2019 Ford Transit Passenger Van Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJames Riswickzzdcar Contributor

　　James Riswick is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

New hinges on the long-wheelbase model allow for wider-opening cargo bay doorsNew seating layouts are availableNoise-damping side glass for rear rows is now an optionPart of the fifth Transit generation introduced for 2013

　　With the ability to carry up to 15 passengers, the 2019 Ford Transit Passenger Van should appeal not just to shuttle business owners but to large families as well. Thanks to its car-like road manners and wide array of body style, seating and equipment options, the Transit is comfortable and capable for a variety of applications.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Ford Transit Passenger Van 150 XL Low Roof 3dr Van w/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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$241/mo  for Transit Passenger Van 150 XL Low Roof

　　Transit Passenger Van 150 XL Low Roof

　　150 XL Low Roof 3dr Van w/60/40 Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $35,840 MSRP150 XL Low Roof 3dr Van w/Sliding Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $35,990 MSRP150 XLT Low Roof 3dr Van w/60/40 Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $37,135 MSRP150 XLT Low Roof 3dr Van w/Sliding Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $37,285 MSRP150 XL Medium Roof 3dr Van (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $37,440 MSRP150 XLT Medium Roof 3dr Van (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $38,735 MSRP350 XL Low Roof 3dr Van w/60/40 Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $39,570 MSRP350 XL Low Roof 3dr Van w/Sliding Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $39,720 MSRP350 XLT Low Roof 3dr Van w/60/40 Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $40,865 MSRP350 XLT Low Roof 3dr Van w/Sliding Passenger Side Door (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $41,015 MSRP350 XL Medium Roof 3dr Van (3.7L 6cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $41,170 MSRP350 XLT Medium Roof 3dr Van (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $42,465 MSRP350 XL High Roof 3dr Van (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $42,620 MSRP350 HD XL High Roof 3dr Ext Van DRW (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $43,770 MSRP350 XLT High Roof 3dr Van (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $43,915 MSRP350 HD XLT High Roof 3dr Ext Van DRW (3.7L 6cyl 6A) - $45,065 MSRP

　　vs

　　$283/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Van

　　With three available lengths and three choices of roof heights and engines, the Transit is nothing if not flexible when it comes to buyers' needs. For 2019, the Transit Passenger Van can be specified to hold anywhere from five to 15 passengers, which opens up the van to weekend adventurers who need to haul a few people and a lot of gear.

　　Full-size vans are no longer uncomfortably utilitarian and unrefined, and the Transit offers many of the conveniences that can be found in other Ford vehicles. Should your life or business require more space and flexibility than a large SUV can offer, the Transit is absolutely worth a look.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Trim tested

　　zzdcar has only limited experience with the Ford Transit. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

　　

Driving

　　You'll likely be impressed by how the Transit Passenger Van goes down the road in a way no truck-based van could hope to match. It's more like a family car than a full-size truck. The base V6 is OK, but it's worth getting one of the upgraded engines.

　　

Comfort

　　Depending on configuration, the Transit Passenger Van can hold five to 15 passengers in comfort. Though the van's not exactly luxurious, a host of useful features will make the ride pleasant enough. And well-managed road and wind noise makes the Transit's cabin quieter than the norm for full-size vans.

　　

Interior

　　The Transit Passenger Van's base XL trim comes fairly well outfitted, but springing for the XLT is worth the cost for upgraded upholstery and cruise control. The dashboard layout is more minivan than truck, and easy-to-access audio and climate controls work in harmony to make the drive go more smoothly.

　　

Utility

　　Maximum cargo volume behind the first row ranges from 212 cubic feet to 414 cubic feet, depending on length and roof height. And thanks to a low floor, there's no need to climb over wide sills to enter the cabin or use the rear bumper as a stair when stepping inside the cargo area.

　　

Technology

　　Using the available Sync 3 interface feels like operating a smartphone. The large virtual buttons are easy to press, and the navigation system uses familiar pinch-to-zoom and swiping gestures. Other options include lane departure warning, upgraded instrumentation and satellite radio.

　　

Which Transit Passenger Van does zzdcar recommend?

　　Unless you want to keep the Transit as basic as possible, we recommend moving up from the XL to the XLT. It doesn't cost much more and unlocks a few more creature comforts for both the driver and passengers alike.

　　

2019 Ford Transit Passenger Van models

　　The 2019 Ford Transit Passenger Van is a full-size passenger van offered in XL and XLT trims that are broadly differentiated by some standard convenience features. 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. The base Transit Passenger Van is the 150, but there's also the heavy-duty Transit 350 with increased payload capacities. The passenger capacity ranges from five all the way up to 15, depending on the body style and optional seating configurations.

　　The Transit's base engine is a 3.7-liter V6 good for 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. For more power, the Transit can be fitted with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that generates 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Also available is a turbocharged 3.2-liter diesel-powered inline five-cylinder rated at 185 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A CNG/Propane engine prep package is also available for the 3.7-liter V6. All Transits come with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.

　　Standard equipment on the XL trim includes a rearview camera, 16-inch steel wheels, 60/40-split hinged passenger-side doors on the low-roof body style, a sliding passenger door, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, front air conditioning, vinyl front seats, and an audio system with an input jack and four front speakers.

　　The XLT trim adds wheel covers, automatic wipers, a chrome grille, cruise control, two additional front speakers, a CD player with a 4-inch display, cruise control, full-length carpeting, rear air conditioning, rear dome and map lights, and reclining rear seatbacks.

　　Several service prep packages are available for the 2019 Transit Passenger Van — ranging from school bus packages to ambulance prep — as well as a variety of choices for seating and colors.

　　Options can be ordered alone or in packages. Highlights include various window configurations, extended-length running boards, power-folding heated mirrors with turn signals, different axle ratios, a heavy-duty towing package, leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, a lane departure warning system, upgraded audio systems, Ford Telematics, basic Sync voice controls (including a USB port) or Ford's new Sync 3 infotainment system with navigation, upgraded instrumentation, HD radio, satellite radio and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display.

　　A Builders Prep package is available for both trim levels. It deletes the rear seating and floor covering and adds dual heavy-duty batteries, a heavy-duty alternator, a special wiring package, and (on the XL) the 4-inch display and CD player. An RV Prep package available for the XLT trim mirrors the Builders Prep package's modifications and adds privacy glass and other preparations for RV upfitting.

　　

2019 Transit Passenger Van Highlights

Trim: 150 XL Low Roof150 XLT Low Roof150 XL Medium Roof150 XLT Medium Roof350 XL Low Roof350 XLT Low Roof350 XL Medium Roof350 XLT Medium Roof350 XL High Roof350 HD XL High Roof350 XLT High Roof350 HD XLT High Roof150 XL Low Roof

　　

Base MSRP	$35,840
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	15 MPG
Cost to Drive	$241/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	94.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles