by Michael Butler
Everyone knows someone who has owned a Ford Transit; that's how ubiquitous these vans are, offering the seating capacity that a regular car lacks. The 2020 Ford Transit Passenger Van is one of the most versatile vehicles in its class in the US and is offered with two wheelbase options, an extended body option, and three roof heights. Competitors such as the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van might offer a slightly more refined experience, and the Nissan NV range might be cheaper, but no other city passenger van in this segment is quite as well-rounded as the Transit Passenger Van. Under the hood of this machine is a new 3.5-liter V6 gas engine producing 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a new 10-speed gearbox is also in play. The Transit family also sees a slew of technology updates for 2020, including standard lane keep assist and forward-collision warning.
Ford has given the 2020 Transit Passenger Van quite a few upgrades, the most notable being the addition of a new 3.5-liter V6. A ten-speed automatic transmission replaces the outgoing six-speed, and all-wheel drive is newly available. The 2020 Transit also boasts more standard driver-assist features that include lane keep assist and forward-collision warning. These features should help to bolster the big Ford's overall safety rating. This year, the interior is also improved with new vents and grab handles, the latter appreciated in a vehicle of this height.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
150 XL |
3.5L V6 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$40,180 |
350 XL |
2.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-4 Diesel
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
3.5L V6 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$41,035 |
150 XLT |
3.5L V6 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$42,060 |
350 XLT |
2.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-4 Diesel
3.5L V6 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$42,920 |
350 HD XLT |
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
3.5L V6 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
|
$47,040 |
Ford doesn't hold back when it comes to engine choices for the 2020 Ford Transit Passenger Van. There are a total of three powertrains on offer for this vehicle, starting with the newly introduced 3.5-liter gas V6 engine that produces 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine is a smooth operator and is more economical than the outgoing V6 option. For the performance-hungry, Ford offers another engine with 6 cylinders in the form of a 3.5L turbo that produces 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. With this extra power, the Transit Passenger Van will manage a 0 to 60 mph time of only 6.8 seconds according to independent tests. A 2.0-liter turbodiesel option is said to be on the horizon and should offer much better gas mileage. Both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options are on offer and a new ten-speed automatic transmission offers clean and well-timed shifts. The Transit Passenger Van can carry up to 3,420 pounds and has a maximum conventional towing capacity of up to 4,600 pounds.
Our review of the 2020 Ford Transit Passenger Van demonstrates that it has managed to remain relevant in a tough environment by offering a cleverly thought-out package that combines utilitarian necessities with a touch of comfort and modern convenience. A minivan is more comfortable for families but the Transit Passenger Van is massively configurable, which is a boon for those looking for a van as adaptable as their daily requirements. Under the hood, Ford's two gas engines and promised diesel unit provide excellent performance and decent fuel economy, while both RWD and AWD versions are available. On the inside, the Transit won't bowl you over with opulent luxury and impeccable build quality, but there's enough there to keep the driver and passengers comfortable, and optional tech such as the Sync 3 infotainment system makes living with this van so much easier. It does what it says on the box, and then some.
Do you need a passenger van to cart the kids around from school to soccer practice? Or does your growing business require a shuttle? The Transit Passenger Van has a model for both jobs and then some, along with an MSRP to suit your budget. If you're looking to transport a large number of people, the 15-seater XL will get the job done, but we recommend getting it with the twin-turbo V6 engine despite the extra cost. The eight-seater XLT is the perfect option for those who want a simple holiday cruiser with some good cargo space. Whichever version you go for, we'd recommend getting the optional Audio Pack that adds SiriusXM Bluetooth streaming, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, and an eight-speaker sound system. Of course, too many options will needlessly inflate the price of the 2020 Ford Transit Passenger Van.
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