"The Transit is much easier to drive and far less truck-like than past work vans. The steering is responsive, there's a relatively tight turning circle, and even the ride is much better"- Edmunds
Engine and Transmission
Ford is the godfather of commercial vehicles, its reliability, and fair deliverables made it an instant hit for producing worker vehicles. The 2020 Ford Transit Cargo is a good example of a worker van which has a good threshold on the American market. Probably the best seller in the American market and its not just Ford's brand value which brings in the customers the potent engine options do the talking for you.
Models
|
Ford Transit 150 low roof cargo van
|
Nissan NV1500 S cargo van
|
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van
|
GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase cargo van
|
MSRP
|
$35,840
|
$29,340
|
$33,790
|
$34,900
|
Engine
|
3.7L V6 Regular Unleaded
|
4.0L V6 Regular Unleaded
|
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
|
4.3L V6 Gas
|
Transmission
|
6 Speed automatic
|
5-speed automatic
|
9-G Tronic
|
8 Speed automatic
|
Horsepower
|
275 hp@6000rpm
|
261 hp@ 5600rpm
|
188 hp@ 5000rpm
|
276 hp@ 5200rpm
|
Torque
|
260 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm
|
281 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm
|
258 ft-lbs@ 2500rpm
|
298 ft-lbs@ 3900rpm
|
Standard is a 3.7L V6 engine which hammers out 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Next is the Turbocharged 3.2L Diesel Inline-5 engine which delivers a lesser 185 horsepower but upgrades the torque to 350 pound-feet. Another engine for turbocharged 3.5 Liter gas-powered V6 engine which brings up the power game to 310 horsepower and 400-pound feet of torque. All engine options are mated to a compliant 6-speed automatic, there no other option for transmission on the transit. There is no drivetrain option, rear-wheel-drive is the only way to get your hands on the Transit.
Acceleration
Compared to other boxy vans the Transit cargo is a rather light cargo vehicle which earns Ford an edge over acceleration. The power delivery is smooth and the rear wheels propel the Transit to make the 60 mph test in 7.5 seconds. As for the quarter-mile run, the Transit covers the quarter mile road in 15.9 seconds. The weight advantage makes transit the fastest cargo hauler in the lot.
Models
|
Ford Transit 150 low roof cargo van
|
Nissan NV1500S cargo van
|
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van
|
GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase cargo van
|
0-60 MPH
|
7.5 seconds
|
9.6 seconds
|
11.2 seconds
|
7.8 seconds
|
Quarter mile
|
15.9 seconds
|
17.4 seconds
|
18.3 seconds
|
N/A
|
Engine
|
3.7L V6 Regular Unleaded
|
4.0L V6 Regular Unleaded
|
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
|
4.3L V6 Gas
|
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Ride and Handling
Ford has overcome the typical boxy van's image of a lousy ride. Today's Transit is less truck-like to maneuver and as nimble as a full-fledged van gets. The steering is light and responsive and the ride is comfortable. Though the backlash of boxy design comes in the form of body roll and tight steering around the corners. Road noise is minimum but you would love to try the diesel engine options on the Transit.
Braking
Transit's brakes do not face any kind of fade. The pedal is soft enough to ferry and control the weight of a fully loaded Transit. The fact that its lighter than any other cargo van aids in its braking performance. Both the front and rear brakes are rated at 12.1 inches each.
Model
|
Ford Transit 150 low roof cargo van
|
Nissan NV1500 S cargo van
|
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van
|
GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase cargo van
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
12.1
|
14.2
|
N/A
|
12.8
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
12.1
|
14.4
|
N/A
|
13
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
2788
|
5819
|
4696
|
5158
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Towing and Payload
The Transit customization options have no end, you have multiple payload packages and different rear axle ratios. As far as towing is concern Transit's 7100 pounds towing prowess is better than Nissan and the hyped up Sprinter. However, it's not on the same level as GMC who boast its 10,000 pounds worth of max. trailering.
Model
|
Ford Transit wagon 150
|
Mercedes Benz Sprinter 1500
|
Nissan NV 1500 S Cargo Van
|
GMC Savana
|
Towing Capacity (lbs.)
|
7100
|
5000
|
6900
|
10000
|