2018 Ford Transit Cargo Reviews, Pricing & Specs

It’s been a staple on British and European roads for years and years, but the Ford Transit Cargo full-size van wasn’t introduced in the...

It’s been a staple on British and European roads for years and years, but the Ford Transit Cargo full-size van wasn’t introduced in the U.S. until 2014. Its success across the pond has been mirrored in the States, however, as the Ford Transit has become not only the best-selling commercial van in the nation but the best-selling van overall. While also available in a Transit Passenger configuration, the Transit remains best known in its more business-oriented form—the Transit Cargo.

The 2018 Transit Cargo gains several new features, such a locking glove box, a new rear exit door handle, a rear LED cargo lamp, and the relocation of the handy reversing camera from next to the rear license plate to above the rear doors on medium- and high-roof models. New options include heavy-duty flooring in the cargo area, a rear scuff plate kit, longer running boards, power-folding heated mirrors, and D-pillar assist handles for medium- and high-roof models. These features are intended to further expand the Transit’s utility and make the already popular choice even more appealing to large and small businesses across the country.

The Transit Cargo comes in three lengths, two wheelbases, and three roof heights, and with a choice of either a rear liftgate or split rear doors. Trims levels include the half-ton 150, the three-quarter-ton 250, and the 1-ton 350. A 350 HD variant further adds dual rear-wheels and increases the payload capacity. Between these choices and the numerous available features, there are literally hundreds of ways to tailor your Ford Transit to your individual needs. The roomiest Transits come with almost 500 cubic feet of cargo capacity, but even smaller versions offer well over 200 cubic feet.

Under the hood of the Transit Cargo are several more options. The base powertrain is a 3.7-liter V6 engine rated at 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, but buyers can upgrade to either a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque or a turbodiesel 3.2-liter Power Stroke inline 5-cylinder engine good for 185 hp and 350 lb-ft. All come with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the powertrain, maximum payload stands at 4,650 pounds and towing capacity is up to 7,500 pounds, and the transmission includes a separate tow-hauling mode. The Transit claims fuel-economy figures of 14 mpg city, 18 highway, and 16 combined with the base V6 and 15, 19, and 16 with the EcoBoost V6, although these numbers will vary depending on vehicle configuration and load. The Ford Transit also employs unibody construction, so it has a reportedly better ride than more old-fashioned body-on-frame haulers. Suspension is by MacPherson struts up front and a live axle with leaf springs in the rear.

With just the standard features, the interior of the Transit Cargo is fairly spartan—it comes equipped with vinyl seats, a vinyl floor, and front air conditioning. The customization possibilities, however, are limitless, whether you’re looking to haul wedding cakes or power tools. Options include power heated mirrors, cloth upholstery, and a 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen. Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system with navigation is available and can be outfitted with Ford’s telematics system for fleet owners to monitor speed, location, and other vehicle data. Other add-ons include a power running board, upfitter switches, lane-keeping alert, and an engine-block heater.

The 2018 Transit Cargo expands the appeal of this utilitarian runabout with an even longer list of available features and configurations, to the point where there really is a Transit for everyone. Loading the Transit with options can get rather expensive, but with such a wide range of useful features, many buyers will likely be able to justify the extra cost as a business expense.