2021 Ford Transit Crew Van Review: Continuing To Impress

It is hard for something as nondescript as a van to stand out, but the 2021 Ford Transit Crew Van remains one of the most popular in its segment in the USA. This isn't because it has the most space, the highest towing capacity, or plenty of creature comforts. Both the Ram ProMaster and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter beat it in some of these categories. Instead, it's the Ford's all-around balance and versatility that make it so successful. You get the choice of two engines: both are 3.5-liter six-cylinder units, one naturally aspirated and the other twin-turbocharged. With access to up to 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, it is more than capable of moving both people and stuff. Various body styles allow for evolving seating and cargo configurations, and a few new updates just a year into its first generation will likely see the 2021 Transit Crew Van continue to sell well and punch above its price bracket.

Transit Crew Van Exterior

Dimensions

Transit Crew Van Performance

Engine and Transmission

The 2021 Ford Transit Crew Van gets the same engine options as the Cargo Van, starting with a 3.5-liter nat-asp V6 that's good for 275 hp and 262 lb-ft. The maximum payload capacity with this power plant is 4,230 pounds when fitted with dual-rear wheels in extended length configuration. With the shorter wheelbase and RWD, you can tow up to 6,000 lbs.

The more capable motor is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, which uses twin-turbocharging to increase outputs to 310 hp and 400 lb-ft. With this, the van feels quite sprightly around town, even when fully laden. The stop-start function can be a bit tedious, but it improves fuel economy. The performance bestowed by this gas engine includes a maximum payload of 4,120 lbs and towing of up to 6,500 lbs, depending on drivetrain and body configuration. Regardless of which motor you chose, a 10-speed automatic transmission rows the gears. Rear-wheel drive is standard and enables the best capabilities, but all-wheel drive is an option. This provides benefits in poor weather areas at the cost of utility.

Transit Crew Van Interior

Transit Crew Van Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2021 Ford Transit Crew Van A Good Van?

Cars for commercial use will always be a necessity, but that doesn't mean fleet owners need to settle for whatever is on offer. The Ford Transit has garnered a reputation for reliability and capability. The Crew Van is the latest addition to the lineup and seems to be living up to the legacy. Like its siblings, it is highly customizable, with two engines to choose from and multiple body lengths and roof heights. You can even double up the rear wheels for particularly heavy lifting. However, the Crew Van's strength doesn't lie in how much work it can do alone. It was designed to move both people and cargo. There is seating for up to five inside, in relative comfort, and there's still room in the back for tools and the like. Yes, it isn't the best at everything, with fewer creature comforts than a Mercedes Sprinter and lower towing figures than the Chevrolet Express, but the Transit earns praise for its ability to do everything quite well, and its cargo capacity is unmatched.

Its safety rating is uncertain, since the NHTSA review of the 2021 Ford Transit Crew Van only covered the frontal crash, and the three-star result is unimpressive. There were also a worrying number of recalls issued in the van's first year. That's not to say it's an unsafe vehicle, as it does come with a comprehensive driver-assist suite. Overall, there is no denying that Ford has a winning recipe here, and the Transit's track record is proof of that. The Crew Van is just another way to provide customers with more choices than ever, and it will no doubt be a hit among fleets and small business owners alike.

What Ford Transit Crew Van Model Should I Buy?

As with any commercial van, the best Transit Crew Van for you is not something we can recommend without knowing your specific needs. It is highly customizable, though, so you shouldn't struggle to find the perfect fit. You can choose a short, long wheelbase, or even extended body depending on how much space you need, and the roof can be lowered or raised to accommodate tool racks or unusual cargo. There are 5 doors as standard, but you can also customize how accessible the rear cargo bay is. What we can recommend, though, is adding some of the missing driver assists like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Considering the starting price of the 2021 Ford Transit Crew Van is already a reasonable $37,635, it would be money well spent.