Used 2018 Ford Transit 350 Wagon

Ford offers the 2018 Transit van as either a versatile and modern cargo van, or a passenger-friendly transport that can comfortably seat up to 15 passengers. The European-derived Transit features a high roof for improved interior accommodations, as well as a number of trims and configurations. Engine choices include a turbocharged V6, 5-cylinder turbodiesel and even a 3.7-liter V6 than can run on compressed natural gas (CNG). Ford knows it faces stiff competition from Ram’s ProMaster and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, so it equips the Transit with a lengthy options roster designed around customization and flexibility. From its available power running boards to its detailed cargo-bay treatments and numerous upfitter options, the 2018 Transit has almost every base covered.

Driving the 2018 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 a tall roof is overhead 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 5-cylinder 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).

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. Ford’s Sync 3 audio upgrade is available, as is navigation. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, giving the driver added flexibility in finding the right position.

The 2018 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
As a fleet manager, it’s your job to monitor your employees’ driving habits, know when a vehicle is due for service and monitor fuel usage. Thanks to advanced Ford Telematics, most of these jobs are done for you, making quick work of what used to be a time-consuming chore.

3.5-LITER V6 ECOBOOST ENGINE
Anyone driving a fully loaded van in fast-moving traffic knows the importance of having power to pass and merge. With the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 under the hood, the Transit has no issues getting up to speed and its fuel economy is surprisingly good.

The most basic Transit work truck features a 4-speaker AM/FM stereo, 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 valance 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 2018 Transit. Other options include extendable heated mirrors, Ford Telematics, dual sliding-side doors, cruise control, keyless entry, and Sync 3 with a 6-inch touch screen and navigation. There’s also lane-keeping assist plus 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 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