Toyota HiLux vs Ford Transit Custom
What's the difference?

Toyota HiLux

$33,990 - $82,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Summary

2026 Toyota HiLux

2026 Ford Transit Custom

By Mark Oastler

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Diesel

Electric range

315 km

8.5L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

20.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

59.20 kWh

Seating

Likes

Zero tailpipe emissions
Silent powertrain
Zippy response

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

Dislikes

High price
Short driving range
Limited GVM/GCM ratings

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

2026 Toyota HiLux Summary

Toyota claims its first HiLux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) has been designed primarily with mining, business and government fleet customers in mind, by combining the iconic ute’s 4x4 all-terrain capability with zero tailpipe emissions only a full-electric drivetrain can deliver.

To prove its suitability for harsh Aussie conditions, Toyota claims the HiLux BEV has undergone more than two years of testing on site with major mining companies, covering thousands of kilometres in ambient temperatures up to 50 degrees.

We recently sampled the HiLux BEV as a daily driver in metropolitan use, to see if its mining-focused credentials translate to being a practical alternative to traditional diesel power for tradies working in busy urban environments.

View full pricing & specs

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.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota HiLux 2026 Ford Transit Custom

Verdict

Given the HiLux BEV was developed in close cooperation with mining companies, its relatively short driving range appears tailor-made for that role given the daily driving distances (typically around 150km or less) in underground and open-cut mining operations. However, determining if our SR5 test vehicle is equally well suited to urban tradie duties would require careful analysis of driving range and payload/towing requirements, to determine if its emissions-free high purchase price can be justified.

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.

Toyota HiLux vs Ford Transit Custom What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota HiLux vs Ford Transit Custom
What's the difference?