2021 Ford Transit Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
For maximum people and cargo hauling in a vehicle with the blue oval, look no further than the Transit. Ford introduced the fourth-generation model for 2015 as the first Transit to be sold in North America, and it gave the model a midcycle face-lift for 2020 . It is positioned above the smaller Transit Connect and competes with other full-size vans including the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ram ProMaster, and Nissan NV.
What's New
- RV Prep package now available on cargo van
- Adaptive cruise control now standard on all engines with Motorhome Prep package
- Three new paint options
What We Think
In our recent test of the face-lifted AWD Transit, we found it to be an excellent cargo hauler. Its large barn doors, huge sliding door, and low floor made it easy to load a storage unit full of stuff. We especially appreciated the bright cargo area LEDs. The refreshed model is filled with useful features including giant cupholders, grippy rubber flooring, ice-cold air conditioning, and an easy-to-use infotainment system with clear Bluetooth sound quality. Cargo tie-downs are useful, but we wish there were some located above floor level.
The new 3.5-liter base engine is plenty powerful with help from a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Transit feels planted enough despite its narrow tires. It wanders a bit at speed like any van, though. Ride quality is decent considering the capability you get in return. We liked the optional adaptive cruise control, even if it only works at higher speeds. Our only major complaint was that having a Transit in the driveway seems to volunteer your time for countless van-related favors.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Ford offers Transit buyers a choice between two V-6 engine variants, both of which are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base 3.5-liter V-6 develops 275 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, but the optional upgraded version adds twin turbochargers for 310 hp and 400 lb-ft. Transits come standard with RWD but, as of last year's update, can now be ordered with AWD, as well.
For the 2020 model year, fuel economy numbers for the non-turbo V-6 read 14-15/19 mpg city/highway; the twin-turbo option has not been rated. When we tested a 2015 RWD model with the twin-turbo V-6, it hustled to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds.
2022 Ford E-Transit: The Electric Cargo Van
Although you can't buy one yet, Ford will begin selling the all-electric E-Transit van for the 2022 model year. The new variant will be RWD-only with a 266-hp and 317-lb-ft electric motor on the rear axle. With a 67-kWh battery back, Ford is targeting 126 miles of range in the case of the low-roof cargo van. Ford tells us pricing will start below $45,000.
Safety
Ford includes a host of driver-assist active safety features on every Transit. Automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beams are standard on all trims. Adaptive cruise control is available as a standalone option; blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional on the base Transit XL and standard on the XLT.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
As a full-size van, interior space is the best reason to buy a Transit. Passenger vans can seat between eight and 15 passengers, crew vans seat five, and cargo vans seat two. With regular, long, and extended-length bodies and low, medium, and high roof options, it's easy to configure the Transit to your needs. Maximum cargo capacity behind the first row of seats can measure as high as 487.3 cubic feet. Even in a 15-passenger extended-length Transit, there's 100.5 cubes behind the fifth row of seating. For bare-bones cargo hauling, the regular-length low-roof cargo van offers up to 280.9 cubic feet of volume if you're willing to remove the front passenger seat.
Technology
Entry-level Transits make do with a puny 4.0-inch infotainment display, but an 8.0-inch touchscreen version is available as an option. Regardless of screen size, all Transits feature Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi hotspot compatibility. A 4.2-inch instrument cluster display is also standard.
