2020 Ford Transit

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Rating6.9

Ranked #4 in 

Fullsize Van
Write Review
$34,510 - $54,340
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

A plethora of configurations

Low Towing capacity

Seating available for 10, 11, and 14 passengers now

Decent road manner

New hinges on the long wheelbase

User-friendly Infotainment system

Potent engine

Specs & Features

$42,565

price

275 hp @ 6500 rpm

horsepower

262 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm

torque

TBD

transmission

3.5L 6cyl AWD 10A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

As far as commercial vehicles go, there is a reason why everyone recommends Ford over any other brand. First, they have a reputation to protect secondly its born and bred right here in America, hence its knowledge about the market is through and unbeatable. A clear example of Ford 's superiority is the Transit cargo van. The Transit offers a galore of customization options plus its value for money factor is practically unbeatable. However, other brands are not far behind, with the Sprinter completely revamped for 2020, the Transit will face a tuff competition.

Buying Advice

Although Ford has a lot of options to customize the Transit we would recommend to go for the optional dual sliding rear cargo doors to make your daily loading and unloading easier. You can also go for the Ford telematics for more electronic updates.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Ford Transit 150 starts from the base price of $35,840. There are three engine options paired to a 6-speed automatic. The standard gas 3.7L V6 engine cranks out 275 horsepower and 260-pound feet of torque. The diesel engine cuts down the power but adds more torque. The price might feel over the top but you get a decent amount of features and a strong cargo hauler for the price.

Features
5.0/10

Ford Transit Cargo van is all about customization, you have three length options with regular, long and extended. Then you have the same number of options for height as low, medium, and high roof. You can pick any variation for the same as per your needs. As for the engine, the 3 option tradition is continued with a standard 3.7L V6 engine, a Turbocharged 3.2 Liter Diesel Powered Inline-5 engine, and an additional Turbocharged 3.5 liter V6 gas engine. All engines are mated to a monochromic 6-speed automatic transmission.

Trim Transit 150 Transit 250 Transit 350 Transit 350 HD
MSRP $33,285 $34,085 $37,515 $41,205
Features 16-inch steel wheels Same Features as the Transit 150 Same Features as the Transit 150 Same Features as the Transit 150
  Safety canopy system Fordpass a smarter way to move Lane-keeping alert with driver alert Tire pressure monitoring system
  Sync 3 Siriusxm satellite radio Side-wind stabilization Rain-sensing wipers
  Advancetrac with rsc     Easy-to-clean vinyl flooring
  Rain-sensing wipers     Heated front seats
  Easy-to-clean vinyl flooring      

We Recommend

Although Ford has a lot of options to customize the Transit we would recommend to go for the optional dual sliding rear cargo doors to make your daily loading and unloading easier. You can also go for the Ford telematics for more electronic updates.

Engine and Performance
7.9/10

"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

Fuel Economy
3.0/10

EPA does not rate the 2020 Ford Transit Cargo van.

Model

Ford Transit 150 low roof cargo van

Nissan NV 1500S cargo van

Mercedes Benz Sprinter 150 standard roof van

GMC Savanna 2500 regular wheelbase cargo van

MPG (city)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

MPG (highway)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

MPG (combined)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Range (miles) (city/highway)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Tank Capacity (gal)

25.0

28.0

22

31.0

Interior
7.9/10

"The Transit has a much lower step-in height than old-style work vans. Taller roof heights also make it possible to walk upright in the cargo area " which is not possible in the GM vans. The driving position affords an expansive view of the road ahead, and the standard rearview camera is appreciated"-Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The Transit's interior is the way a cargo hauler should be- "Bare minimum". The step in height is not that high and feels pretty normal, you won't have trouble in stepping in or out of the Transit. Inside the Transit is felt packs but not in a suffocating way, still there are a number of cubbies and storage bins. The options on the exterior follow to the interior as well, you have two color option for Cloth and Leather seats and one for vinyl.

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

Passenger capacity

2

2

2

2

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

40.8/67.9/41.3

42.8/65.7/42.0

N/A

39.8/68.8/41.3

Second

(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

N/A N/A N/A N/A

The front cabin is not that spacious compared to the likes of Sprinter and Nissan NV. The elements of the interior are not that great either. The driver and wingman seat features a headroom of 40.8 inches and legroom of 41.3 inches. Also, there is just enough space to move your hands and elbows with the 41.3 inches of shoulder room.

Interior Features

  • Air Conditioning, Front and Rear
  • Front/Rear Aux AC and Heater (Driver controlled)
  • Console - Center stack console with integrated shifter
  • Front Overhead Console on Medium- and High-Roof models
  • Floor Covering, Vinyl, front and rear
  • Glove Box (Locking)
  • Inside Rearview Mirror
  • Instrumentation - Tachometer, fuel level, and coolant temperature
  • Interior Lighting, Accessory Delay - 30 minute
  • Lighting, Front Dome Lamp with Map Lights and Theater Dimming (Standard on Low Roof only)
  • Passenger A-Pillar Grab Handle
  • 12-volt Powerpoint
  • Step Well Pads Black plastic
  • Sun Visors - Vinyl-trimmed
  • Horn - Dual-note electric

Cargo Volume

The Transit is all about cargo space and Ford does that better than anyone on the American soil. The base Transit might not be the best at delivering a bigger cargo bay but it's their diversity of customization options which makes Transit the segment leader. You have got three roof options plus three length options as well. The standard cargo area stands at 246.7 cubic feet which are lower than its adversaries. Though Ford offers a maximum cargo bay of 487.3 cubic feet which is the largest in the boxy van market till date.

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

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

246.7

234.1

319

239.7

Exterior
7.9/10

"Unlike vans of old, the interior of the 2020 Ford Transit is as modern and comfortable as any pickup or SUV. The front seats are wide and supportive, the dash intelligently designed and easy to use and there are storage compartments everywhere"- KBB

Design and Styling

The Transit is just like any other box on the wheels, nothing special. What's different is that it comes with Ford's grill and reliability factor. The long nose hood and tall body sum up Transit's exterior look. The exterior is not arresting but its better than the subpar interior. Though it's a commercial vehicle, Ford treats the Transit like aby other automobile offering form its stable. There are a number of color options like Race red, Blue Jeans, and Green Gem and more.

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

Curb weight (lbs.)

2788

5819

4696

5158

Length(in)

219.9

240.6

233.5

224.1

Width(in)

81.3

99.5

92.3

79.2

Height(in)

83.6

83.9

96.3

84.6

Ground clearance (in)

N/A

N/A

N/A

7.1

Wheelbase (in)

129.9

146.1

144

135.0

Track width (in) F/R

N/A

68.7/68.9

N/A

N/A

Dimensions and Weight

The Euro boxy design is big and customizable and the Transit continues the tradition. The basic cargo van is 219 inches long, 81.3 inches wide, and 83.6 inches tall, which is not a noteworthy number. Other vans like Mercedes Sprinter, GMC, Savana, and even the Nissan NV are much bigger in size. What they are not is light, the Transit's weight is lower than what other vans weigh in the segment. It also has a rather short wheelbase of 129 inches long makes it more maneuverable.

Exterior Features

  • Grille, Carbon Black with Carbon Black surround
  • Headlamps, Halogen with Black Trim
  • Windshield Wipers, Variable interval intermittent
  • Mirrors Short Arm - Power
  • Roof Marker Lamps - Included on dual-rear-wheel models
  • Front License Plate Bracket
  • AutoLamp with Rain-Sensing Wipers
  • Running Board - (Not available with Dual Sliding Side Cargo Doors)

Safety
7.0/10

IIHS and NHTSA haven't tested the Transit for safety, though there is nothing worrying about the Transit. Last year, the boxy van had a 4-star frontal crash test rating earned from NHTSA, however, IIHS is yet to rate the Transit. The core safety equipment like airbags, stability control system, Rearview cameras are standard in the Transit. There are no packaged for safety or significant independent safety features for the Transit.

Safety Feature

  • Airbags, Driver, and Passenger
  • Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags
  • Brakes - Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
  • Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL)
  • Safety belts - Three-point, all positions
  • Rear View Camera with Trailer Hitch Assist
  • SOS Post-Crash Alert System (distress call w/airbag deployment when ordered with SYNC)
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (SRW only)

Competition
7.0/10

Nissan NV Cargo Vs Ford Transit Cargo

Nissan NV is a strong offering in the boxy van category but its not enough to beat Ford. Ford's reliability is one thing plus the Transit's package as a whole is too savvy to miss. Nissan tries to match the Transit and puts up a good fight though not enough to overcome Ford. Power on the Nissan is lower than the Transit and so is the cargo volume. What the NV offers is low price and that is the only thing which makes a difference. People who run on a budget will like the Nissan NV more, the latter will go for the Transit.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter Cargo Vs Ford Transit Cargo

Sprinter was revived from the dead with a new face, power, and interior. The van manages to ferry cargo in style, it's literally the Mercedes Benz of cargo vans. Its price is a little bit higher than the Transit but that's justified. Mercedes delivers you a fine boxy van, they infused their luxury accent to a bit and also keep the utilitarian factor alive. Sprinter has everything to become the next big thing and it will be if Ford didn't do anything. The only place where Sprinter fails to perform is power, else it's a fine option.

Final Verdict

The Ford Transit is called the segment leader for a reason. It's to the point and trumps functionality over everything else. The class-leading power and the highly customizable option aids the fact. The standard Transit might not be the most utilitarian but that doesn't stop Ford or adding more layers. You can avail a maximum cargo volume of 487 cubic feet which is beyond impressive in the trucking worlds.

The Transit's price might be higher than some vans but it's apt for what you are getting.

Trims

    150
    $34,510 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 262 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    250
    $35,460 onwards
    • Low speed pre-collision system
    • Siriusxm satellite radio
    • Tire pressure monitoring system
    350
    $36,710 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl RWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 262 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    T-250
    $38,820 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl AWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 262 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    T-350
    $39,135 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl RWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 262 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    XL
    $40,180 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl RWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 262 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 17 mpg
    350 XL
    $41,035 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl RWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 210 hp @ 3750 rpm hp
    • Torque: 369 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -
    150 XL
    $41,630 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl RWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 262 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 17 mpg
    150 XLT
    $42,060 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl RWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 262 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 17 mpg
    350 XLT
    $42,920 onwards
    • Engine: 3.5L 6cyl RWD 10A
    • Horsepower: 275 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 262 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: -

Compare to similar cars

Price

$32,900- $54,340

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.86

Horsepower

315 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque

460 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

Capacity

14

Read Review

$34,900- $39,700

Gasoline

6.85

276 hp @ 5200 rpm

298 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

12

Read Review

$27,180- $33,580

Gasoline

7.36

208 hp @ 5500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

2

Read Review

$24,275- $32,250

Gasoline

7.72

162 hp @ 6500 rpm

144 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

-

Read Review

$31,245- $41,095

Gasoline

6.96

280 hp @ 6400 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

2

Read Review

$32,000- $35,900

Gasoline

6.87

276 hp @ 5200 rpm

298 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

3

Read Review

$34,495- $62,820

Gasoline

8.27

188 hp @ 5000 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

3

Read Review

$30,140- $38,560

Gasoline

7.94

261 hp @ 5600 rpm

281 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

2

Read Review

$32,500- $37,000

Gasoline

5.97

341 hp @ 5400 rpm

298 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

3

Read Review

$36,400- $39,700

Gasoline

7.89

341 hp @ 5400 rpm

298 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

3

Read Review

2020 Ford Transit vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    12 sec--
    7.1 sec--
    7.8 sec--
    8.1 sec--
    8.2 sec--
    8.4 sec--

    2020 Ford Transit vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      14 mpg18 mpg16 mpg25 gal.-
      24 mpg27 mpg25 mpg15.8 gal.- -
      24 mpg26 mpg25 mpg31 gal.-
      24 mpg26 mpg25 mpg31 gal.-
      21 mpg24 mpg22 mpg18.5 gal.388.5/444 mi.
      19 mpg25 mpg22 mpg24 gal.-

      2020 Ford Transit vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        219.9 in.81.3 in.82.3 in.-129.9 in.
        244.05 in.79.25 in.84.25 in.8.6 in.19.95 in.
        240.6 in.79.9 in.83.9 in.8.1 in.146.1 in.
        233.5 in.92.3 in.96.5 in.8.1 in.144.3 in.
        224.1 in.79.3 in.84.8 in.8.6 in.135.2 in.
        224.05 in.79.25 in.84.75 in.8.6 in.135.15 in.

        2020 Ford Transit vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          246.7 cu.ft.162.5 cu.ft.280.9 cu.ft.
          56.3 cu.ft.167.1 cu.ft.123.2 cu.ft.
          239.4 cu.ft.149.8 cu.ft.76.5 cu.ft.
          239.4 cu.ft.101.4 cu.ft.270.4 cu.ft.
          319 cu.ft.-35.5 cu.ft.
          183 cu.ft.-183 cu.ft.

          2020 Ford Transit vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            75.2 cu.ft.246.7 cu.ft.280.9 cu.ft.79 ft.
            16.7 cu.ft.239.4 cu.ft.15.5 cu.ft.-
            16.7 cu.ft.234.1 cu.ft.234.1 cu.ft.-
            76.5 cu.ft.239.4 cu.ft.76.5 cu.ft.-
            41 cu.ft.239.4 cu.ft.270.4 cu.ft.79 ft.
            -259 cu.ft.--

            2020 Ford Transit vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              7500 lbs.4030 lbs.5410 lbs.
              10000 lbs.4282 lbs.5318 lbs.
              10000 lbs.3280 lbs.5093 lbs.
              10000 lbs.3280 lbs.5093 lbs.
              9600 lbs.2550 lbs.5830 lbs.
              6910 lbs.4000 lbs.4554 lbs.

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