Select a year
- Highs Long list of standard and available driver-assistance features, cabin is quiet and modern, smooth handling.
- Lows Steeper base price than some rivals, some competing models provide longer warranty coverage, some competitors have greater payload capability.
- Verdict With its pleasant driving dynamics and up-to-date amenities, the Transit is a top choice among full-size vans.
Overview
Work vans don't get much better than the 2020 Ford Transit. This hauler is available as a passenger van, cargo van, or crew van, and it provides modern driver-assistance features that can help keep you safe on the road. The Transit delivers smooth handling, and its cabin does an excellent job of keeping road noise at bay. This full-size Ford van is offered in myriad configurations, giving you the ability to choose a model that's an exact match for your needs. Vans such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offer greater payload capability, and the Transit has a steeper base price than some rivals. Overall, though, this Ford shines as a top choice in its segment.
What's New for 2020?
The Ford Transit gets a host of upgrades for the 2020 model year. All-wheel drive is now available, and passenger and cargo vans get exterior updates such as a new power-sliding door. The van gets a new and improved powertrain lineup, and it also adds standard driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. The 2020 Transit also benefits from interior updates such as new grab handles and vents. Finally, a crew van joins the Ford Transit lineup. It can carry five people in two rows of seating, and it's built for owners who want to move larger crews and their gear to a job site.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The base-model Ford Transit cargo van T-150 comes with a generous selection of standard features, and we think it will be a great fit for many buyers. This van rides on 16-inch steel wheels, and it comes with exterior features such as power-adjustable sideview mirrors and a split swing-out rear door for easy cargo access. A four-way adjustable driver's seat and a manually adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column are on hand to help you get comfy behind the wheel. The list of standard equipment includes amenities such as Bluetooth connectivity, dual USB ports, and air conditioning. Additionally, all 2020 Ford Transit vans come with driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning. We'd include the optional blind-spot monitoring ($595) for safer lane changes. That addition brings the total cost of the Transit cargo van T-150 to $36,600.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Ford's Transit is offered with two powertrains. The base engine is a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 that provides 275 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. There's also a turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 available; it's the only engine to carry over from the 2019 model, and it generates 310 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The 2020 Transit is capable of towing up to 7500 pounds, and it can accommodate a payload of up to 4530 pounds. The Mercedes Sprinter offers more robust payload capabilities. In our testing, a Transit with the turbocharged V-6 made it from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. That makes it quicker than a Nissan NV that we tested; that van completed the sprint in 7.5 seconds. The Transit's suspension is tuned to deliver a forgiving ride quality that you'll appreciate during daily commutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Full-size vans such as the Transit are exempt from federal fuel-economy standards. As a result, this van hasn't been tested by the Environmental Protection Agency. As is the case with many full-size vans, the Transit isn't exactly a leader in fuel efficiency. In our time with this Ford hauler, we logged 17 mpg on our 200-mile highway test route with the turbocharged V-6.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Ford offers the Transit with a variety of roof heights and wheelbase lengths, and this allows you to tailor the cabin size to fit your needs. The Transit passenger wagon seats up to 15 passengers. The van's cabin design is slick and contemporary, taking cues from the 2020 Ford Explorer. The Transit's interior is quiet at highway speeds, shielding passengers from road noise.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base Transit is equipped with features such as a four-speaker sound system, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, and a 4.0-inch multi-function display. All models come with a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows your passengers to enjoy easy connectivity. The options list includes an 8.0-inch display screen, integrated navigation, Sirius XM satellite radio, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The 2020 Ford Transit hasn't received an overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, Ford has equipped this van with driver-assistance features that can help to prevent accidents. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Transit provides adequate warranty protection. Still, you'll get longer coverage with the Nissan NV and its five-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
