I use your youtube videos as my white noise to help me sleep at night. also I am autistic. i like 15 passenger vans, and Airbus A321 aircraft as a hobby. i also like Yamaha stereo equipment. i hope you have a great weekend.
We got a mid roof 3.7 lwb 350 Transit a few months ago as a people hauler. So far it's been great. Been averaging about 16 mpg, even with lots of hills around us. If someone wants it as a passenger van I would definitely tell them to get the mid or high. Oh and spot on about it bringing a different driver out of you. Have to be super aware of how much is behind you!
THANK YOU for providing this excellently well-detailed review comparing the Transit with other, similar vans available here in the US. I hate the Glamor video ads which just show “ sexy” ( some idiot thinks) shots of the exterior and interior, usually accompanied by annoying music. I am the one buying my next car and I want FACTS-which are damned hard to find. these days.
I live and breathe vans. I drive expedited freight for a living, which means I driver slightly over 120,000 miles a year, and I sleep in my van 5 nights a week. I own 2 2014 Promasters, both short and long. The sum of it is that the Transit is probably the best all arounder in vans. The Promaster is slightly cheaper, the dealers are hornier to make a sale. The Promaster will, if babied, turn 22mpg in gas and 28 mpg in diesel. This is substantially better than the Ford. The Promaster is also killer in the snow, though a Transit with snow tires would be fine. The Transit is better built, more configurable, and probably more reliable in the long run (like 400,000 miles long). Ergonomics in the Promaster are quirky, but you get used to it and adapt. The Ford is more conventional and easy to get used to. As to the rest of the segment, the Benz is utter unreliable overpriced garbage. The Nissan is hopelessly outclassed. The Chevy van is tops for durability and towing, but that's about all it has going for it. Overall, I value fuel economy over everything else, so the Promaster was my pick for my fleet. But as far as living with/in it every day, the Transit is probably the best choice in vans. Resist the temptation and skip the Ecoboost - they get far worse mileage than advertised and they will cost a buttload more to keep running.
+Kip Amore The Nissan NV isn't bad, it's got the seating like a Transit and with the V8 it tows like an Express (not the Duramax but with an LS). I've driven the Express 2500 4.8 for work and it doesn't get as good of mileage as it should, the 6.0 has more power but doesn't do much worse in mileage. The older Econoline 4.6 we had did better on gas, got about 20mpg on the highway which is great for a 3/4 ton van. I like the Nissan because of it's engine layout, much easier to work on than a traditional van engine layout. Also like it because it comes with the high roof like the Transit so it's easy to walk around in. The Express and Econolines were terrible if you had to climb in the back often, had to crawl around or bend yourself at the waist to move around, not cool. For a cargo van, I'd go with a Nissan or Transit, also if I needed to transport a lot of people, Transit more so since it comes with 15 pass seating vs 12 for Nissan. For less like a regular family, I'd pick a minivan like a Sienna or my personal favorite, 2WD Suburban/Yukon XL.
+snakesonaplane2 I agree on most points. Expediters I talk to with the Nissan NV report mid 13s mpg, either with the V6 or V8. Plus the NV is somewhat clumsy compared to the other vans. Yeah it tows, but so does a pickup with a cap. And so does an Econoline or GM van. I once rented a brand spankin' new Chevy 15 pass Yoder Toter with a 5.3 LS. The returned high 19s no problem. I also drove a 6.0 for a while. Love the power, but it thirsty in the 15s. For regular family hauling, you simply cannot beat a minivan. Unfortunately, less choice these days. I rode in a Sienna last week that I was very impressed with. And the good ole' mopar minivans are still pretty good. My Promaster gets derided for having a minivan drivetrain, but who cares. Power is excessive, parts are cheap, engines are simple by modern standards. I've had good luck with mine; 140k on one and 120k on the other. Still, because of ease of service, I think the regular V6 Transit is the best of all worlds. The diesel isn't worth it, the Ecoboost is tempting for the torque but thirsty to drive.
+Kip Amore Well I would figure the Promaster would be the best in snow because it's the only front wheel drive option being compared - which would seem to be a negative in case you were towing, have a heavy payload, or on an incline. Admittedly I'm coming from a different direction in that I'm looking at RVs based on a van chassis, but from my perspective, it seems to me like the Promaster is an enlarged compact van in that it's a lot closer to it's max limits if it would be pushed to tow or be an RV. That is it say, it's a lighter-duty truck/van, so of course it's going to get less MPG.
+LozzerGuide You'd be surprised at how these things spec out. My promaster extended has 13'3" of floor behind the driver, hauls 4300 lbs, and tows 5000lbs, and will just touch 22mpg on gas. Compare that to a 1/2 ton pickup, or a chevy van. The transit is comparable, and you can get it in a dually if you want. The truth is modern snow tires trump fwd anyway. If I were building out a motor home, I'd go with a promaster chassis cab in gas and add my own body. I just passed on a still new on the lot 2014 promaster with a 14' Utilimaster box on it for under 30k. I believe the box was 14x7x7. Just a box with maple flooring. Sliding door from the cab to the box. If you want a real deal in motor homes, look for a Chinook or similar. 80s and early 90s built on a Toyota 1 ton dually pickup truck. Killer little rig. The same chassis was used for uhaul. Search used uhaul trucks in Inkster Michigan and theres a lot there that still probably has 30 of them for around $2000.
I just test drove the Dodge and Ford. this week I'm going to test drive the Nissan and Mercedes. Out of the first two the Ford was totally my favorite. it drove like a regular vehicle and the 3.5 Ecoboost had way more power than I ever expected. The shifting on the Dodge Diesel engine option is ridiculous. I would never by the Diesel just because of how horrible the transmission is.
I drove a 15' transit 250 uhaul cargo van and was only supposed to have 100 miles or less, but it was so much fun to drive around I racked up nearly 600 miles! I averaged 15.9 mpg both city and hwy. Now I've never been a fan of Ford's but the transit grew on me real quick. I kept the van for 8 days before I took it back.
I got better mileage from an E-150 with the 4.6 V8. Anywhere from 16.8-18.0 mpg. NEVER HAD A SINGLE PROBLEM. Bought it new sold it with 90k. Loved that van. They ruined the "work" van. Adding Turbos, 6-speed, infotainment......does nothing for the working man, just higher costs down the road. I guess Ford didn't like the fact my "old" V8, 4-speed never needed their service department. It really was built "Ford Tough"
I do love the old GM Expresses and Savanas, although I wish they offered different engine options and gave it a refresh. I also wish that the column shifter was more widely adopted on these newer vans.
I never knew regular vans came with passenger versions. Wow. Seems like the ultimate in utility for large families. You can squeeze lots of kids in and still have lots of room for everyone's luggage for the 7-10 day trip. Why do so many families go for SUV's? I can understand why people skip minivans, because they look horrilbe. I think this is a great large passenger and large luggage volume vehicle.
Thanks again for the information. I like the idea of being able to remove the seats, but I wish they would "section" all of the rows so that they would be easier to remove/install as well as provide greater seating configuration options. I also think that Ford seriously needs to bring AWD to the US market so that I don't have to consider the Mercedes. Can't imagine winter driving here in the Pacific Northwest without either 4X4 or AWD. Sure don't want to have to put chains on!!
Alex on Autos Well you seem to always find a way to make things interesting so i will always watch. Best reviewer by far my friend. love your work....even on vans
It is easy to see why Transit sales are rolling along while GM's van sales are falling rapidly. I would hope that Ram is working on an updated, more Americanized ProMaster with a wider range, otherwise they will be missing out on some sales.
Great information overall, but I especially appreciated the comparison to the rivals. I would go with the Ford Transit but it is just on the edge of the weight capacity I need, that is because I want a passenger van. 5,000 pounds would limit me quite a bit. The MPG and other plusses might just do it though. I did read that it is limited to towing 80 square feet of frontal resistance also. Your review is enabling me to consider it though.I would need the twin turbo version.
Two things I see as gaping omissions from the USA version of the Ford Transit full-size van: no all-wheel-drive, and no 2.7-liter twin turbo V6 from the F-150 pickups. Scratching my head about this... Are there any aftermarket refits that could give a Transit all-wheel-drive? My family's work van is an aging 2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD, great for all seasons and can two modest-size trailers. It has a 4.3-liter fuel-injected V6 (essentially a 350cid/5.7-liter V8 with two cylinders chopped off) and an impressive list of features... for its day... Too bad everybody abandoned the versatile work/passenger/towing/play AWD minivan market for less flexible SUVs. If Ford offered the smallest version of the Transit with AWD and the 2.7 turbo V6, I bet they would sell.
I have a 1994 ford conversion van. I wish I could get a brand new one. This one here is so cheap looking my has large sofa material captain seat that are so comfortable. You never get back problem all day if you wish.perfect seat, and the custom material interior . Too bad they don’t make conversion van anymore. At that time it use to cost 60 k for one. Best to put a late from end on it.
GM vans are still relevant, but are in major need of updating. The load floors are high, ceilings are low and interior space is limited. They’re also noisy and fatiguing to drive all day compared to the Transit. I’ve driven GM vans over 20 years in the course of my work.
Wow, two reviews this week and last week. Not that I'm complaining about all this goodness, but your moniker still says "New Cars Every Friday" or a new video each week.
I think you missed a spot. It would've been nice if you had loaded down the van and given your impressions. We don't need to see that, just what you felt under load and what kind of mileage, especially the ecoboost. Otherwise an excellent vid!
Very well done review. One question, how easily can the seats be removed and can they be removed in sections? I would like the flexibility t0 remove seats in order to make room for standup paddleboards and kayaks....but might still want to leave a least a couple of seats for another pair of passengers.
+Steven Love The seats come in 3's per row minus the two in the rear which are single on each end and one center one that comes out with latches. So it takes 2 peoples to remove the ones from behind the front driver\passenger back to the second to last row and they are heavy. Ford allows you to buy as many as you want so you're not stuck with seats you don't use or need.
Once again, the US market gets the shaft...and from a US based brand, no less. I would definitely consider a Transit for a RV conversion I'm planning if it was available here with the diesel and 4WD. Since it's not, my only option is the more expensive Sprinter. There are issues with the Transit, particularly the cheap interior, but it is a better value than the Sprinter. That said, I must have the diesel and 4WD, so unless Ford decides to offer the configuration by the time I'm ready to buy, I'll be going with a Sprinter.
Outstanding review, Alex. Did you happen to check if car seats will fit in the 2nd and 3rd rows? Are they LATCH compliant? Are dual power sliding side doors available? We're looking for something a bit bigger than a standard minivan, but the queen has to enjoy driving it (it wouldn't be her daily driver). The short wheelbase version will just fit in our garage, but I'd love the turbodiesel option offered in the longer wheelbases. Any thoughts on Ford offering the turbodiesel in the short-wheelbase model? Any other considerations for those looking for a minivan replacement? I'm looking forward to learning more about the Mercedes Metris, too. Thanks again for these incredibly helpful reviews.
+Ray Starbird Child seats do fit in all rows however only the second row has LATCH anchors. You can det dual sliding doors but power doors are not offered in any version.
Alex, I think it's great that you are doing reviews on some vehicles that normally don't get much attention. Thank you for that. Can you comment on the leg room - particularly in the 3rd row of the Transit? The Transit passenger wagons are very hard to find, but I sat in a 2015 model last year and I found my knees against the back of the 2nd row and I'm only 5'10". Thanks.
+jared goodman I didn't find it to be much of a problem in the one I had, there is a little less room in rows 3+ than row 2 but it wasn't a huge deal for me.
I am handy cap to start off with.. the small step wells are very hard to get my feet into,, and no grab handle on driver side to help me get in .. with the rear bumper so low I have had to change my ball mounts to tow anything... I should have kept my old ford E250 van,
I can only rent 15 passenger van from a rental car company for one way trip from LA to Denver. Would it be possible to load 20 carry-on (airplane) luggage (with 11 passengers) without removing the last row?
Why are the USB/Aux inputs in a different spot for the USA version? I live in Australia and the van's design is actually really different... for example ours has a centre console between the passenger and driver seats... no clue why though.
Overall, best review I have seen but I feel he emphasized the diesel engine too much. Diesel can give great highway mileage improvement but marginal city mileage improvement. Also, the cost of diesel is higher than regular, higher maintenance/repair costs and DEF and the $6,000 premium for the engine. You would have to run a city to city bus service to make it pay.
The DEF is only $12.00 or less per 10,000 miles. That is not alot of money. You fill it yourself. My problem is the heating element is bad in my 2013 Sprinter. $1900 for repair. I continue to pour money into service and maintenance. Where does it end? Diesels are for WORK and hard use. I have owned vans for 40 years. I hate cars and mini-vans. Nothing like being able to see the folks in front. I get 17-18 mpg on a 3.0 ltr. V6.
Alex do you recall the mileage on the Ford Transit wagon you just tested? They still engineer in that break in mode that backs off the timing causing decreased mileage. EPA says 19mpg highway...
8 person BASE config? And for those of us who have no interest in the van as a people mover and don't really care how many cup holders are present but instead simply want a functional high roof van with accommodations for 2? Sorry, but the prices are way out of line with their utility.
hi great review. I live in the UK and no powershift transmission of available until March are they any good on the Ford transit (custom) as I've just ordered one.??
Thanks for the awesome review Alex. I do have one question. We are in the market for a larger vehicle and it's between the Ford Transit and the Nissan nv3500. When you compare the Nissan nv to this 2016 Ford Transit, are you comparing the 2016 Nissan nv, or are you referencing to the 2013 Nissan nv review you did? Are you planning on doing an updated review of the 2016 Nissan nv3500?
Yes, I am also very interested in the direct comparison between the transit wagon and the 2016 NV. I'm in the market for one of these two, trying to decide between them ...
I have 2017 Ecoboost 350xlt--the largest version with highest roof. Not a single problem. I test drove Ram Promaster, Sprinter both RW and 4WD, and decided on this. It's really big, but handles like a car. And never a problem in my area--also very mountainous.
It's a shame there's not an AWD model for snowy areas, but I do like RWD. I like the way these handle, but I can't stand the size/design of the steering wheel or that dash mounted gearshift. I don't want to feel like I'm driving a Focus or Escape when I'm in a van. No reason not to have a column shift either.
As inferior as the econoline was i would much prefer it over this The transit was obviously built for European markets and was only brought to the states because of government regulations getting harder on bigger engines Sorry but if I was forced to buy a van I'm going for an older econoline it just feels right in my opinion
Why have they made the foot well so tiny and crammed the clutch pedal all the way in the corner when half the people driving them are going to be wearing steel toe capped boots?
I like the E-series better. Much better looking van than this ugly thing! Nothing like a V-8. I grew up with Econoline and Club Wagon vans in the 80's.
Even though this is an ancient review, I think it'd be better if your rating system was consistent across all vehicles. If someone is looking at minivans, vans, and wagons as a solution to their needs, they may think "well, why don't I just get a full size Transit wagon, after all the handling is A and acceleration A+ compared to say a VW Alltrack or Pacifica that scored no higher, when we all know that on a grand scale this at best should be like a C rating. Your grading system also seems deceptively high, as I've never seen you use the F-score, and yet there must be some vehicle that is the worst. If the scale only goes from A+ to B-, that doesn't really give a useful full scale. For example, the Subaru Crosstrek is, as far as I know, the slowest passenger car available on the market right now, and as such should get a F or F- in acceleration score. Instead you didn't even bother with a letter scale on that one, and just gave us the sad number of like 10 seconds to 60mph. ;)
+Neezy Ko Where I am from, many vans are driven by young males in their first job. Providing them with skinny tires on a tall van and 300+ hp is a recipe for involuntary suicide.
+trefod That is where you are from. In the US 300 hp is expected as a starting point for this type of vehicle. Every full size pickup and van and many passenger cars offer somewhere near 300 hp in base trim so it isn't something unusual for drivers to encounter and it really isn't a safety issue of any sort.
+1guyin10 It is a safety issue, but you are not aware of it. You cannot beat physics.... I would like to see safety stats of these class of cars. I would be surprised if you were right. I too think that these vans are overpowered.
Just drove a rental 15 passenger Transit with a regular driver's seat. Found the foot well a little tight with intrusion of the front left wheel well competing with the small dead pedal. The step up was pretty steep and there was no assist handle making entry and exit a little difficult. The base V6 hunted a lot between gears on slight inclines on the highway. The engine was rather quiet and the ride seemed tight for such a bulky vehicle. The rear view camera screen is minuscule. Front seats were so-so with tall side bolsters making long term comfort a possible issue. The Ford Focus steering wheel with racing thumb posts is a joke for a 7000 pound van.
I'm from the UK and all these vans are manual. The first thing I noticed different to the old van was the tiny foot well and the clutch, break and gas pedal all crammed in like sardines and no dead pedal at all (unlike the old transit) which is essential in a manual. It's like they designed it an auto and then thought "oh shit. We forgot about Europe" I managed to stall a couple of times because if the tiny foot well. They need to remember that these vehicles are gonna be used by people with very heavy footwear needing to do some fancy footwork on poor surfaces trying not to hit a metal pole 15cm being them. The diesel engine seems a bit flat at times and then surges more than I remember when a seemingly monstrous turbo kicks into life. Can you give me a comparison to the V6 engines power? It seems the US gasoline engines are quiet and more uniformed with power and the european diesels are noisy and loaded with torque.
I use your youtube videos as my white noise to help me sleep at night. also I am autistic. i like 15 passenger vans, and Airbus A321 aircraft as a hobby. i also like Yamaha stereo equipment. i hope you have a great weekend.
You're one of few reviewers that can make a van review interesting.
iCantThink OfAbetterName qy
best car review video on YT, giving me enough info to help me to close the deal myself, and help me to reduce buyers remorse
We got a mid roof 3.7 lwb 350 Transit a few months ago as a people hauler. So far it's been great. Been averaging about 16 mpg, even with lots of hills around us. If someone wants it as a passenger van I would definitely tell them to get the mid or high.
Oh and spot on about it bringing a different driver out of you. Have to be super aware of how much is behind you!
Alex you're really at you finest reviewing the vehicles everyone else snub.
THANK YOU for providing this excellently well-detailed review comparing the Transit with other, similar vans available here in the US. I hate the Glamor video ads which just show “ sexy” ( some idiot thinks) shots of the exterior and interior, usually accompanied by annoying music. I am the one buying my next car and I want FACTS-which are damned hard to find. these days.
I live and breathe vans. I drive expedited freight for a living, which means I driver slightly over 120,000 miles a year, and I sleep in my van 5 nights a week. I own 2 2014 Promasters, both short and long. The sum of it is that the Transit is probably the best all arounder in vans. The Promaster is slightly cheaper, the dealers are hornier to make a sale. The Promaster will, if babied, turn 22mpg in gas and 28 mpg in diesel. This is substantially better than the Ford. The Promaster is also killer in the snow, though a Transit with snow tires would be fine. The Transit is better built, more configurable, and probably more reliable in the long run (like 400,000 miles long). Ergonomics in the Promaster are quirky, but you get used to it and adapt. The Ford is more conventional and easy to get used to. As to the rest of the segment, the Benz is utter unreliable overpriced garbage. The Nissan is hopelessly outclassed. The Chevy van is tops for durability and towing, but that's about all it has going for it.
Overall, I value fuel economy over everything else, so the Promaster was my pick for my fleet. But as far as living with/in it every day, the Transit is probably the best choice in vans. Resist the temptation and skip the Ecoboost - they get far worse mileage than advertised and they will cost a buttload more to keep running.
+Kip Amore The Nissan NV isn't bad, it's got the seating like a Transit and with the V8 it tows like an Express (not the Duramax but with an LS). I've driven the Express 2500 4.8 for work and it doesn't get as good of mileage as it should, the 6.0 has more power but doesn't do much worse in mileage. The older Econoline 4.6 we had did better on gas, got about 20mpg on the highway which is great for a 3/4 ton van.
I like the Nissan because of it's engine layout, much easier to work on than a traditional van engine layout. Also like it because it comes with the high roof like the Transit so it's easy to walk around in. The Express and Econolines were terrible if you had to climb in the back often, had to crawl around or bend yourself at the waist to move around, not cool. For a cargo van, I'd go with a Nissan or Transit, also if I needed to transport a lot of people, Transit more so since it comes with 15 pass seating vs 12 for Nissan. For less like a regular family, I'd pick a minivan like a Sienna or my personal favorite, 2WD Suburban/Yukon XL.
+snakesonaplane2 I agree on most points. Expediters I talk to with the Nissan NV report mid 13s mpg, either with the V6 or V8. Plus the NV is somewhat clumsy compared to the other vans. Yeah it tows, but so does a pickup with a cap. And so does an Econoline or GM van.
I once rented a brand spankin' new Chevy 15 pass Yoder Toter with a 5.3 LS. The returned high 19s no problem. I also drove a 6.0 for a while. Love the power, but it thirsty in the 15s.
For regular family hauling, you simply cannot beat a minivan. Unfortunately, less choice these days. I rode in a Sienna last week that I was very impressed with. And the good ole' mopar minivans are still pretty good. My Promaster gets derided for having a minivan drivetrain, but who cares. Power is excessive, parts are cheap, engines are simple by modern standards. I've had good luck with mine; 140k on one and 120k on the other. Still, because of ease of service, I think the regular V6 Transit is the best of all worlds. The diesel isn't worth it, the Ecoboost is tempting for the torque but thirsty to drive.
+Kip Amore Well I would figure the Promaster would be the best in snow because it's the only front wheel drive option being compared - which would seem to be a negative in case you were towing, have a heavy payload, or on an incline. Admittedly I'm coming from a different direction in that I'm looking at RVs based on a van chassis, but from my perspective, it seems to me like the Promaster is an enlarged compact van in that it's a lot closer to it's max limits if it would be pushed to tow or be an RV. That is it say, it's a lighter-duty truck/van, so of course it's going to get less MPG.
+LozzerGuide You'd be surprised at how these things spec out. My promaster extended has 13'3" of floor behind the driver, hauls 4300 lbs, and tows 5000lbs, and will just touch 22mpg on gas. Compare that to a 1/2 ton pickup, or a chevy van. The transit is comparable, and you can get it in a dually if you want.
The truth is modern snow tires trump fwd anyway.
If I were building out a motor home, I'd go with a promaster chassis cab in gas and add my own body. I just passed on a still new on the lot 2014 promaster with a 14' Utilimaster box on it for under 30k. I believe the box was 14x7x7. Just a box with maple flooring. Sliding door from the cab to the box.
If you want a real deal in motor homes, look for a Chinook or similar. 80s and early 90s built on a Toyota 1 ton dually pickup truck. Killer little rig. The same chassis was used for uhaul. Search used uhaul trucks in Inkster Michigan and theres a lot there that still probably has 30 of them for around $2000.
+Kip Amore Any idea on the 3.5 pulling 5,000 pounds versus the Ecoboost 3.7?
I really really love your reviews. Very professional, detailed, and thorough. Really appreciate it.
I just test drove the Dodge and Ford. this week I'm going to test drive the Nissan and Mercedes. Out of the first two the Ford was totally my favorite. it drove like a regular vehicle and the 3.5 Ecoboost had way more power than I ever expected. The shifting on the Dodge Diesel engine option is ridiculous. I would never by the Diesel just because of how horrible the transmission is.
I drove a 15' transit 250 uhaul cargo van and was only supposed to have 100 miles or less, but it was so much fun to drive around I racked up nearly 600 miles! I averaged 15.9 mpg both city and hwy. Now I've never been a fan of Ford's but the transit grew on me real quick. I kept the van for 8 days before I took it back.
I got better mileage from an E-150 with the 4.6 V8. Anywhere from 16.8-18.0 mpg. NEVER HAD A SINGLE PROBLEM. Bought it new sold it with 90k. Loved that van. They ruined the "work" van.
Adding Turbos, 6-speed, infotainment......does nothing for the working man, just higher costs down the road. I guess Ford didn't like the fact my "old" V8, 4-speed never needed their service department. It really was built "Ford Tough"
Minor correction, Alex.
You can get long wheelbase with a low roof.
If you want the "EXTENDED BODY", then it only comes with the high roof.
The Transit cargo van can tow up to 7,500 lbs.
Quigley also does 4x4 conversions for the Transit, same as they do for the GM vans.
Great review! You can definitely tell Alex enjoyed reviewing this truck and was having fun with it.
I do love the old GM Expresses and Savanas, although I wish they offered different engine options and gave it a refresh. I also wish that the column shifter was more widely adopted on these newer vans.
I never knew regular vans came with passenger versions. Wow. Seems like the ultimate in utility for large families. You can squeeze lots of kids in and still have lots of room for everyone's luggage for the 7-10 day trip. Why do so many families go for SUV's? I can understand why people skip minivans, because they look horrilbe. I think this is a great large passenger and large luggage volume vehicle.
Thanks again for the information. I like the idea of being able to remove the seats, but I wish they would "section" all of the rows so that they would be easier to remove/install as well as provide greater seating configuration options. I also think that Ford seriously needs to bring AWD to the US market so that I don't have to consider the Mercedes. Can't imagine winter driving here in the Pacific Northwest without either 4X4 or AWD. Sure don't want to have to put chains on!!
I just watched a video on a van. Why? Alex, thats why.
+Blake Swan We all do crazy things when we drink...
Alex on Autos Well you seem to always find a way to make things interesting so i will always watch. Best reviewer by far my friend. love your work....even on vans
+Blake Swan g
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Best response
@@AAutoBuyersGuide you just became my favorite reviewer for additional reasons (humor & booze).
It is easy to see why Transit sales are rolling along while GM's van sales are falling rapidly. I would hope that Ram is working on an updated, more Americanized ProMaster with a wider range, otherwise they will be missing out on some sales.
Please do a review on the coming 2020 Ford Transit. AWD is being offer on the redesign.
Great video and very thorough. Nice comparison of the Transit vs other full sized vans.
Great information overall, but I especially appreciated the comparison to the rivals. I would go with the Ford Transit but it is just on the edge of the weight capacity I need, that is because I want a passenger van. 5,000 pounds would limit me quite a bit. The MPG and other plusses might just do it though. I did read that it is limited to towing 80 square feet of frontal resistance also.
Your review is enabling me to consider it though.I would need the twin turbo version.
Two things I see as gaping omissions from the USA version of the Ford Transit full-size van: no all-wheel-drive, and no 2.7-liter twin turbo V6 from the F-150 pickups. Scratching my head about this...
Are there any aftermarket refits that could give a Transit all-wheel-drive?
My family's work van is an aging 2001 Chevrolet Astro AWD, great for all seasons and can two modest-size trailers. It has a 4.3-liter fuel-injected V6 (essentially a 350cid/5.7-liter V8 with two cylinders chopped off) and an impressive list of features... for its day... Too bad everybody abandoned the versatile work/passenger/towing/play AWD minivan market for less flexible SUVs. If Ford offered the smallest version of the Transit with AWD and the 2.7 turbo V6, I bet they would sell.
I have a 1994 ford conversion van. I wish I could get a brand new one. This one here is so cheap looking my has large sofa material captain seat that are so comfortable. You never get back problem all day if you wish.perfect seat, and the custom material interior . Too bad they don’t make conversion van anymore. At that time it use to cost 60 k for one. Best to put a late from end on it.
GM vans are still relevant, but are in major need of updating. The load floors are high, ceilings are low and interior space is limited. They’re also noisy and fatiguing to drive all day compared to the Transit. I’ve driven GM vans over 20 years in the course of my work.
Cool 2016 Ford Transit wagon van video
is there anything that Econoline is better or more advanced than this Transit?
Reviewing the FORD Transit, must mean that the FORD Explorer review must be close!
+david hoffman Sadly no, somehow I still haven't been able to get my hands on one.
Wow, two reviews this week and last week. Not that I'm complaining about all this goodness, but your moniker still says "New Cars Every Friday" or a new video each week.
+cadsux There will be another 3 or 4 weeks with two reviews a week then we go back to the normal schedule :)
I think you missed a spot. It would've been nice if you had loaded down the van and given your impressions. We don't need to see that, just what you felt under load and what kind of mileage, especially the ecoboost. Otherwise an excellent vid!
Me gusta, felicitaciones
Very well done review. One question, how easily can the seats be removed and can they be removed in sections? I would like the flexibility t0 remove seats in order to make room for standup paddleboards and kayaks....but might still want to leave a least a couple of seats for another pair of passengers.
+Steven Love The seats come in 3's per row minus the two in the rear which are single on each end and one center one that comes out with latches. So it takes 2 peoples to remove the ones from behind the front driver\passenger back to the second to last row and they are heavy. Ford allows you to buy as many as you want so you're not stuck with seats you don't use or need.
I'd buy one today if they'd sell them in all wheel drive. There's no good (and inexpensive) cargo van with 4x4 offered in the US.
Once again, the US market gets the shaft...and from a US based brand, no less. I would definitely consider a Transit for a RV conversion I'm planning if it was available here with the diesel and 4WD. Since it's not, my only option is the more expensive Sprinter. There are issues with the Transit, particularly the cheap interior, but it is a better value than the Sprinter. That said, I must have the diesel and 4WD, so unless Ford decides to offer the configuration by the time I'm ready to buy, I'll be going with a Sprinter.
Outstanding review, Alex. Did you happen to check if car seats will fit in the 2nd and 3rd rows? Are they LATCH compliant?
Are dual power sliding side doors available?
We're looking for something a bit bigger than a standard minivan, but the queen has to enjoy driving it (it wouldn't be her daily driver). The short wheelbase version will just fit in our garage, but I'd love the turbodiesel option offered in the longer wheelbases. Any thoughts on Ford offering the turbodiesel in the short-wheelbase model?
Any other considerations for those looking for a minivan replacement?
I'm looking forward to learning more about the Mercedes Metris, too.
Thanks again for these incredibly helpful reviews.
+Ray Starbird Child seats do fit in all rows however only the second row has LATCH anchors. You can det dual sliding doors but power doors are not offered in any version.
+Alex on Autos That was fast. Thanks so much, Alex!
I would LOVE for you to have compared this more with the Metris 8 seater.
Alex,
I think it's great that you are doing reviews on some vehicles that normally don't get much attention. Thank you for that.
Can you comment on the leg room - particularly in the 3rd row of the Transit? The Transit passenger wagons are very hard to find, but I sat in a 2015 model last year and I found my knees against the back of the 2nd row and I'm only 5'10".
Thanks.
+jared goodman I didn't find it to be much of a problem in the one I had, there is a little less room in rows 3+ than row 2 but it wasn't a huge deal for me.
Looks like Hiway 35 in Santa Cruz Mtns, lots of traffic !
Can all the seats collapse to just put in a lot of luggage?
Does the back seat fold down for more storage? Very much need to know.
I am handy cap to start off with.. the small step wells are very hard to get my feet into,, and no grab handle on driver side to help me get in .. with the rear bumper so low I have had to change my ball mounts to tow anything... I should have kept my old ford E250 van,
I can only rent 15 passenger van from a rental car company for one way trip from LA to Denver. Would it be possible to load 20 carry-on (airplane) luggage (with 11 passengers) without removing the last row?
Joseph Yang ,--Rachel is it avialble
What size gas tank does this line of vans have. Is it available in different sizes?
Are there any major issues on this van with the 3.5 ecoboost I'm looking to purchase 1 today
Why are the USB/Aux inputs in a different spot for the USA version? I live in Australia and the van's design is actually really different... for example ours has a centre console between the passenger and driver seats... no clue why though.
And the steering wheel is also on the other side. :-)
Where can I find this vehicle? No one seems to have it or know much about it.
Overall, best review I have seen but I feel he emphasized the diesel engine too much. Diesel can give great highway mileage improvement but marginal city mileage improvement. Also, the cost of diesel is higher than regular, higher maintenance/repair costs and DEF and the $6,000 premium for the engine. You would have to run a city to city bus service to make it pay.
The DEF is only $12.00 or less per 10,000 miles. That is not alot of money. You fill it yourself. My problem is the heating element is bad in my 2013 Sprinter. $1900 for repair. I continue to pour money into service and maintenance. Where does it end? Diesels are for WORK and hard use. I have owned vans for 40 years. I hate cars and mini-vans. Nothing like being able to see the folks in front. I get 17-18 mpg on a 3.0 ltr. V6.
Art Konstantino
I miss the Econoline and Club Wagon They were much good looking than the Transit. .
Great review man!
Alex do you recall the mileage on the Ford Transit wagon you just tested?
They still engineer in that break in mode that backs off the timing causing decreased mileage. EPA says 19mpg highway...
+sickjohnson There was over 9,000 miles on it.
Hey Alex,
Did you say Diesel is available for the model in the US? I do not think I have every seen a Diesel car / van / pickup in the US before?
It is a 3.2 litre 5 cylinder Duratorq
The Transit should've been 4WD
8 person BASE config? And for those of us who have no interest in the van as a people mover and don't really care how many cup holders are present but instead simply want a functional high roof van with accommodations for 2?
Sorry, but the prices are way out of line with their utility.
Yet another excellent video. Any chance of a detailed review of the new Civic?
alex your vids r the best.
BRING BACK THE E350!!!
I love Ford transit van
hi great review. I live in the UK and no powershift transmission of available until March are they any good on the Ford transit (custom)
as I've just ordered one.??
I bet engine maintenance is a pain on these with that engine under the windshield.
Thanks for the awesome review Alex. I do have one question. We are in the market for a larger vehicle and it's between the Ford Transit and the Nissan nv3500. When you compare the Nissan nv to this 2016 Ford Transit, are you comparing the 2016 Nissan nv, or are you referencing to the 2013 Nissan nv review you did?
Are you planning on doing an updated review of the 2016 Nissan nv3500?
Yes, I am also very interested in the direct comparison between the transit wagon and the 2016 NV. I'm in the market for one of these two, trying to decide between them ...
Great video Alex!
can it handle the mountains of gatlinburg tennessee
I have 2017 Ecoboost 350xlt--the largest version with highest roof. Not a single problem. I test drove Ram Promaster, Sprinter both RW and 4WD, and decided on this. It's really big, but handles like a car. And never a problem in my area--also very mountainous.
Excellent review, love it
Do you have plans to review the Transit Connect in either 5 or 7 seat versions?
It's a shame there's not an AWD model for snowy areas, but I do like RWD. I like the way these handle, but I can't stand the size/design of the steering wheel or that dash mounted gearshift. I don't want to feel like I'm driving a Focus or Escape when I'm in a van. No reason not to have a column shift either.
Do you have renta van,, 7 to 12.setting
Die Maße in Zentimeter oder Meter?
Good reviews
I the transit more attractive than the ProMaster also, i think Chevrolet needs the get rid of the express and get a new van already.
Can it take abuse?
Thank you so much for this review it really helped.
is this vehicle FWD or RWD?
How much?.?
As inferior as the econoline was i would much prefer it over this
The transit was obviously built for European markets and was only brought to the states because of government regulations getting harder on bigger engines
Sorry but if I was forced to buy a van I'm going for an older econoline it just feels right in my opinion
Hi .I am Austin Soleyn of stvincent wide tank you for the video . I love the ford transit bless day
Thanks for a great review!
does it have wifi
Thank you! That was awesome.
This van starts at over $33 grand in Canada, damn!
RAM Promaster SUCKS. I hope my boss orders the Transit 250.
I love ford tranist xlt 350
what fuel will the ecoboost run on?
Regular unleaded.
Thank you.
That must be the only green transit in the world lol.
Why only RWD in US?
Todo vehículo debería tener 10 pulgadas de suspensión hacia el suelo y ser 4x4
The phone slot is only good if your phone fit in it
i like this video
Why have they made the foot well so tiny and crammed the clutch pedal all the way in the corner when half the people driving them are going to be wearing steel toe capped boots?
also when you wear a size 17 shoe you only have room for 1 foot.
I like the Ford the most, and isn't there a lot more Ford dealerships than Nissan dealerships in the US?
I like the E-series better. Much better looking van than this ugly thing! Nothing like a V-8. I grew up with Econoline and Club Wagon vans in the 80's.
Well too bad. The transits are immediately better you silly guy.
This guy knows his stuff. That Ford is disappointing.
European Version of this Van needs only 36MPG!
IGrapeTV q
you drive fast.
14 and 19 to the gallon my god in the uk we use diesels and get 40 to the gallon
Even though this is an ancient review, I think it'd be better if your rating system was consistent across all vehicles. If someone is looking at minivans, vans, and wagons as a solution to their needs, they may think "well, why don't I just get a full size Transit wagon, after all the handling is A and acceleration A+ compared to say a VW Alltrack or Pacifica that scored no higher, when we all know that on a grand scale this at best should be like a C rating. Your grading system also seems deceptively high, as I've never seen you use the F-score, and yet there must be some vehicle that is the worst. If the scale only goes from A+ to B-, that doesn't really give a useful full scale. For example, the Subaru Crosstrek is, as far as I know, the slowest passenger car available on the market right now, and as such should get a F or F- in acceleration score. Instead you didn't even bother with a letter scale on that one, and just gave us the sad number of like 10 seconds to 60mph. ;)
Thanks. Now all I need is 33,000 dollars.
tx2sturgis 44'000
The power ratings in American vans are out of this world, especially considering the poor braking performance and handling.
+trefod But he gave the van an A in handling.
+WuWei Xu Remember, that's an A "for a van" so don't compare this to an M3.
+Neezy Ko Where I am from, many vans are driven by young males in their first job. Providing them with skinny tires on a tall van and 300+ hp is a recipe for involuntary suicide.
+trefod That is where you are from. In the US 300 hp is expected as a starting point for this type of vehicle. Every full size pickup and van and many passenger cars offer somewhere near 300 hp in base trim so it isn't something unusual for drivers to encounter and it really isn't a safety issue of any sort.
+1guyin10 It is a safety issue, but you are not aware of it. You cannot beat physics.... I would like to see safety stats of these class of cars. I would be surprised if you were right. I too think that these vans are overpowered.
Just drove a rental 15 passenger Transit with a regular driver's seat. Found the foot well a little tight with intrusion of the front left wheel well competing with the small dead pedal. The step up was pretty steep and there was no assist handle making entry and exit a little difficult. The base V6 hunted a lot between gears on slight inclines on the highway. The engine was rather quiet and the ride seemed tight for such a bulky vehicle. The rear view camera screen is minuscule. Front seats were so-so with tall side bolsters making long term comfort a possible issue. The Ford Focus steering wheel with racing thumb posts is a joke for a 7000 pound van.
I'm from the UK and all these vans are manual. The first thing I noticed different to the old van was the tiny foot well and the clutch, break and gas pedal all crammed in like sardines and no dead pedal at all (unlike the old transit) which is essential in a manual. It's like they designed it an auto and then thought "oh shit. We forgot about Europe" I managed to stall a couple of times because if the tiny foot well. They need to remember that these vehicles are gonna be used by people with very heavy footwear needing to do some fancy footwork on poor surfaces trying not to hit a metal pole 15cm being them.
The diesel engine seems a bit flat at times and then surges more than I remember when a seemingly monstrous turbo kicks into life. Can you give me a comparison to the V6 engines power? It seems the US gasoline engines are quiet and more uniformed with power and the european diesels are noisy and loaded with torque.
mrdojob the 3.5 liter v6 is ridiculously fast,very powerful but I hear the3.7 v6 is adequate
The idea with any vehicle hunting gears on a grade is to gear down to direct and even
Lower speed to climb grade within drivable parameters.
Seriously, why the f can't I buy the 4x4 version?