Ford Transit Custom vs Holden Trailblazer
What's the difference?

Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

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Holden Trailblazer

$12,990 - $32,999

2018 price

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Summary

2026 Ford Transit Custom

2018 Holden Trailblazer

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

8.5L/100km (combined)

8.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Solid all-rounder
Plenty of torque at low revs
Off-road ability

Dislikes

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

Engine can be noisy
Suspension too firm
No rear diff lock

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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2018 Holden Trailblazer Summary

SUV wagons based on their ute stablemates are by no means a new thing – just look to Toyota Fortuner (based on HiLux), Ford Everest (based on the Ranger) and Isuzu’s MU-X (based on the D-Max) for evidence of that.

But the strategy is not always a successful one and these ute-based wagons have already gone through a stage or two of tweaking and refining in an attempt by car makers to shed some of the lingering ute-related niggles (such as work-focused suspension tunes) and improve the final products so they're better suited to a life of work and play.

The 2018 Trailblazer (formerly known as Colorado7, and based on the Colorado ute) is another clear sign that these wagons are indeed getting better, but are those improvements good enough to attract the cash of an otherwise ute-fixated public?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford Transit Custom 2018 Holden Trailblazer

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 Trailblazer is a solid all-rounder and deserves the consideration of those in the market for a decent seven-seater 4WD. It does everything well without ever really excelling at any one thing.

Is it fantastic? No. Is it a game-changer? No. Does it represent pretty good value for money in the grand scheme of things? Yep.

The pick of the bunch for me is the LTZ – solid, off-road capable, and suburbs-friendly with just a hint of leather-appointed class. In the LTZ, you get everything worthwhile in the Trailblazer mob and if you’re a family man you won’t feel the need to fork out an extra $1000 for the Z71’s try-hard window dressing.

The Trailblazer is a mostly comfortable SUV wagon, stacked with features and is well worth your consideration if the Isuzu MU-X, Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner don’t float your boat.

Ford Transit Custom vs Holden Trailblazer What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Transit Custom vs Holden Trailblazer
What's the difference?