Ford Rolls Out Transit Van to Replace E-Series in U.S.

This summer Ford Motor Co. will begin selling its Transit delivery van in the U.S. and Canada for the first time as it phases out its 53-year-old E-Series van.

The Transit, a best-seller in the U.K. for 50 years, offers a range of wheelbases, lengths and roof heights. The truck is available as a panel van, with windows for passenger use and in cutaway and chassis cab versions.

The truck has a base U.S. fuel economy ratings of 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway. Those numbers compare with 13 mpg/16 mpg for the E-Series' standard 4.6-liter V-8 and 10 mpg/13 mpg for the outgoing van's optional 6.8-liter V-10.

The Transit's standard engine is a 3.7-liter V-6 that makes 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. An optional 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost powerplant delivers 310 hp and best-in-class 400 lb-ft of torque.

Ford also will offer a 3.2-liter, 5-cyinder diesel rated at 185 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode that reduces "gear hunting" is standard for all engines.

The Transit has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs and a maximum payload of 4,650 lbs. Ford says the payload limit for each size iteration of the van is at least 600 lbs greater than the comparable E-Series models.

Optional features include telematics to track mileage and service costs and a lane-keeping alert system that vibrates the steering wheel when drivers stray out of the center of their lane.