Ford Transit Custom vs Volkswagen Amarok
What's the difference?

Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

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Volkswagen Amarok

$55,490 - $91,900

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 Volkswagen Amarok

By Marcus Craft

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Diesel Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

8.5L/100km (combined)

8.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Seriously impressive handling
Tough styling
Remains very practical

Dislikes

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

Busy, uncomfortable ride
Standard Amarok drivetrain
Price a hard sell

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 Volkswagen Amarok Summary

This is a very important ute if you’re Volkswagen Australia.

A lot of time and money has gone into making sure this, the 2026 VW Amarok W600 as engineered by Walkinshaw, is the ultimate driver’s ute. Not the best 4X4, but the best ute on the road. Sounds like an odd task, right?

It might be, but a couple of thousand people bought the last version of this ute, so why not try to make it better?

Over a long development period and a steady build-up, including previews at the former Holden proving ground at Lang Lang, Volkswagen has teased its ‘ultimate driver’s ute’.

Now, we get to put the production version to the test on the very roads that helped shape it during its development in Tasmania.

@carsguide.com.au VW Australia is finally launching the 2026 Volkswagen Amarok W600, with Walkinshaw’s expertise helping the Ford Ranger’s cousin take the fight to its Raptor hero. #volkswagen #amarok #ute #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford Transit Custom 2026 Volkswagen Amarok

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 Amarok W600 is impressive when you get it onto a twisty road, and my hat goes off to Walkinshaw for turning a dual-cab into something that is genuinely fun to drive on twisty roads. I’m not kidding, the W600 is proper fun.

But it’s expensive, and despite the tough looks and on-road ability, it doesn’t have any more on-paper performance than its standard siblings. That and its ride is compromised by its new abilities.

Those who spend the cash on a W600 probably won’t be disappointed if they can handle a slightly stiff ride, but it’s possible VW is expecting people will be more into the idea of a corner-carving dual-cab than is the reality.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Ford Transit Custom vs Volkswagen Amarok What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Transit Custom vs Volkswagen Amarok
What's the difference?