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

Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

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BYD Shark 6

$55,900 - $62,900

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Ford Transit Custom

2026 BYD Shark 6

By Marcus Craft

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.5L/100km (combined)

7.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Handsome styling will win hearts
Solid equipment list
Sharply priced

Dislikes

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

One grade limits options
Under-calibrated safety tech
Underwhelming petrol engine

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 Shark 6 Summary

The BYD Shark 6 Premium has burst onto the scene with plenty of hype and a bit of side-eye from Aussie ute loyalists.

We’re a tough crowd, especially when it comes to vehicles that need to juggle family life, work gear, and weekend adventures.

So we put this handsome newcomer to the test to see whether it delivers genuine practicality and fun, or if it’s simply talking the talk in a ute-shaped body.

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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 Premium is perfect for weekend camping trips or ferrying the family around the city, but the underpowered engine, mixed handling, and quirky safety tech hold it back. If it could match its rivals’ capability while keeping its sharp looks, it would be a near-perfect package but right now, it just doesn’t.

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?