Quick Facts About Ford Transit Vans
- Ford offers an all-electric E-Transit version of its full-size van with an estimated range of up to 159 miles.
- The Transit Passenger Van can seat up to 12 or 15 people.
- Maximum towing capability is 6,900 pounds with the V6 turbocharged EcoBoost engine.
When it comes to a full-size van for work or play, the Ford Transit checks most of the boxes for its target audience. Its competitive pricing, choice of powertrains, and wide range of configurations provide hauling solutions for a broad swath of buyers. Moreover, our readers praise its drivability, and we agree. We’ve assembled 10 things we think you should know when considering the Ford Transit.
10 Things to Look For
- Multiple configurations: Although Ford offers the Transit in Cutaway and Chassis Cab versions, those mainly target commercial customers. Retail shoppers are more likely to stick with the Transit Cargo or Transit Passenger Van. Ford makes the cargo van available in one trim level, three roof heights, two wheelbase lengths, and three overall lengths. Capable of seating up to 15, the passenger van comes in two trim levels (XL and XLT), three roof heights, two overall lengths, and one wheelbase.
- All-wheel drive: AWD adds just over $4,000 to the purchase price of most Transit models and delivers maximum traction on unstable surfaces. Ford engineered its Intelligent AWD system so that its inclusion doesn’t raise the cargo floor or seat height. It’s a seamless system that automatically transfers engine torque to the wheels with the best grip.
- Co-Pilot360: Standard on the Transit, this bundle of advanced safety tech includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, high-beam assist, and a rearview camera with trailer hitch assist. You can pick up some other safety features, like blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree surround camera, on the options list.
- E-Transit: Ford makes its all-electric version of the Transit Cargo Van in three roof heights and two body lengths. Its estimated range is as much as 159 miles. Opting for a higher roof or longer length decreases that estimate. The commercial-oriented Cutaway and Chassis Cab are also available with the electric powertrain.
- Two V6 engines: The Transit cargo and passenger vans come standard with a 275-horsepower V6 engine. To gain more performance, buyers can pick a 310-hp EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine. A 10-speed automatic transmission ushers engine production to the rear wheels or all the wheels with AWD. Ford doesn’t offer a V8 or a diesel for the Transit. If your towing needs exceed the Transit Cargo Van’s maximum of about 7,000 pounds, we suggest checking out the General Motors big vans (Chevy Express or GMC Savana). They aren’t as current as the Transit but can pull up to 10,000 pounds. The Transit Passenger Van’s maximum towing capacity tops out under 5,000 pounds with either engine.
- Transit Trail: Capitalizing on the growing overlanding trend, which combines survival camping with an off-roading component, the Transit Trail arrives from the factory as an off-pavement-ready van standard with the EcoBoost V6, AWD, 3.5-inch lift, all-terrain tires, swivel seats, a roof vent, skid-plate-style front bumper, wheel-arch cladding, and more. You can add the Transit Trail package to the medium- and high-roof configurations. However, keep in mind that Transit’s AWD system isn’t as capable as 4-wheel-drive systems for getting you to those more remote locations.
- Wide-opening rear cargo doors: These dual rear doors open a whopping 253 degrees, allowing the loading of larger items.
- Swivel front seats: This option adds roughly $1,400 to the purchase price and allows the driver and passenger to swivel the front seats for convenient entering or dismounting the Transit and easy access to the cargo area.
- An array of standard convenience features: Ford doesn’t skimp on convenience features, including things like rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, power-adjustable outboard mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, and more.
- Fully customizable: In many ways, the Transit Cargo Van is a blank canvas. You can finish it out any way you want it. The possibilities are nearly endless. There are all manner of tie-down, shelving, and camping solutions. All you need is a little imagination to make the Ford Transit your own.
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