Ford Transit Custom vs Ram 2500

What's the difference?

VS
Ford Transit Custom
Ford Transit Custom

2026 price

Ram 2500
Ram 2500

2017 price

Summary

2026 Ford Transit Custom
2017 Ram 2500
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type
Diesel

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Fuel Efficiency
7.6L/100km (combined)

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Seating
5

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Dislikes
  • Side window/cargo bay rattles
  • No assist-handle on L/H A-pillar

2026 Ford Transit Custom Summary

For tradies, mid-sized commercial vans (2.5 to 3.5-tonne GVM) are like warehouses on wheels given they can offer up to 6.0 cubic metres or more of secure load volume.

However, these workhorses usually only have seating for two (sometimes three) which is a deal-breaker for those that need to carry a larger crew. And they generally don’t have visual appeal with a utilitarian mix of fridge white paint, unpainted plastic bumpers, steel wheels and minimal bling.

By comparison, full-size dual-cab US pick-ups offers palatial rear seat comfort for three large adults, with flat floors and ample leg, shoulder and headroom. However, their formidable external dimensions can be impractical for urban use and they usually come with six-figure price tags.

However, for tradies prepared to look beyond the usual offerings, a vehicle like Ford’s Transit Custom Sport Double Cab could provide the best of both worlds, by combining much of the cavernous load volume of a mid-sized commercial van with the spacious rear seating of a big American pick-up.

We recently spent a week aboard this unique blue-oval offering to see it if has the comfort, performance and practicality to be a genuine alternative to a ute or conventional van for tradie use.

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2017 Ram 2500 Summary

The RAM 2500 from RAM Trucks Australia, which is rated to tow nearly 7.0 tonnes, is designed primarily as a heavy duty towing platform with a huge Cummins turbo-diesel engine, long wheelbase, high kerb weight, exhaust brake and lots of room inside a luxurious cabin.

These 'Australianised' RAM trucks are shipped in a unique export specification direct from Fiat Chrysler Automobile's heavy duty RAM Trucks Saltillo assembly plant in Mexico, re-manufactured in RHD on a bespoke production line in Melbourne and distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand by American Special Vehicles.

ASV is a joint venture between Ateco Automotive and the Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG) which also owns Holden Special Vehicles. It is the only RAM Trucks importer in Australia officially sanctioned by FCA, resulting in a unique factory-approved vehicle that meets the company's strict OEM standards and is backed by a full factory warranty and national dealer network.

Put simply, it's as close as you can get to driving a brand new RHD version of this legendary American pick-up off FCA's Mexico assembly line, and offers a compelling solution for those with something really big to tow.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford Transit Custom 2017 Ram 2500

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