Ford Upgrades Transit Commercial Van

Ford Motor Co. is giving its Transit fullsize commercial van a mid-cycle update that includes new engines, optional all-wheel drive and a host of driver-assist features.

The 2020 model, which goes on sale this autumn, also gets a minor exterior facelift. Styling changes include a revised grille, redesigned fascia and optional LED headlights. A power sliding side door also is available.

Engine choices include a new 3.5-liter V-6 with port and direct injection. Ford provides no specifics but says the setup is more efficient than the outgoing 3.7-liter mill.
 

There’s also a new 2.0-liter twin-turbo 4-cylinder diesel that delivers more power and torque than the 3.2-liter inline 5-cylinder diesel it replaces. The smaller diesel is equipped with stop-start capability and is quieter than its predecessor, according to the carmaker.

The current 3.5-liter Ecoboost V-6 will be carried over. All engines will be paired with Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission.

The awd system, available only with the gasoline engines, can send 100% of available torque to the front wheels to prevent slipping or skidding. Drivers also can select different modes to optimize performance in mud and ruts or slippery surfaces.

Among the new standard safety features are pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, post-collision braking, lane-keeping assist and automatic high-beam headlamps. Options include enhanced active park assist, adaptive cruise control, an adjustable speed limiting device, blind-spot alert with trailer coverage and cross-traffic alert, and a front and rearview split camera.

The 2020 Transit is available in cargo, crew, passenger, cutaway and chassis cab configurations. Gross vehicle weight capacity has increased 6% to 11,000 lbs in the cutaway and chassis variants.

The interior features a revised dash and upgraded materials. Swivel front seats are optional. Other goodies include standard 4G LTE wi-fi and smartphone integration. Optional telematics and data services help enable fleet owners monitor various vehicle metrics and diagnostic systems.