Review of the Ford Transit Custom SWB Double Cab

The Ford Transit Custom SWB Double Cab is a midsize van that combines cabin comfort with cargo capacity. With up to six seats and a load volume of up to 4.3m3, it's ideal for both businesses and families. 

Rivals to the Transit Custom SWB Double Cab include the Mercedes-Benz Vito Crew, Citroen Dispatch Crew, and Toyota ProAce Crew. 

Our Ford Transit Custom SWB Double Cab review covers:

• Sporty exterior design 
• Superb interior design 
• Up to 4.3m3 of load volume 
• Diesel or plug-in hybrid engines 
• Five trim levels 

Pros:

• Looks great 
• Superb cabin with loads of tech 
• Versatile interior 

Cons:

• More expensive than rivals 
• Fuel economy takes a slight hit compared to smaller version 
• Driving position isn't the best

The Transit Custom SWB Double Cab looks like the sportiest midsize panel van on the market. It has an aggressive front end, sleek headlights, and creases throughout the body. 

Inside, you can choose between one or two seats up front. If you fancy being nice to the front passenger, opt for just one seat, as it allows for much more shoulder room. For the three passengers on the rear bench, there's plenty of head and legroom, but I'd expect shoulders to be rubbing. 

Open the rear doors and you’ll get a load volume of 3.3m3 and a payload of up to 1,076kg. It’s worth noting that there are a few configurations available, so payload can vary from around 844kg up to over 1,000kg.

The cabin of the Transit Custom range is consistently good. The dashboard is easy to navigate, and there are plenty of premium materials dotted around. There are also a good number of optional extras, and we'd recommend the mobile office pack, which adds an innovative steering wheel tilt feature to create an angled desk when parked. 

For technology, you get a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Ford's Sync 4 system. This means that in addition to all the usual features, such as smartphone connectivity and navigation, you also get enhanced connectivity through your own WiFi connection. 

Five trim levels are available for the Transit Custom Double Cab: Trend, Limited, Trail, Sport, and MS-RT. 

Trend comes with 16-inch steel wheels, electronic automatic air conditioning, a two-way adjustable driver's seat, under-seat stowage, and partial body-colour front and rear bumpers. 

Limited has LED headlights, keyless entry, LED load space lights, a load-through bulkhead, a heated driver's seat, optional wireless charging, and an optional mobile office pack. 

Trail has all-wheel drive, optional 17-inch black alloys, a unique grille and skid-plate, auto power-folding heated mirrors, and a full-height load space trim. 

Sport has 17-inch sport alloy wheels, exterior racing stripes, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a six-way adjustable driver's seat, and LED tail lights. 

MS-RT has bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels, a unique exterior design, a motorsport-inspired rear spoiler, sport seats, and a unique steering wheel. 

You can choose from a plug-in hybrid or diesel powertrain for the SWB Double Cab. 

The diesels take the form of 2.0-litre units that are available with either 110hp and 136hp with a manual transmission, or 135hp and 170hp with an automatic transmission. With the automatic transmission, you'll get Ford's all-new four-wheel drive system. 

If you fancy the plug-in hybrid, it combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an 11.8kWh battery. It can drive on electric power for up to 35 miles, we'd recommend it if you mainly operate around town. 

The SWB Double Cab is arguably one of the best crew vans on the market in terms of performance. Its handling is relatively light and responsive, and the engines provide enough power to pull off sharp-ish from a standing start, even with the added weight. 

In the city, you'll have few issues navigating the tight streets. The suspension and handling combined with the range of driver assistance systems makes manoeuvres and parking a breeze. 

Increase the speed to motorway speed, and the SWB Double Cab becomes a comfortable cruiser. The diesel engines are perfect for long-distance driving and can churn out the miles without a care in the world. 

Prices for the new Ford Transit Custom SWB Double Cab start from £40,380.00 OTR* or to lease from Price On Request per month.

Looking to get behind the wheel of the Ford Transit Custom SWB Double Cab? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest van leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.

Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase thanks to a low initial deposit and fixed monthly rentals.

*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.