Ford’s all-new Transit Custom, which began to arrive in the latter half of 2024, is now getting new variants added to its lineup to make it one of the most diverse midsize-van offerings in Australia.

Variants that were initially confirmed included the regular front-wheel drive diesel cargo van, both in short-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) forms, with a two-row crew-cab derivative also available on the LWB platform and two grades offered (base Trend, and up-spec Sport). Alongside that was the all-electric rear-wheel drive E-Transit Custom (which at time of writing has yet to go on sale), but now the Blue Oval’s Aussie arm has confirmed that the Transit Custom family will double in size with the arrival of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, and the AWD Transit Custom Trail.

The Transit Custom PHEV will be sold in both SWB and LWB guise, with deliveries set to commence in the third quarter of 2025. With prices opening at $67,590 before on-roads for the

Transit Custom PHEV Trend, the PHEV’s key advantage lies in its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which will allow operators the ability to charge its 11.8kWh battery overnight on cheap electricity and enjoy a 54km electric-only range before the 86kW/209Nm 2.5L petrol engine fires for longer journeys. In electric-only operation, the Transit Custom PHEV produces 111kW of power and 320Nm of torque from its single electric motor, with total system output of 171kW when both petrol and electric motors are working in concert.

Its combined fuel consumption figure of 1.7L/100km should be an enticing number for businesses looking to lower their exposure to fluctuating fuel costs, though the PHEV’s maximum charge rate of 3.5kW means the time for a full charge is, at best, 4.25 hours despite the small size of its 11kWh battery. The fully-electric E-Transit Custom, by contrast, can charge at 11kW on an AC charger, delivering a full charge to its much larger 64kWh battery in a little over 6.5 hours – or go from 15-80% in just 32 minutes on a 125kW DC fast charger.

The Transit Custom PHEV offers the same cargo volumes as the conventional diesel Transit Custom, with SWB variants able to carry up to 5.2m³ (VDA) and the LWB able to fit 6.0m³ behind its steel cabin bulkhead. Maximum payload comes in at 12,550kg for the SWB and 1,206kg for the LWB, with both rated to tow a maximum of 2,300kg on a braked trailer with a GCM of 5,225kg.

Toward the end of the year, the Ford Transit Custom Trail joins the line-up, which will only be offered in the LWB bodystyle in a single trim level that bridges the gap between the Trend and the Sport grades, and priced at $61,990. It’s a fairly tall asking price for a midsize van, but the Transit Custom’s ace up its sleeve will be its permanent all-wheel drive powertrain – a rare feature in the Australian commercial van segment, and a unique point of difference for trades that prefer a van’s security and weatherproof stowage, but also frequently need to access sites without paved roads.

Like the regular FWD Transit Custom, the Transit Custom Trail is powered by a 125kW/390Nm 2.0L turbo diesel inline four, with a conventional eight-speed automatic as the sole transmission option. Power then gets sent to each wheel via a transfer case with the ability to anticipate traction loss and redirect torque accordingly between the axles, with the rear differential also fitted with a clutch pack to further enhance tractability on slippery ground or loose gravel.

On the exterior, the Transit Custom Trail features a unique grille, black plastic overfenders and rubbing strips, a yellow decal package, additional underbody protection, LED headlamps, and 16” black alloy wheels. Inside, a triple-occupant cabin is standard (a more comfort-oriented two-person layout is a cost option), as is faux-leather upholstery with yellow contrast stitching. Orders for the Trail are open now, with deliveries scheduled to begin by the end of the year.