-road than the Premium version?

Read on.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford Transit Custom 2026 BYD Shark 6

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.

Verdict

The BYD Shark 6 Performance is an impressive top-shelf plug-in hybrid electric ute.

It offers plenty in terms of quality, comfort and all-round driveability, and it’s well built with a real premium look and feel about it.

Nothing has changed there.

The bonus is that, with tweaks and software updates, this Shark 6 can do more off-road than you might expect of it, and certainly slightly more than its standard stablemate. But it still performs best when it’s used well within its parameters – that is, light-to moderate off-roading.

Consider the point well and truly belaboured.

Ford Transit Custom vs BYD Shark 6 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Transit Custom vs BYD Shark 6
What's the difference?