2021 Ford Transit

The Ford Transit is basically available in a single trim that has different payload capacities within itself and hence allows one to choose as per his/her needs. On top of that, one can go for further extension in terms of its roof body style and overall bed size as well. The likes of the Ford Transit Cargo Van are challenged by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, RAM Promaster, and the Chevrolet Express Cargo.

The Ford Transit has no specific trim variation but has different drive layouts along with three-tier roofings and bed lengths. The Transit gets a new T-350HD that can have a gross weight vehicle rating of up to 11,000 lbs. Each trim is available in either a rear-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive. The transmission is standard across all the trims. Moreover, the configurations can have dimension swap within two wheelbases of 130” and 148”. Apart from the standard 3.5L PFDI V6 engine, all the trims can be upgraded to the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with an extra power surge. 

The Ford Transit has mixed baggage of features ranging from the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite to the Premium-touch inserts and panels. The infotainment unit is an attention seeker which marries the Ford Telematics that not just tracks your movement but also is a closed-loop feedback algorithm.

Which Trim should you buy in the 2021 Ford Transit Cargo Van?

Since there is no trim as such yet one can go for a purpose-specific configuration that can be functional and economical at the same time. The T-350 when mated with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gives you the best value-money return as one gets both a significant payload of up to 9,950 lbs and a power surge with relatively lower extra dollars investment. The T-350 in this unit with an all-wheel-drive may ask for some more bucks but will ensure better grip that is a must for such dynamics of the vehicles.

The Ford Transit Cargo Van gets a 3.5L V-6 that churns out 275 hp of power @ 6500 RPMs and a torque of 262 lb-ft @ 3750 RPMs. The powertrain comes in duo with 10-Speed Automatic transmission in either a standard rear-wheel or an optional all-wheel drive. This huge capacity engine may be sufficient to provide an impetus to this more-than-5500 lbs van but take a toll on its fuel economy as the swirling effect inside the cylinders suffers. But the power curve does make up for this trade-off as it performs decently well with its 10 seconds and 17.6 for the 0-60 mph mark and the quarter-mile respectively.

The Ford Transit does manage to overwhelm the Sprinter yet seems sluggish when compared to the other rivals. The lower mid-rev torque for both the Promaster and the Express cargo does the trick and gives them the edge. So if one has to draw a conclusion out of this, it would be quite a failure at Ford's end in its trade-off between power and economy. 

How well does the 2021 Ford Transit Cargo Van handle?

Well, the design boundary itself becomes a concern when it is a subject of handling. The center of gravity is destined to be higher and to have a parabolic contact patch for better maneuvering, one cannot use tires of impractical size. Therefore, everything comes down to the attachments like the suspensions, brakes, steering, and others to get the desired trajectory. 

The Independent MacPherson-strut with the Leaf springs complement each other for perfect weight distribution throughout the chassis and the damping is taken care of by the Heavy-duty gas shock absorbers. The EPAS and the anti-roll bars together keep a check that the handling remains responsive. Therefore the van remains under the command even when flooring at 60 mph. 

2021 Ford Transit Cargo Van Braking Performance

The Ford Transit Cargo Van gets an even pair of 12.1” of front and rear rotors. Digging deeper brings the fact about its 4-wheel disc-brakes that are ABS-assisted. Moreover, the front has got the vented disc for better heat dissipation for the fact that while braking the fronts have higher responsibility by the virtue of forwarding weight transfer. The braking efficiency is doubled by the Automatic Emergency Braking that might be a necessity in case of such heavy weight lifting. 

The Express cargo gets one of the highest brake rotors in the segment probably because of its weight and dynamics. This seems to pay off as well at their ends. Since for other competitors, the braking distance is not available therefore it will be unreasonable to come to conclusion but the weight transfer is definitely a major factor while designing the braking system as evident from the Sprinter.

As mentioned earlier, the Ford Transit does seem to have a desirable power curve and a rev-band that makes it sluggish and struggles with its fuel economy. Part of the reason can be attributed to its huge weight that disturbs the power-weight ratio. The Transit offers 14 mpg in the city and 15 on the highway and can go up to a range of 451 miles in a go. But these numbers stand nowhere close to the rivals.

As per data, the Promaster is a clear favorite with its highest range and mileage among all. The Chevrolet Express cargo does have an astonishing fuel tank capacity that gives it an edge over the Transit in terms of its range with a parallel mpg figure. Unlike previous segments, the Sprinter also has a decent fuel economy that is worth considering. 

The 2-seater Ford Transit is quite a comfort with its ergonomics and appeal. The Ebony-Leather Trim and Dark Palazzo Gray Vinyl for seats are among the starters. The full cloth headliner and a urethane coating at the gear shifter extend the interior realm. In addition to that, a Medium Center Console makes the ambiance attractive. One also gets front and rear auxiliary air-conditioning and heater. 

Since the seating position does not bother us but the maximum cargo capacity available can be painful in comparison to what others offer. The Sprinter is way ahead by a huge mile in this segment. But the different roof-body styles can give us an opportunity to play around with space management. For such huge cargo vans, seating positioning can hardly be an issue and therefore all are seemingly satisfactory. Some of the features are:

• 2-way manual driver seat
• 2-way manual passenger seat
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Vinyl Front Bucket Seats

 What’s there to keep you entertained in the 2021 Ford Transit Cargo Van?

The Ford Transit is simply loaded with all that keeps you engaged. Starting with the AM/FM Stereo and the 4.0” Multi-Function Display that comes as a standard, the list goes on to add optional features like the HD/SiriusXM and the Navigation unit. Dual USB Ports and Bluetooth Connectivity serve as basic needs. 

One can also avail of the SYNC 3 and an 8.0” Colored Multi-Function Touch Screen with some extra investment. The Ford Telematics along with the 6-speakers audio set is more than enough to relish the musical experience. The highlights of the infotainment unit are:

• HD/SiriusXM
• Ford Telematics
• 4.0” Multi-Function Display
• AM/FM Stereo

One can’t expect too much from a cargo van to have an expression on its front fascia. It is more purpose-oriented than outlook-oriented. But the exterior trimming does hold functionality that includes the Auto High-Beam Headlamps and the 16" Silver Steel with Black Hubcap. The additional packages like the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow and Parcel Delivery Packages come in handy as an extension. Though the color contrast is not functional but takes its share of appreciation. One can have Race Red, Blue Jeans, and Avalanche Grey touch on the body. 

Being a cargo van, the Ford Transit can’t avoid being a large pack but can be restricted to be the most compact among the rivals. The least wheelbase, height, and length certainly make it easy-handling machinery in terms of its dynamics. The Chevrolet, on the other hand, is little more than the required, it seems. Thus, the Transit can be considered a segment leader in terms of its boundary limit that ensures stability in the straight-line and curvy trajectory. Some of the exterior features that are worth mentioning are:

• Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package
• Parcel Delivery Package
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps
• 16" Silver Steel with Black Hubcap

The Ford Transit cargo van has some serious enhancements and extensions in its advanced safety features. One gets Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-Sport Monitoring, and Automatic Emergency Brake Assist. The Transit does have SOS Post-Crash Alert System as a standard along with a set of Safety Canopy Airbags systems. With extra bucks, one gets the AdvanceTrac and Roll Stability Control. 

If that does not satiate you, the Passive Anti-Theft System and Trailer Hitch Assist will do grinding for that. The overall scenario of the Transit structural integrity is unknown as it has not been rated by the IIHS yet. If one would consider NHTSA alone then it seems to be a decent choice with an overall 4-star rating. Therefore, the safety features are capable enough to guarantee you safe travel even if the structural integrity is in the shades of grey. Some of the safety features are:

•  Safety Canopy
• Blind-Sport Monitoring
• Automatic Emergency Brake Assist
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System

2021 Ford Transit Cargo Van v/s 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Both the Transit and the Sprinter are some of the best in the business. On one hand, the Sprinter has a much practical mileage that can be a real deal for daily commuting. On the other hand, the Transit has an edge over it with its performance. Moreover, the Sprinter may seem to edge out the Transit with much bigger cargo space and a turbocharged engine with a lower capacity which ensures high volumetric efficiency which is desirable for combustion cycle and cylinder life cycle.

2021 Ford Transit Cargo Van v/s 2021 RAM Promaster

The RAM Promaster is relatively top-tier in terms of its powertrain prowess. Practical but boastful at the same time. The RAM Promaster is even lighter than the Transit. So it really can make Transit struggle for its due consideration. On top of that, the Promaster is an FWD that is well suited to avoid the chances of toppling which can be a usual case for such body-sizing. 

2021 Ford Transit Cargo Van v/s 2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo

The oversized Chevrolet Express might be a performer in the segment and ranks above the Transit but one can’t vouch for its handling dynamics as same as the Transit. As far as the fuel economy is concerned, the figures are self-explanatory for their impracticality. Moreover, they need a revision in their cargo spacing as there are others in the markets with much capable procuring spacing like the Sprinter.

If one intends to invest in a practical powertrain then Transit might not be your first pick. Moreover, the relative space is less compared to the other rivals. But if it is a subject of safety features and an interactive interior then it really offsets the previous trade-offs. So, a holistic approach may not let you end with it in the first place and other rivals can also be given preference over it.