Simply the Best as Ranger and Transit Custom Take Top Honours at Auto Express Awards

Jul 03, 2025
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DUNTON, UK – Ford Pro celebrated a double success at the annual Auto Express awards this week as both Ranger and Transit Custom were crowned best pickup and best mid-sized van of the year respectively.

It was a third straight win for the current Ranger, and a seventh overall. Announcing the award Auto Express wrote: “Ford's big seller still has the strengths to keep it at the top of the pile. The Ranger’s familiar qualities remain, with a wide range of variants that offer everything from everyday usability to off-road adventuring and premium luxury, while the petrol-powered Raptor continues to offer a different take on the performance machine. Even base models have an air of quality that boosts their appeal over rivals, while the infotainment touchscreen and connectivity options are easy to use. 

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    Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid Stormtrak launch edition
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“There's good space inside the double-cab variants, too, while Ford still offers single-cab and chassis-cab versions that are ready for work, too. Whichever model you choose, the on-road manners are great, and they’re backed up by the knowledge that rough terrain won't be too much of an obstacle when the need to head off road arises.

“Diesel power across the range delivers a good mix of efficiency and pulling power, while the10-speed automatic transmission that’s found on most variants helps to take the strain out of everyday driving.

“Emissions legislation is catching up with the pick-up truck class, but Ford is tackling the new rules head-on with the plug-in hybrid Ranger. This sees CO2 emissions reduced considerably over the diesel versions to help with running costs, while Stormtrak trim is offered exclusively with this model. At this rate, we can’t see the Ranger’s reign at the top of the class ending any time soon.”

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Ford Transit Custom

Declaring Transit Custom best mid-sized van, Auto Express reports: “With electric, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains offered, plus a wide range of trim levels, as well as panel van, Double Cab, Multi Cab and even camper options on the table, the Ford Transit Custom has a variant to suit virtually every use case imaginable, making it our category winner in the van’s 60th-anniversary year.

“Keep things basic, and the standard Leader model with 2.0-litreEcoBlue diesel power delivers a no-nonsense drive in two body lengths. But if you need to carry passengers, then the six-seat Double Cab In-Van could be for you. This comes in a wider range of trims, including the rugged adventure-inspired Trail option and racy Sport and MS-RT specs (which are also offered on the standard panel van) and given that the Transit Custom delivers such a grown-up drive, this could easily double as family transport.

“Somewhere in between the two sits the Multi Cab, with a five-seat layout (three in the front, two in the back) and an L-shaped bulkhead so long items can still fit in the cargo bay. The strong diesel engines deliver good efficiency and power, while the electrified e-Transit Custom adds hushed refinement to the mix. There’s even a performance-orientated model in MS-RT guise, where the electric powertrain is turned up to 281bhp (up from 215bhp as standard) to help give it the grunt to match the racier looks.

“Overall, the Transit Custom sets the standard by which all other medium-sized panel vans must be judged, and it will have to be a very strong contender to knock the Ford off the number one position next year.”