The Ford Transit full-size van offers versatility that few vehicles can match. It comes in three body lengths (Regular, Long, Long Extended), three roof heights, and two wheelbases. High-roof models can accommodate a standing adult up to 6 feet, 4 inches tall, and it's possible to build a Transit with 487 cubic-feet of cargo capacity--that's almost 80 percent more volume than the largest Econoline van. All vans and wagons feature either side cargo or sliding doors, as well as rear cargo doors that open up to 270 degrees. Passenger capacity when properly equipped ranges from 8 to 15 people. Such flexibility ensures there is a Transit for every need. Even the shortest, lowest, smallest Transit is slightly larger than the Econoline it replaced. A five-passenger Crew Van configuration is also available, mounting a three-seat second-row bench in front of a cargo bulkhead, with curtain airbag protection for all outboard passengers.
Three engines are offered. The base engine is a 3.5L V6 that makes 290 horsepower and 265 lb-feet of torque. The engine is E85-capable and can also be fitted with a kit that allows it to run on compressed natural gas or liquid propane. For more power, Ford offers the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Also found in the F-150 pickup, the turbocharged unit produces 310 horsepower and best-in-class 400 pound-feet of torque. Both V6s offer similar fuel efficiency, with a combined 16 mpg in regular-wheelbase Transit passenger vans. Finally, the turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 bi-turbo diesel generates 210 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque--90 percent of which is available starting at 1,500 rpm. All three engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. All Transits come standard as rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available.
Power rack-and-pinion steering is paired with front MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar, as well as progressive rear leaf springs and gas-charged dampers, which results in relatively flat cornering, a smooth ride and ease of maneuverability.
Standard features on the Transit Van include 16-inch steel wheels, tilt/telescopic steering, walk-through console, front air conditioning, vinyl seats, power windows, mirrors and locks, a 4-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional equipment includes alloy wheels, a heavy-duty tow package, power running boards, and extended outside mirrors. Inside, cruise control, a rearview camera, a cargo-area spray liner, SYNC 3 infotainment, navigation, and rear air conditioning are all available. Medium and High-Roof versions of the Transit feature a high-mount rear view camera to assist in reversing.
Standard safety features include pre-collision assist, forward collision warning, post-collision warning, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights. Available features include adaptive cruise control, active park assist, front and rearview cameras and an adjustable speed limiting device.
The Ford Transit returns for 2020 with quite a few notable changes. Among them include welcome comforts such as an available power-sliding cargo door, WiFi capabilities, Android Auto/Apple Carplay-capable infotainment systems, and a 4.2-Inch digital readout in the gauge cluster. The base 3.7L V6 engine has been replaced by a more economical 3.5L V6. Ford has also introduced a new bi-turbo 2.0L diesel engine replacing the 3.2L 5-cylinder diesel engine from previous years. Whatever the drivetrain, a 10-speed transmission is now also standard across the board with available all-wheel-drive that brings the Transit up to speed with its rival the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. A new 5-passenger Crew Van configuration is also new this year, mounting a 3-seat second-row bench in front of a cargo bulkhead, with curtain airbag protection for all outboard passengers.
Ford has always been a leader in the realm of versatile commercial vehicles, and the Transit is poised to carry that tradition far into the future. In fact, like the E-Series vans before it, the Transit has few rivals. With nearly unlimited configurations and intelligent powertrain options, including a 2.0L turbodiesel, EcoBoost V6 and LPG-compatible V6, the Transit versatile, powerful and efficient enough to satisfy the needs of just about any full-size do-anything van.