Ford Transit Custom vs Omoda Omoda 9
What's the difference?

Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

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Omoda Omoda 9

$61,990 - $61,990

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 Omoda Omoda 9

By Marcus Craft

By Stephen Ottley

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)

1.4L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

19.3 kWh/100km

Electric range

169 km

Battery capacity

34.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Efficient powertrain
Plenty of value
Spacious cabin

Dislikes

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

High price for new brand
Derivative looks
Ride and handling need refinement

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 Omoda Omoda 9 Summary

Does Australia need yet another new car brand?

It’s the question I keep asking myself seemingly every other week as a new brand announces its intention to join the other 70 odd marques already competing for a slice of the Australia new-car market.

Chery made a successful re-entry into the Australian market in 2023, quickly establishing itself as a value-led brand. Earlier this year it launched Jaecoo, its more premium, adventure-focused offering and announced it would be spun-off into separate showrooms alongside the new Omoda brand.

The first Omoda-badged vehicle has now arrived, the Omoda 9 Virtue SHS (Super Hybrid System), which will join the almost-as-new Jaecoo J7 and J8 in the growing number of dealers around Australia.

So, does Australia need Omoda? Does the Omoda 9 Virtue SHS make a compelling case, in the same way the sharply-priced Chery models have?

Read on for our verdict.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford Transit Custom 2026 Omoda Omoda 9

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 arrival of Omoda and Jaecoo so soon after Chery’s Australian return just feels like a huge task to take on for the company. And given the amount of other new brands hitting local roads there is a real danger that customers will either feel overwhelmed or simply ignore many of these new models.

Trying to position Omoda as a genuine alternative to luxury brands, and even the likes of Mazda and Volkswagen, is a tough ask for the brand and its dealers. Certainly the price and styling will help attract potential buyers but to cement itself in the local market it will need to make sure it makes an impact early.

Judging the Omoda 9 on its merits, it’s a nice enough SUV and does many things well but doesn’t have any elements that really ensure it stands out from the numerous competitors it faces.

Ford Transit Custom vs Omoda Omoda 9 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Transit Custom vs Omoda Omoda 9
What's the difference?