2018 Ford Transit Pros vs Cons

If you are in the market for a brand-new full-size work van, the 2018 Ford Transit will likely be on your list of vehicles to test drive. The Transit might lack the extreme comfort of a minivan, but with its multiple configurations, it is easy to customize the Transit to fit your cargo-hauling needs. As is typical of a Ford vehicle, the Transit is very user-friendly and has one of the better infotainment systems on the market. Essentially, what the Transit lacks in towing capacity, it makes up for in multiple other design elements.

What's New for 2018?

The 2018 Ford Transit only received a few minor updates for the model year. The most significant updates worth mentioning are the addition of Bluetooth, standard power locks, power-folding mirrors, a glovebox that locks, a LED lamp switch located in the cargo area, and an exit handle on the rear cargo door. Also, the rearview camera has been relocated in order to optimize its vantage point.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Ford Transit – The Pros

1. Easy-to-Use Sync3 Infotainment System

Non-tech-savvy drivers can appreciate the ease of which the Sync3 infotainment system functions. In fact, it is one of the most user-friendly systems around. All of the digital controls are simple to figure out and are clearly labeled. It won't take much time at all to get used to the controls.

2. Multiple Configurations That Beef Up Cargo Capacity

Looking to max out cargo capacity? The 2018 Ford Transit has multiple configurations that allow you to expand your total cargo space. At a maximum, you can get a whopping 487.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which bests the 2018 Ram Promaster by 20 cubic feet and all of GM's vans by over 200 cubic feet of space.

3. Multiple Engine Choices

The multiple engine choices are all excellent. Standard is a 3.7-L V6 engine that garners 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Your other two options are a 3.2-L turbocharged inline 5-cylinder diesel-powered engine (which gets 185 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque) and a 3.5-L turbocharged V6 (which gets 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque). Each engine option is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

4. Excellent Steering and Handling

Steering and handling are very fluid and natural on the Transit. Turning in a narrow circle is no problem with the 2018 Ford Transit since its steering is so responsive. Also, it handles much less like a truck than older Transit models.

5. Comfy Seats

Although it isn't up to minivan standards for comfort, the Transit has remarkably comfortable seats for a work van. They feel well-bolstered and have a good quality of the upholstered material.

6. Great Ride Quality

The 2018 Ford Transit provides occupants with a stunningly quiet and smooth ride. The van handles bumps and dips in the road without a problem. The cabin seems to be well-insulated, as not much road or wind noise gets in. Also, there is not much noise from any of the three engine options to speak of.

7. Easy to Get In and Out

Since Ford made the step-in height lowered on the newer Transit models, getting in and out of the driver and passenger doors is incredibly easy. Also, unlike what you get with GM vans, you can walk with a straight spine in the cargo area. The tall roof means that you don't have to strain your back by hunching over.

8. A Standard Rearview Camera

A rearview camera, which has been re-mounted to a much better location on the van, comes standard across the lineup. This is a tremendous help with checking your blind spot and rear view, which can be difficult to see in such a large van.

9. Easy to Find a Driving Position

Finding a driving position in the 2018 Ford Transit is quite simple. The driver's seat is adjustable four different ways, and the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel makes it even easier for drivers of any size to get comfortable behind the wheel.

10. Fuel Economy

The Transit has a rather impressive fuel economy. The base engine gets a combined 16 mpg (14 mpg city/18 mpg highway), and on the optional 3.5-L turbocharged V6, you also get 16 mpg combined (15 mpg city/18 mpg highway).

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Ford Transit – The Cons

1. Minimal Towing Capacity

The towing capacity on the 2018 Ford Transit is minimal compared to what you get on some of its competitors. On the low end, it can tow 2,900 pounds while, on the higher end of the spectrum, the Transit can tow 7,500 pounds. This isn't terrible, but it pales in comparison to what you can find on other work vans.

2. Four-Wheel Drive Isn't Available

Surprisingly, four-wheel drive isn't available at all on the Transit. These vehicles are rear-wheel drive only, so if you need power sent to all four wheels on your vehicle, you'll have to look elsewhere.

3. Overloaded Dash

While the dash isn't awfully confusing, it just looks busy. There are simply too many physical controls scattered about in a way that feels a bit counterintuitive for a driver. Overall, the center stack lacks symmetry and refinement.

4. Options Get Pricey

The more you customize with add-on options and packages, the pricier the Transit will get. If you are okay with spending more money, there are some great options, but there are definitely more budget-friendly alternatives out there.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

2018 Ford Transit vs. 2018 Ram Promaster Cargo Van

The Ram Promaster has only been on the market for a few years but is quickly heating up the competition with its numerous body styles and excellent payload capacity. On the downside, the ride quality is a bit touchy, and it takes a while to find a comfortable driving position.

2018 Ford Transit vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter manages to have a heftier price tag than the Transit, but it offers seemingly endless configuration options, excellent fuel efficiency on the diesel engines, and a good amount of interior space.

Conclusion

The 2018 Ford Transit isn't the work van with the best towing capacity, and it could use a four-wheel drive option. However, the Transit is very user-friendly, packs in a lot of creature comforts, and offers a ride quality that is hard to find in work vans.