Used 2017 Ford Transit 350 HD Van

The 2017 Ford Transit comes in two main versions: the work-and-cargo-oriented Transit, and the passenger-friendly Transit Wagon. Both versions of this European-style high-roof van come in a wide variety of configurations, offering up to 15-passenger seating, tons of cargo room, or both. Engine choices include a turbocharged V6 engine, a 5-cylinder diesel engine, or a 3.7-liter V6 that can be configured to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). It’s no surprise that the Transit is available with a wide array of options, allowing buyers to customize their new work vans with various cargo-area treatments, seating arrangements, and even things like power running boards. That doesn’t even include the dizzying array of options available through Ford from various upfitters.

The 2017 Ford Transit is easier to drive than you might think at first glance. While some configurations are exceptionally tall, the reality is that the footprint of the van isn’t much different from a full-size pickup truck. So maneuvering in parking lots, on the highway and around town isn’t much different from driving a long-bed Ford F-150, for example. You do need to watch your head though, as low-hanging branches or other objects can easily bang into the tall-roof models. As for the driving experience itself, it’s light years better than the vans you might remember from church retreat weekends. The steering is light and accurate, the suspension is buttoned down without being harsh, and the van is surprisingly free of squeaks and rattles. While any engine is fine, fuel misers should consider the 5-cylinder diesel, while the more power-hungry will gravitate to the turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.

Despite its work status, the Ford Transit is not a penalty box for the driver. There’s an amazing amount of storage space; you can have a couple of Big Gulps and water bottles, your phone, your laptop, your tablet, and tons of other stuff stowed in various nooks and crannies in the dash and doors. The comfortable and supportive seats are good for long and short hauls, and can be covered in cloth or leather. The audio system offers Ford’s Sync 3 system with MyFord Touch. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, giving the driver added flexibility in finding the right position.

The 2017 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 Aston Martin-inspired grille; wagons get tinted side glass. The Wagon XLT comes standard with an Exterior Upgrade Package that adds full wheel covers, a chrome grille and grille surround, and headlight trim. Available retracting running boards make entry and exit easier.

FORD TELEMATICS
If you’re a fleet manager, this is a must-have item. You can observe if your employees’ driving habits are safe or not, determine in advance if a vehicle is due for service, and even generate reports on fuel efficiency.

3.5-LITER V6 ECOBOOST ENGINE
We’ll admit we’re suckers for power, and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 has it in spades. It has no problem moving this big bulky van with surprising grace — and a surprisingly sporty engine note, too — and it still manages to get good fuel economy.

For 2017 the Transit gets an upgraded audio system standard, with four speakers. The Transit also comes standard with 16-inch wheels and hubcaps, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and power windows and locks. You also get industrial-black front and rear bumpers with front lower valence and a rear step, and short-arm, dual power-side mirrors. Wagon models get tinted side windows. Step up to the Wagon XL passenger van and you get 6-speaker audio and rain-sensing windshield wipers, while the top-line Wagon XLT gets a chrome grille surround, automatic headlights and an upgraded 8-speaker sound system.

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 2017 Transit. Other options include extendable mirrors, Ford Telematics, dual sliding side doors, cruise control, keyless entry, and Sync 3 with MyFord Touch with a 6-inch touch screen and navigation. There’s also lane-keeping assist and other safety upgrades available. A CNG/LPG (liquid petroleum gas) engine-prep package is available for models equipped with the 3.7-liter V6 engine.

There are three engine choices available for the 2017 Ford Transit. Standard issue is a 3.7-liter V6 putting out 275 horsepower, and which can be configured to run on compressed natural gas. Power-hungry customers can opt for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, a twin-turbocharged engine that produces 310 horsepower. Then there’s the 3.2-liter 5-cylinder Power Stroke turbodiesel, aimed at those who need low-end torque and good fuel economy, although the EPA does not rate the diesel. All engines drive the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

3.7-liter V6
275 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 mpg (cargo)

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

3.2-liter diesel inline-5
185 horsepower @ 3,000 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: not rated by EPA

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.