Pros:
- Many configurations for any need.
- Available all-wheel-drive.
- Many driver safety technologies.
Cons:
- Some rivals have improved payload and towing.
- Average fuel economy.
- Mediocre crash-test results.
Would we buy one? Yeah.
Vehicle Type: Full-size cargo van.
Price Range: Pricing for the 2020 Ford Transit begins at an MSRP of $34,510.
Powertrain: A standard 3.5-liter V6 engine motivates the Ford Transit, making 275 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
The optional engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 making 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines pair with a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional.
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Nissan NV, and Ram ProMaster.
Overall Score: 7.4/10
Safety Features: 8/10
The 2020 Ford Transit comes standard with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety features that include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. Also standard are basics like curtain airbags and stability control. Optional safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, parking assist, and adaptive cruise control.
While the NHTSA did not offer an overall safety rating for the Ford Transit, it rated it three stars in frontal crash situations, a front driver-side rating of four stars, and a front passenger rating of two stars. The IIHS does not offer a rating for the Ford Transit.
Value: 7/10
The Ford Transit starts at an MSRP that is higher than the Nissan NV series van, but in-line with the Ram ProMaster, and offers a significant value when compared to the Mercedes Sprinter van.
With so many configurations, it can difficult to discern the Ford Transit's overall value. Still, it slots somewhere in the middle as far as price and offers a decent number of tech and safety features for the cost. The Ford Transit cargo van can get expensive after adding several options. Opting for the extended wheelbase, tall roof, AWD, and the EcoBoost engine pushed the price over $50,000, and that's without any of the Transit's many other available features.
The Ford Transit comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Tech Features: 8/10
The base trim's standard features are pretty sparse but include an AM/FM stereo with two USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. A WiFi hotspot is also standard equipment. Optional equipment includes Ford Sync 3, universally praised as one of the industry's best infotainment systems. A standard 4.0-inch non-touch display or an optional 8.0-inch multi-function touchscreen runs the Sync system, including both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For fleet buyers, Ford Telematics offers a suite of tracking and vehicle management features.
There are tons of available tech features, including multiple power outlets, a speed limiter, an array of seating options, additional batteries, battery-related tech, remote start, and power-extending running boards.
Practicality: 7/10
The Ford Transit has three wheelbase length options and three roof heights, meaning it can be specified for almost any purpose. In high roof configuration, tall adults can easily stand in the rear portion of the cargo area.
The Ford Transit Cargo has a massive amount of storage space. The smallest configuration, regular length with a short roof, can hold 246.7 cubic feet of cargo. When optioned in extended length with the high roof, it has room for 487.3 cubic feet.
With AWD's addition for the 2020 model year, the Transit is now a true competitor to the ever-popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for those looking for an all-weather full-size van. The Transit Cargo Van has a GVWR of 11,000 pounds compared to the Sprinters maximum of 12,120. The Transit is behind the Sprinter in towing capacity. with a 5,800-pound maximum, while the Sprinter can haul up to 7,500 pounds.
Styling & Design: 8/10
Outside, the Ford Transit is good-looking for a full-size van. Borrowing its hexagon grille shape from the Ranger and other Ford SUVs gives the Transit less of a commercial van look. All models come standard with steel wheels, while heavy-duty forged alloy wheels are optional. Unfortunately, Ford does not offer the XLT trim on cargo models, which adds chrome grille trim and LED headlamps to the Transit Cargo's Passenger Van sibling. White is the most common exterior color, but Ford offers a decent range of exterior paint options.
The interior can remain a hollowed-out metal shell with two seats, or heavy-duty vinyl can cover the floor. The front seats come in cloth, vinyl, or leather. The dash and infotainment have been redesigned for the 2020 model year and offer better ergonomics and organization. Another new feature for 2020 is front seats that swivel around, an excellent fit for the recreational trend of converting cargo vans into affordable living spaces.
Driving Experience: 8/10
Reviewers found both engines to deliver adequate power, even when the van was reasonably loaded. The new 10-speed automatic received praise for fuel efficiency and finding the right gear in different driving situations.
Reviewers complimented driving technology that makes it possible to squeeze the van into tight parking spots. Using the mirrors, parking sensors, and cameras all in concert, navigating alleys and construction sites was no problem. The Transit has composed on-road manners, with a good steering feel. The ride is stiff but compliant enough to absorb moderate road imperfections. Due to its brick-like shape, the Ford Transit does have a bit of a floaty feel at high speeds.
Fuel Efficiency: 6/10
The EPA has only published estimated fuel economy for the base engine of the Ford Transit. In both RWD and AWD, the EPA estimates fuel economy to be 19 highway mpg, 15 city mpg, and 17 combined mpg.
This gas mileage lags behind both the Sprinter and ProMaster, which offer fuel-sipping diesel engines with much better fuel economy. The Sprinter gets 24 mpg hwy, 21 city, and 22 combined, and the ProMaster gets 25 hwy mpg, 19 city, and 21 combined.
