Ute or Van? (2025 Ford Ranger Sport vs Transit Custom Sport Review)

Ford offers two titans pitched at two very different commercial vehicle segments: utes and vans. But despite their clear differences, each offers an interesting option for buyers after ultimate multi-purpose utility in a machine that’s great to drive.

The Ford Ranger, here in desirable 184kW/600Nm V6-powered guise in mid-range Sport spec, defends its status as what is regularly Australia’s most popular all-rounder vehicle bar none. Ours clocks in at $71,490 before on-roads.

Current sales have it as 17 times more popular than its van stablemate the Transit Custom, here on test in 125kW/390Nm 2.0-litre diesel-powered Sport DCiV form, which lists for $62,990 as a long-wheelbase five-seat alternative.

Chasing Cars road test editor John Law pits Ford’s odd couple against one another to find out which is pick for family-friendly space, practicality, driveability and more.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
1:18 - Criteria
1:54 - Sizes
3:05 - Ranger interior
5:00 - Transit Custom interior
6:07 - Ranger row two
7:19 - Transit Custom row two
8:40 - Off-roading?
9:40 - Practicality
11:07 - Ranger on road
12:27 - Transit Custom on road
13:32 - Safety
15:46 - Verdict

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