The Ford Transit is one of the most capable vehicles on the road today. Our test van came in the 14-passenger, heavy-duty, high-roof, extra-long, dual-rear-wheel configuration. That's a mouthful, but what it means is that it can hold maximum cargo, transport large groups with ease, and tow a big trailer. Under the hood is an impressive turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, and inside is the easy-to-use Sync infotainment system. There are some drawbacks, such as poor fuel economy and a less-than-ideal driving position, but the Transit is still a runaway class leader.
Jared Gall started his career in the auto industry in 2001 with an internship at Car and Driver. He has written and edited many thousands of car reviews, technological deep-dives, industry analyses, and personality profiles. He is a correspondent at Edmunds and still has the 1969 Chevrolet C20 he dragged out of his parents' barn and drove until Car and Driver started giving him cars to evaluate.
Pros
Many configurations offered
Strong acceleration from turbocharged V6 engine
Pleasant road manners for a van
Infotainment system is easy to use
Cons
A bit less towing capability than some rival vans
Turbocharged V6 is thirsty
What's new
Cruise control and push-button start now standard
Short wheelbase no longer available
Minor changes to standard and available equipment
Part of the first Transit generation introduced for 2015
Overview
One of the few full-size vans left on the market, the Transit is likely to end up dressed in an airport shuttle-service livery. But it can also be conscripted for duty as a school or church bus, or serve buyers who simply want a lot of seats and more cargo space than a minivan or full-size SUV can provide. Offered in two lengths and three roof heights, with a choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged V6s and available all-wheel drive, the Transit can be configured to fill the needs of anyone with a lot of people to move.
Edmunds spotlight: Dimensions from another dimension
Some of the Transit's specifications seem like they come from a different world — because they do. While anybody with a driver's license can pilot one, Ford's big van straddles the consumer and commercial worlds. In its extended-length, high-roof configuration, the Transit can seat 15 passengers in five rows — two up front, then three rows of three, and four across in the back — and still offer 100 cubic feet of cargo space behind the fifth row. That's only 5 cubic feet shy of what a Ford Expedition can accommodate with the second- and third-row seats stowed. And the Transit can handle payloads or trailers in excess of 4,000 pounds.
Competitors to consider
The Transit's eclectic competitive set includes Chevrolet, GMC, Ram and Mercedes-Benz, but the full-size van market is a unique one. The Chevrolet Express and its GMC Savana twin are the last of the body-on-frame vans that were popular in the U.S. for decades, and they're still powered by V8s. But they're available in fewer configurations than the rest of the class, and they haven't significantly changed in nearly 30 years. The Ram ProMaster comes in just one size for passenger applications. Mercedes-Benz established the template for modern vans in this class with the Sprinter, which, like the Transit, can be had in multiple lengths and roof heights.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Ford Transit is one of the most capable vehicles on the road today. Our test van came in the 14-passenger, heavy-duty, high-roof, extra-long, dual-rear-wheel configuration. That's a mouthful, but what it means is that it can hold maximum cargo, transport large groups with ease, and tow a big trailer. Under the hood is an impressive turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, and inside is the easy-to-use Sync infotainment system. There are some drawbacks, such as poor fuel economy and a less-than-ideal driving position, but the Transit is still a runaway class leader.
How does the Transit Passenger Van drive? The turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 gives the Transit plenty of character. Acceleration is easy and smooth around town thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission, and when you need to climb a mountain or speed away from the light, the EcoBoost engine has you covered. At our test track, the Transit sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds. That's really moving for a vehicle this large and heavy.
Typical braking feels easy and responsive, but the Transit took a bit longer to make panic stops than other vans we've tested in this class. The Transit's steering gives you a decent feel for the road and easily returns to center after turning. Handling is a bit of a shocker since this giant van is actually pretty fun to drive, even if you haven't converted it into a party bus.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Transit Passenger Van? The Transit offers a surprisingly good ride, even in the heavy-duty 14-passenger configuration. Most big bumps are soaked up, and only the sharpest of impacts make their way into the cabin. Road and wind noise is pretty noticeable due to the big profile, but that's to be expected. Even so, it's not as loud as some competitors.
The driver's seat, while a bit awkwardly positioned, is supportive and comfortable on long trips. The rear seats are a bit flatter and less comfortable, but they're totally acceptable for a heavy-duty van. The climate control system keeps the cavernous cabin cool on hot days, and optional heated front seats warm up nicely on colder days.
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How’s the interior? Climbing into and out of a large van like the Transit will always be a bit difficult, but the wide-opening front and side doors make it easier. Once you're inside, the driver controls are well laid out, with large knobs for the climate control and intuitive buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel. And unless you're loading in 14 NFL linebackers, the cabin should be roomy enough for almost any group.
The driving position is a low point for the Transit, offering a sort of top-down view of the dash, with a long reach to the steering wheel for taller drivers. Forward visibility is excellent, but a big pillar behind the driver obscures the immediate view to the side. The blind-spot warning system helps a great deal here. A high-mounted wide-angle rearview camera and big side mirrors also help in getting this big van into relatively tight spaces.
Technology
8.0/10
How’s the tech? Ford's optional Sync infotainment system is a must-have in the Transit. It has a clear 8-inch display for the navigation screen, easy-to-use voice controls, and smartphone integration for both Apple and Android devices. The eight-speaker stereo that comes with the Sync system isn't as impressive, but it gets the job done. Six USB ports and two 12-volt outlets should keep most of your devices charged too.
A number of driver aids are available on the Transit. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning systems come standard. Adaptive cruise control is optional, as is a split-view front camera. Both performed adequately during our test.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? The massive dimensions of the high-roof, long-wheelbase Transit allow for a great deal of interior storage. Under the seats, there's plenty of room for luggage, and small items can be stored in a number of front cubbies. The cupholders are large, deep and numerous, lining the cabin for all those late-night 14-person fast-food runs. As many as 11 car seats can be loaded in, though attaching them to the lower tethers might be a bit time-consuming.
Maximum payload and towing capacities for the Transit are above 4,000 pounds.
Fuel Economy
6.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? What the Transit gains in performance with the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 it loses in fuel economy. Based on its heavy-duty status, the Transit isn't rated for fuel economy by the EPA, but during our test we weren't able to crest 13 mpg, even on long highway stretches.
Value
7.0/10
Is the Transit Passenger Van a good value? The Transit is priced competitively, offering similar equipment as rivals, and many of the Transit's options are stand-alone, so you can pick and choose what you need. Our dual-rear-wheel heavy-duty test van came with options including adaptive cruise control and Ford's excellent Sync infotainment system. The final price was close to $60,000. A similarly equipped Sprinter will run you about the same price but doesn't offer some of Ford's safety aids.
A three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and roadside assistance coverage for five years/60,000 miles are standard. It's worth noting that paint repair damage from "airborne metals" is also covered for the first year, up to 12,000 miles.
Wildcard
7.5/10
When you consider the Transit's utility capabilities, it's impressive how well it behaves on curvy roads. The power is fun, and the handling is good enough to stop you from being the guy who's holding up the line when you're going up a mountain road. The Transit is a workhorse, but its styling isn't overly boring or boxy.
Which Transit Passenger Van does Edmunds recommend?
For a small upcharge, the XLT includes useful standard features like a 12-inch central touchscreen, Sync 4 interface, blind-spot assist and reclining rear seats (except the back row). It also opens up options such as power-adjustable heated front seats that aren't available on the XL.
Ford Transit Passenger Van models
The 2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van is a full-size van available in two body lengths, three roof heights, and with single or dual rear wheels. A 3.5-liter V6 (275 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque) is standard, and a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (310 horsepower, 400 lb-ft) is available. Both are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Two trim levels are offered, XL and XLT. Highlights of each are listed below.
Standard features on the XL include:
16-inch steel wheels
Black front bumper
Sliding passenger-side door
Power-adjustable exterior mirrors
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Vinyl flooring
Remote keyless entry
Power windows
Power door locks
12-passenger (standard length) or 15-passenger (extended length) seating
Cruise control
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning
Cloth seats
4-inch audio display
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
Connected services including Ford Telematics for fleet operations
Five USB ports
Eight stereo speakers
Crosswind stabilization assist
Ford's Co-Pilot360 package of driver assistance systems is standard and includes:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Automatic high-beam headlights
The XLT adds:
Body-color front bumper
Foglights
Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals
Full-length carpeting
Reclining rear seats (except for the back row)
Larger center console with increased storage space
Sync 4 infotainment system with 12-inch touchscreen
Voice recognition
Subscription-based navigation
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning and trailer coverage (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Front and rear cameras
Many options are available, including:
Upgraded axle ratios
Extended-range 31-gallon fuel tank
Integrated trailer brake controller (allows adjustment of a trailer's brakes from the cabin)
Aluminum wheels
Digital rearview mirror (creates unobstructed rear view with rear-mounted camera)
Dark-tinted privacy glass
60/40-split hinged passenger-side door (low roof)
Power running boards
Power-sliding side door
Remote engine ignition
Automatic climate control
10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats
Additional driver assistance upgrades include:
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out of the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Transit and the car in front)
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Transit and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
The Transit offers a few option packages that bundle features for specific purposes. They include:
2019 Ford Transit Passenger Van 150 XLT Medium Roof 3dr Van (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
The wheel well blocks where one would comfortably put their left foot while driving. The only way to extend your left leg is to put it right beside your right leg. I can not get comfortable driving this van! Also, the rear wheel drive is useless in snow, don't even try! So gutless my accelerator pedal broke off. The side door has dents in it because it's so hard to close properly. The … 2022 model has small cup holders and the back up camera is small and in the dashboard, making it very hard to see.
Great van, but trouble with drive train
2 out of 5 stars
Jeff, 12/30/2020
2019 Ford Transit Passenger Van 150 XL Low Roof 3dr Van w/Sliding Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
2019 Transit 150 van. 11,000 miles. Terrible vibration/ drone at highway speeds. Under warranty. Took to dealer near me drive shaft and damper installed per service bulletin from Ford. Still has vibration / drone. Will take it back again Monday.
I do like the van. It is everything I wanted except for the frustrating drive train issue. I hope I can get it fixed.
2020 Ford Transit Passenger Van 350 XL Low Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
I simply like the size, I removed all the passenger seats and the van is huge
Trouble trouble trouble
1 out of 5 stars
Mike C, 11/11/2021
2020 Ford Transit Passenger Van 350 XL High Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 10A)
Truck is only one year old and it's diesel engine is pouring out oil, over heating and pissing anti freeze. Truck spent 40 days in shop and things only got worst. Been told can not bring to any other Ford dealer. This is my business Truck this cost me money and lost jobs. Thanks for all your help Ford, not. Not even worth one star.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van, so we've included reviews for other years of the Transit Passenger Van since its last redesign.
Key safety features on the Transit Passenger Van include:
Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
3 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
2 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
3 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
26.7%
FAQ
Is the Ford Transit Passenger Van a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Transit Passenger Van both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Transit Passenger Van gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 10 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Transit Passenger Van ranges from 100.5 to 85.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ford Transit Passenger Van. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van:
Cruise control and push-button start now standard
Short wheelbase no longer available
Minor changes to standard and available equipment
Part of the first Transit generation introduced for 2015
To determine whether the Ford Transit Passenger Van is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Transit Passenger Van. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Transit Passenger Van's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Transit Passenger Van and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Transit Passenger Van gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 10 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Transit Passenger Van is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van?
The least-expensive 2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van is the 2024 Ford Transit Passenger Van 350 XL Low Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $53,620.
Other versions include:
350 XL Low Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $53,620
350 XL Medium Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $54,500
350 XL High Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $55,220
350 XLT Low Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $55,385
350 XLT Medium Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $56,260
350 HD XL High Roof 3dr Ext Van DRW w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $56,285
350 XLT High Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $56,985
350 XL Low Roof 3dr Van AWD w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $57,815
350 HD XLT High Roof 3dr Ext Van DRW w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $58,035
350 XL Medium Roof 3dr Van AWD w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $58,695
350 XL High Roof 3dr Van AWD w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $59,415
350 XLT Low Roof 3dr Van AWD w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $59,580
350 XLT Medium Roof 3dr Van AWD w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $60,450
350 XLT High Roof 3dr Van AWD w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $61,175
350 HD XL High Roof 3dr Ext Van AWD DRW w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $62,415
350 HD XLT High Roof 3dr Ext Van AWD DRW w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) which starts at $64,175
What are the different models of Ford Transit Passenger Van?
If you're interested in the Ford Transit Passenger Van, the next question is, which Transit Passenger Van model is right for you? Transit Passenger Van variants include 350 XL Low Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A), 350 XL Medium Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A), 350 XL High Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A), and 350 XLT Low Roof 3dr Van w/148" WB (3.5L 6cyl 10A). For a full list of Transit Passenger Van models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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