VS
At a Glance
Power
100 kW
62 kW
Torque
360 Nm
122 Nm
Fuel
8.2 l/100km
5.8 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
—
Engine
1996 cc
1248 cc
Choosing between the Ford Transit Custom and the KIA Picanto is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Ford Transit Custom delivers 100 kW while the KIA Picanto produces 62 kW. On fuel, the Transit Custom returns 8.2 l/100km while the Picanto uses 5.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R770 000 for the Transit Custom and R325 995 for the Picanto. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford Transit Custom2.0tdci LWB BASE F/C P/V 2024 - From R770 000
KIA Picanto1.2 EX+ A/T 2024 - From R325 995
Performance
Power Output
100 kW
62 kW
Torque
360 Nm
122 Nm
Top Speed
180 Km/h
160 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1248 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2 l/100km
5.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
35 l
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
138 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5450 mm
3595 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
1595 mm
Height
1961 mm
1495 mm
Wheelbase
3500 mm
2400 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
151 mm
Kerb Weight
1864 Kg
985 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 1 sliding left side + 2 rear swi
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
5800 l
255-1010 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
1269 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6yr
2yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
30000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Transit Custom
Fuel Economy
Picanto
Value
Picanto
Practicality
Transit Custom
Pros & Cons
Ford Transit Custom
More powerful engine (100 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (8.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
KIA Picanto
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R325 995)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (62 kW vs 100 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Transit Custom or Picanto?
The Transit Custom uses 8.2 l/100km and the Picanto uses 5.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Picanto is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Transit Custom or Picanto?
The Transit Custom produces 100 kW and 360 Nm of torque while the Picanto delivers 62 kW and 122 Nm of torque. The Transit Custom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Transit Custom and Picanto?
The Transit Custom starts from R770 000 and the Picanto from R325 995. The Picanto is cheaper by R444 005 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Transit Custom or Picanto?
The Transit Custom has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Picanto can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Transit Custom or the Picanto?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider