2016 Ford Transit Van Review
2016 Ford Transit Van Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Numerous available configurations
- strong and fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel engines
- pleasant road manners for a van.
Cons
- Lack of available V8 engine may be a turn-off for traditional van buyers.
What’s new
The 2016 Ford Transit Van gets a rearview camera with tow-hitch assist as standard equipment, while an optional Sync 3 infotainment system replaces the much-maligned MyFord Touch system. Dual sliding side doors are newly available for the full model year. Also, Ford now offers auxiliary fuse panels and a single absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery as options to meet the additional power requirements of van upfitters.
Edmunds says
With a wide variety of configurations, a choice of powerful and fuel-efficient engines and easygoing driving manners, the feature-rich 2016 Ford Transit Van offers exceptional refinement and flexibility for a full-size cargo van.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 Ford Transit Van 150 Low Roof 3dr Cargo Van w/130" WB, 60/40 Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not Available for Transit Van 150 Low Roof
Transit Van 150 Low Roof
vs
$295/mo
Avg. Midsize Van
Vehicle overview
The large cargo van market has been evolving for some years now as a new generation of maneuverable, fuel-efficient models replaces the trucklike old guard. Perhaps the most prominent example is the 2016 Ford Transit Van, an impressive vehicle that enters its second year of production as the all-around champ in this segment.
The modest improvements to the 2016 Transit Van are aimed at optimizing an already winning formula. On the technology front, the big news is that Ford has ditched its touchy MyFord Touch infotainment system in favor of Sync 3, which boasts a streamlined touchscreen interface that's more user-friendly. Upfitters should be pleased by the newly optional AGM battery (gasoline engines only) and auxiliary fuse panels, as these additions make it easier to meet the extra power requirements of modified vans. Everyone, moreover, will enjoy the newly standard rearview camera, a tacit acknowledgement by Ford that any vehicle this large ought to have an extra set of eyes out back.
The driving experience, a big plus with the 2015 model, is unchanged for 2016. The Transit Van's cockpit is bright and open, sight lines are superb and the seats are comfortable and supportive. Unlike the relatively primitive American vans of yesteryear, the 2016 Transit Van boasts responsive steering, a refined ride and a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. But make no mistake: This van can still roll up its sleeves and get to work; it's just a whole lot more pleasant to pilot than its predecessors.
There are several comparably modern cargo vans on the market, led by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the one that started the shift away from boxy, truck-based beasts. It offers loads of flexibility and an agreeable driving character, but it's also expensive and lacks the engine choices of the Ford. The 2016 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van features similarly European styling, but it offers only one roof height and is the only direct rival with front-wheel drive. Nissan's NV Cargo Van sticks with a truck frame and offers a V8 engine option, but has fewer body styles and less versatility overall. In sum, there's actually a wide field of candidates if you're in the market for a full-size cargo van, but the 2016 Ford Transit Van should be at the top of any shopper's list.
Performance & mpg
The base engine in the 2016 Ford Transit Van is a 3.7-liter V6 delivering 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. All Transit Vans are rear-wheel drive and come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with Ford's SelectShift manual mode.
Upgrades include a turbocharged 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel rated at 185 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 capable of 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is standard on all dual-rear-wheel vans. A CNG/propane engine prep package option is available for the 3.7-liter V6.
Payloads and towing capacities vary with each model, ranging from 2,740 pounds to 4,560 pounds for payload and from 4,200 pounds to 7,500 pounds for towing when properly equipped.
Because of the rules governing commercial vehicles, there's only limited fuel economy data on the Transit available from the EPA. The regular-wheelbase Transit Wagon passenger van with the 3.7-liter V6 is EPA-rated at 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway). The same model powered by the 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 is good for the same numbers.
Safety
All Transit Vans get stability control, antilock brakes and frontal, side curtain and front side-impact airbags and a rearview camera as standard equipment. Rear parking sensors and a lane-departure warning system are options; note that the latter is included with the Sync 3 infotainment upgrade.
The Transit Van has not been given an overall crash-test safety or rollover protection rating, but in government testing, the Transit Wagon passenger van was awarded four out of five stars for front crash protection and five stars for side crash protection.
Driving
The first thing drivers will notice is that the 2016 Ford Transit Van handles the road in a way no truck-based van could hope to match. The steering responds easily and gives feedback more like a family car than a full-size truck. A relatively tight turning circle is another welcome attribute of the Transit. Well-managed road and wind noise make the Transit's cabin quieter than the norm for full-size vans, although pelting rain hammers the roof and can generate noise in the wheelwells and cavernous cargo bay.
The Transit's standard 3.7-liter V6 has respectable power but may be a bit lacking for those planning to transport a lot of heavy cargo on a regular basis. The turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 is a different animal, as it effortlessly propels even a fully loaded Transit. The 3.2-liter diesel is quiet and gutsy, though it ultimately lacks the oomph of the 3.5-liter V6. Like the other two engines, it cooperates almost invisibly with the standard six-speed automatic transmission.
Interior
A big advantage of the 2016 Ford Transit Van compared to the old E-Series van is the generously low step-in height. No more climbing and clambering over wide sills to enter the cabin, and there's no need to use the rear bumper as a stair when stepping inside the cargo area either, thanks to a low floor. The tall center console, close-to-hand gear selector and easy-to-access audio and climate controls work in harmony to make the drive go more smoothly. If you care about the latest infotainment technology, the simplified Sync 3 interface offers myriad improvements over last year's MyFord Touch system; what's more, the available USB port has been moved for 2016 from low on the center console to a more accessible position above the cupholders.
The extended-length version of the 2016 Transit on the 148-inch wheelbase can carry 14-foot lengths of pipe or lumber with the doors shut. The shortest version of the van, on the standard 130-inch wheelbase, can carry items up to 10 feet in length with the doors closed. Workers up to 6 feet, 5 inches tall can stand upright in the high-roof Transit Van. Full 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood can lay flat inside all but the models equipped with the optional dual rear wheels.
Cargo area volume runs from 246.7 cubic feet in the low-roof, standard-wheelbase model to a whopping 487.3 cubic feet for the long-wheelbase, extended-length van.
2016 Ford Transit Van models
The 2016 Ford Transit Van is offered in a single trim level. There are standard- and long-wheelbase models as well as low-, medium- and high-roof body styles. An extended-length body can be had on the long-wheelbase chassis. Depending on the configuration, the Transit also can be selected to handle increasing gross vehicle weight ratings: Transit 150, Transit 250 and Transit 350.
Standard equipment for the Transit Van includes 16-inch steel wheels, a rearview camera, a hinged passenger-side door (sliding on medium- and high-roof), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, front air-conditioning, vinyl front seats, cargo-area tie-down loops and a two-speaker stereo with an auxiliary input jack.
Options can be ordered alone or come as part of packages. Highlights include long-arm exterior mirrors, various window choices, different axle ratios, dual sliding rear cargo doors, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a lane-departure warning system, remote engine start, rear air-conditioning, LED cargo area lighting, a spray-in liner for the cargo area, Ford Telematics, Ford's Sync voice controls with a 4-inch multifunction display and USB connectivity or the Sync 3 infotainment interface with navigation, HD and satellite radio and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. A heavy-duty trailering package is also offered.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Ford Transit Van.
5 star(7%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(22%)
2 star(22%)
1 star(30%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2 out of 5 stars
No Ford, no problem
FCNI, 09/13/2016
2016 Ford Transit Van 250 Low Roof 3dr Cargo Van w/130" WB, 60/40 Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
Front passenger shock absorber replaced within a month of the purchase. The same thing happened to me today, Sep 12, 2016 with 6993 miles. The Van accelerator stop responding, all instrument lights flashing like a xmas tree, beeping sounds....towed the Van to a near Ford dealer, waiting to hear back from the dealer tomorrow. First and last Ford.
2 out of 5 stars
Another ford lemon
Disappointed, 11/29/2016
2016 Ford Transit Van 250 Low Roof 3dr Cargo Van w/148" WB, 60/40 Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
Thought this would be real nice after all the issues with a transit connect, well it looks nice and has the space needed for a work truck, however it has had weird electrical issues that come and go, Bluetooth randomly won't connect to my phone. Once it had to be reset "by the dealer" at 38,000 miles. Now just over 40k, throttle body needed. Once again ford has convinced a small business … their vehicles are worth owning...wrong. Ford has and always will be the WORST most unreliable domestic vehicle brand available...more crap in a new wrapper. Pay more for anything else and don't risk your life everyday driving (or trying to) this junk.
UPDATE 6/1/17 so the throttle body failure was a common issue, parts back ordered. Got replacement, told by dealer it's all fixed, still stalls while driving, back to the lemon grove. 4 throttle bodies and 45 days later it runs correctly again. UNREAL that a company would put a consumer through this. I threatened them that it should be replaced under lemon law. So now at 56k miles, only major issue is Bluetooth forgets my phone once every couple weeks, reconnects usually. About every 6 weeks it doesnt, I reset the system by disconnect battery for 3 minutes. Then add phone back and reconnect.. spend your money elsewhere.
2 out of 5 stars
Big investment, bigger disappointment
Jimmy, 03/06/2018
2016 Ford Transit Van 250 Medium Roof 3dr Cargo Van w/148" WB, Sliding Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
Self employed HVAC installer. I opted for the 3.5 eco boost turbo. Wow if it wasn’t for the endless power, I would be out of my mind angry. 12 mpg...Too many problems for a new vehicle. First, the hesitation when shifting into reverse. Annoying. Then the interior lights won’t go off if doors are left open. They’re supposed to. After Ford replaced the Bcm, still on. Had to get a lot of … jump starts. Then tore the front of the interior apart! A piece of the wiring harnesses missing... can’t communicate w/ Bcm. (Body cntrl module) Ford still trying to figure out what to do. The little things: drive shaft flex coupling has to be replaced every 30,000 miles, rear brakes wore at 20,000 mls. Have to pull axle out to replace pads, tires wear out fast, very involved job aligning front end! Seam in drivers door blocks mirror, backup camera screen too small, storage is poorly designed (stuff falls of/out) it goes on and on...wort thing: this is my source of income. Every time it goes to the dealer I sit and loose money....
1 out of 5 stars
Rear diff bad
Look elsewhere, 03/18/2017
2016 Ford Transit Van 250 Medium Roof 3dr Cargo Van w/148" WB, Sliding Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
Blown out differential, 22,000. Drive shaft coupling clacked at 33,000. Brake pads wear fast. Water in air filter when it rains due to poor design. Still no real fix for this. Will cost you money in down time.
2016 Transit Van Highlights
150 Low Roof
Base MSRP | $30,960 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 246.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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