Used 2020 Ford Transit 250 Cargo Van

Ford’s full-size Transit Passenger and Cargo Van for 2020 gets even better this year by finally offering the option of all-wheel drive, as well as two new engine choices. The versatile Transit van comes in numerous configurations, including a new Crew Van with 5-passenger seating. Like its principal rivals, the Ram ProMaster and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Transit offers a range of wheelbases and roof heights, a combination not available on the Nissan NV or Chevrolet Express van.

In passenger form, the Transit can carry up to 15 people, while cargo models offer tow ratings as high as 6,900 pounds and payloads up to 4,530 pounds. Along with the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6, the Transit can also be equipped with a normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 or a 2.0-liter turbodiesel for improved fuel economy. The Transit also outclasses the competition with a slew of standard and available active driver assists via Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite.

Driving the 2020 Ford Transit van is easier than its massive appearance might suggest. Despite its tall roof and long, downward sloping windshield, most configurations occupy the same footprint as a full-size F-150 pickup. You’ll need to remember that tall roof when negotiating tree-lined routes where low-hanging branches might pose a problem. The same goes for low-entrance parking garages and drive-thrus.

Driving the Transit is a pleasant experience far removed from the old work vans that rode rough and offered zero driver feedback. The Transit’s steering is accurate and easy to work, the suspension is taut without being harsh, and we were amazed at the lack of rattles and squeaks in our test vehicle.

Those most concerned with fuel economy will want the new 2.0-liter turbodiesel, but if power is your most pressing need, a Transit equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is the best option (and the most fun to drive).

For 2020, the Transit gets a much-needed interior upgrade. Most noticeable is the dash, where an available 8-inch touch-screen monitor replaces last year’s ocean of tiny buttons and small view screen (the standard setup still has a rather small 4-inch view screen, however).

The seats remain wide and supportive and, in a nod to recreational van customers, now have the option to swivel 180 degrees. The instrument cluster is large and legible, and storage compartments abound. Whether you have a cellphone, laptop or Big Gulp, the Transit offers a secure spot for it.

Ford even offers three different center console sizes in small, medium and large. Following customer feedback, Ford has improved interior grab handles and made the vents larger and better at directing air where it’s needed. From the driver’s seat, the large windshield and high seating position offer a commanding view of the road, while the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel makes it easy for drivers of all sizes to find just the right position.

The 2020 Ford Transit’s aggressively utilitarian form is defined by function. The three roof heights range from 83.6 inches to 110.1 inches, and the six body lengths from 217.8 inches to 263.9 inches. Whether it’s a panel van painted with your company’s logo or a multi-passenger airport shuttle, the Transit gets 16-inch steel wheels with color-keyed hubcaps, and a black surround on the new, 3-bar grille; wagons get tinted side glass.

Long-wheelbase cargo vans have new rear-door hinges that increase the door opening angle from 237 to 253 degrees, while available retracting running boards make entry and exit easier.

New this year is an available power-sliding side door for both cargo and passenger vans, and high-intensity headlights with LED surrounds.

FORD TELEMATICS
To help maintain a busy fleet, Ford’s available telematics system can remind fleet managers when a particular van is due for service and keep an eye on fuel-consumption habits. It can even monitor the driving habits of employees, which can help cut down on tickets and expensive insurance claims.

FORD CO-PILOT360
The 2020 Ford Transit makes a big leap forward this year, offering such standard driver assists as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and automatic high beams. Optional upgrades from the Co-Pilot360 suite include adaptive cruise control, active park assist, front and rear split-view camera plus blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

The most basic Transit work truck features the 3.5-liter V6, a 4-speaker AM/FM stereo, 16-inch wheels and hubcaps, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, air conditioning and power windows and locks. You also get industrial-black front and rear bumpers, roof-marker lamps, rear tow hook and short-arm, dual power-side mirrors. Passenger models get tinted side windows.

Standard safety equipment includes pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and automatic high beams. Step up to the XL Passenger van and you get 4-speaker audio and full-length side-curtain airbags, while the top-line XLT gets automatic headlights, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and the Exterior Upgrade Package.

We’ll sidestep the thousands of different ways the Ford Transit can be upfitted for custom work duty. Instead, Ford will sell you a 10-way-power driver’s seat, an engine-block heater and rear parking-aid sensors (get these) for your 2020 Transit.

Other options include extendable heated mirrors, Ford Telematics, leather seating, dual sliding-side doors, a power-sliding side door, cruise control, keyless entry, and Sync 3 with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and navigation. Co-Pilot360 brings adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, active park assist with side-sensing system plus front and rear split-view cameras.

There are three engine choices available for the 2020 Ford Transit. Standard issue is a new 3.5-liter V6 putting out 275 horsepower. Power-hungry customers can opt for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, a twin-turbocharged engine that produces 310 horsepower, while fuel-conscious buyers might look to the new 2.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel.

All three engines are mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear wheels. On gasoline-powered models, the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. One nice feature on the AWD models is that they have the same ground clearance and step-in height as the rear-drive (RWD) vans.

3.5-liter V6
275 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
262 lb-ft of torque @ 3,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg (RWD), 14/19 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
310 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
400 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
211 horsepower
369 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A