2027 Ford Transit Expert Review

Good driving dynamics

Range of bodies, powertrains

Large standard touchscreen

On the expensive side

Gas engine could be more efficient

No E-Transit passenger van

The Ford Transit is a full-size commercial van designed to adapt, whether it’s moving cargo, carrying a work crew, or serving as a foundation for a camper conversion. Since its arrival in the U.S. for 2015, its broad range of configurations has helped it become a fixture on jobsites and roads across the country.

For 2027, the lineup continues to offer gas and electric power, with updated equipment supporting the Transit’s work-first mission. Work van rivals include the Ram ProMaster, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Chevrolet Express.

What’s New

Basics

  • A perimeter alarm is now standard with the cargo van and XL/XLT versions of the passenger van
  • The Ford Security package is standard with cargo van and passenger van XL/XLT trims for one year; a seven-year plan is available for one-time purchase
  • Optional Connected Navigation Hardware to run Ford Connected Navigation
  • The cargo van’s tire inflator and sealant kit have been deleted
  • Side parking sensors have been deleted from the Ford Co-Pilot360 system
  • For the E-Transit, a NACS fast-charging adapter is now optional instead of included with the Mobile Power Cord

Exterior

  • Daytime running lights are now standard on the cargo van and XL/XLT versions of the passenger van
  • Iconic Silver Metallic paint color replaces Ingot Silver Metallic
  • Factory-installed dock light/exterior lighting package optional on medium- and high-roof models only
  • Wiper-activated headlights and headlight courtesy delay have been discontinued

What We Think

The Ford Transit is a versatile commercial van that works as a delivery vehicle, mobile workshop, passenger shuttle, or van-life base camp. Its many body styles, roof heights, wheelbases, and powertrains make it easy to tailor to different jobs, and it drives well for something built to haul cargo or people.

The 2026 updates make the Transit more modern where drivers spend their time. A standard 12.0-inch touchscreen and 8.0-inch driver display, wireless phone connectivity, and standard Ford Co-Pilot360 bring welcome convenience and safety tech across the lineup. Fleet tools and upfit-friendly features also help businesses keep their vans working.

That flexibility and new equipment come at a cost: The Transit can get expensive, and its gas engines could be more efficient. The all-electric E-Transit gives buyers another option, but its range and cargo-only body style limit its appeal for some uses. For businesses and owners who need a van that can be configured around a specific task, though, the Transit is a compelling place to start.

Top-Ranked Competitors:

MotorTrend Tested

The gas-powered Ford Transit’s 3.5-liter V-6 makes 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. An optional turbocharged version raises output to 310 hp and 400 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. The electric E-Transit pairs an 89-kWh battery with a single rear-mounted motor that produces 266 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. We tested the turbo Transit from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds.

In contrast, the Ram ProMaster uses a slightly larger 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 276 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, with no rear- or all-wheel-drive alternative.

The ProMaster EV also uses front-wheel drive, with a single front-mounted motor powered by a 110-kWh battery. It produces 268 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy estimates for the Ford Transit cover select light-duty configurations; heavier and commercial-grade models are exempt from standard federal testing. For baseline models with the standard 3.5-liter V-6, rear-wheel drive is rated at 15/19 mpg city/highway. All-wheel drive lowers the city estimate to 14 mpg, while the highway estimate remains 19 mpg.

Safety Features

Standard Ford Transit driver assists include:

  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Forward collision warning
  • Lane keeping
  • Post-collision braking
  • Automatic high-beams

Blinds-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera are also available.

Ford Transit Cargo Van Space and Configurations

The Transit Cargo Van is available with low, medium, or high roofs; regular, long, or extended wheelbases; and single or dual rear wheels. A front bench seat lets it carry up to three people.

Cargo capacity varies by configuration. Even the regular-length, low-roof model offers 246.7 cubic feet behind the front seats. At the other extreme, an extended-length, high-roof Transit provides up to 536.4 cubic feet with the front passenger seat removed.

Ford Transit Passenger Van Seating Capacity

When an Expedition isn’t big enough, the Transit Passenger Van can carry a crowd. Depending on its configuration, it seats 8, 10, 12, 14, or 15 people.

Technology

Basic Transit models have a 4.0-inch information display with Bluetooth and two USB ports. An available 12.0-inch touchscreen adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus subscription-based built-in navigation.

An available digital rearview mirror and 360-degree camera can help drivers with situational awareness around the van. Depending on configuration, the Transit comes with a four-, six-, or eight-speaker sound system.