Ford Transit Custom vs Isuzu D-Max
What's the difference?

Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

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Isuzu D-Max

$36,200 - $80,900

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Summary

2026 Ford Transit Custom

2026 Isuzu D-Max

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

8.5L/100km (combined)

7.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Off-road capability
Eight-speed auto
Reasonably refined on-road for a 4WD ute

Dislikes

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

Laggy and noisy
Underpowered
Underdone in terms of value compared to rivals

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 Isuzu D-Max Summary

Once regarded as rather an agricultural ute offering, Isuzu’s D-Max has become a well-established, long-time favourite of families, weekend warriors and off-road tourers.

The 3.0-litre D-Max has gained a strong following through the years but versions with the newer 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine are marketed as better on fuel. However there’s a substantial trade-off in terms of power and torque against the 3.0-litre (120kW and 400Nm versus 140kW and 450Nm).

The X-Rider, a mid-spec variant, is available with either engine, so how does the 2.2-litre-equipped D-Max perform as a daily driver and, more importantly, off-roader?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford Transit Custom 2026 Isuzu D-Max

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 D-Max X-Rider has adequate appeal as a daily driver – it’s functional and comfortable – and it’s also working off a proven 4WD platform.

This mid-spec ute lacks the polish of higher-grade D-Max grades, but it may still entice those ute fans who want a workhorse with a tractable engine and don’t care at all about frippery.

Does that 2.2-litre engine add anything substantial to the package? No, and the potential fuel savings it represents don’t seem so likely as the 3.0-litre doesn’t use a lot more fuel than the 2.2-litre D-Max anyway – and the 3.0-litre version only costs another $2000 or so to buy.

The 3.0-litre D-Max remains the better option because while the 2.2L is effective off-road, it’s only reasonable in general day-to-day driving, as it lacks grunt and has to work that much harder and is that much noisier under load than the 3.0-litre in most driving scenarios, including 4WDing.

Ford Transit Custom vs Isuzu D-Max What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Transit Custom vs Isuzu D-Max
What's the difference?