2015 Ford Transit

The Ford Transit Van delivers terrific refinement and versatility to commercial vans with a broad range of layouts, a choice of solid and fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel engines, and comfortable driving. The commercial van industry is transforming into a new generation of more maneuverable, cost-effective vehicles to replace longstanding van lines built on pickup truck chassis. The all-new 2015 Ford Transit Van is the most recent illustration of this trend. The all-new Ford Transit is a full-size van with three engines to choose from. It is available in various configurations, including cargo and passenger models, the latter of which can accommodate up to 15 people. Its rivals include the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Chevrolet Express, and Ram ProMaster.

Overview of the 2015 Ford Transit

The 2015 model year of the Ford Transit is offered with three V-6 engines:

  • A 3.7-liter with 275 hp and 260 lb of torque,
  • A twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter with 320 hp and 400 lb of torque.
  • A 3.2-liter turbocharged diesel I-5 with 185 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque that can operate on biodiesel.

The engines are all mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Performance

Ford’s 3.7-liter V-6 gasoline-powered (or E85 Flex Fuel) engine is located ahead of the cabin, crammed snugly into the Transit’s tiny engine bay. Interestingly, one of the Transit’s small hood vents is functional. It functions as an entry for cold, outside air to be taken straight to the van’s intake. Power is listed at 275 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque, which is not a lot for a vehicle this big, but it is enough to drive the fully loaded van at an acceptable pace.

Fuel Economy

During testing, the Ford Transit averaged 17.7 mpg on essentially highway miles, which matches the EPA’s estimates of 14 cities, 19 highways, and 16 combined mpg. It seems that with eight passengers on board, efficiency figures might drop, especially around town. The 3.7-liter engine is paired with a torque-converter automatic gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. (There are two final drive alternatives available, providing operators with another option to improve efficiency or capability.)

3.5L EcoBoost or 3.7L

Drivers looking for a little more power may choose a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine with dual turbocharging, which produces 310 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque. For low-emissions use cases, a kit that transforms the 3.7-liter engine to operate on compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (CNG/LPG) is also available. A 3.2-liter diesel engine option with 350 pound-feet of torque for transporting big loads and high-mileage applications is also offered. The engine compartment of the Transit, like the chassis that surrounds it, is surprisingly adaptable.

Even with the standard 3.7-liter engine, the Transit has a payload capacity of 2,900 pounds and can store up to 450 pounds on its top with an optional ladder rack. With extra equipment and one of the more powerful engines, the payload climbs slightly over 4,500 pounds. In comparison, an optional towing package with sway control and trailer brake control raises the trailering capacity to 7,500 pounds.

Interior

The dashboard seems to have been taken from a Ford Focus and slid into a much bigger car. Indeed, the seating for up to 11 people (including the driver) and their baggage is significantly different between the Ford Transit 150 XLT and Ford’s tiny hatchback.

Cargo

You could neatly arrange roughly 23 big, 30-inch luggage in the 94 cubic feet of space behind the third seat. Adding the fourth row to the Transit 150, an 11-seater still leaves space enough for ten luggage (or twice as many small carry-on-sized bags). And this is not even its most colossal form.

Wheelbase and Roof

Our specific example is a “medium-wheelbase, low-roof Transit wagon.” It has a 130-inch wheelbase, an overall length of around 220 inches, and a height of 83.6 inches. The Transit is available in three sizes (regular, long, and extended) and three roof heights (standard, extended, and advanced) (low, medium, and high).

An “extended-wheelbase, high-roof Transit wagon” has a length of 264 inches and a height of 107.7 inches at its longest. There is enough room for 15 people and 25 big, 30-inch luggage on its five rows. If you remove the seats, there is 487.3 cubic feet of space behind the driver, enough for 122 big luggage.

Doors

The 2015 Transit is available with either hinged side doors or a sliding door. With integrated shelves, racks, and storage bins, the inside may be customized for many functions. The Transit may also be purchased as a cab with a bare frame behind it, ready for an extensive makeover.

Safety Features of the Vehicle

ABS brakes detect when a tire stops spinning under heavy braking and regulate the brake pressure for the tire to rotate again. This improves the vehicle’s turning capabilities while braking. When the vehicle’s handling limitations are surpassed, stability control automatically decreases engine power and applies select brakes to prevent the driver from losing car control. Front-impact airbags for the driver and passenger (cancellable passenger) are intended to protect the driver’s head in the event of a frontal collision. Seatbelt pre-tensioners tighten seatbelts automatically during a crash to put the person in the best sitting position.

Specification

  • Height: 100.8 in
  • Length: 219.9 in
  • Width: 70.3 in
  • Curb weight: 4866 lbs
  • Cargo volume: 315.2 cu. ft

Engine type: 3.7-liter with 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque or a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter making 320 hp and 400 lb-ft

Vehicle type: full-size commercial van

Fuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size: 15.8 gallons

C/D TEST RESULTS:

  • Zero to 130 mph: N/A
  • Zero to 100 mph: N/A
  • Zero to 60 mph: 9.55 sec
2015 Ford Transit

2015 FORD TRANSIT— Owner’s Manual

When a buyer purchases a van, they find in the glove box a 2015 FORD TRANSIT owners manual, which holds all the vehicle’s vital information needed for future maintenance. The Ford Transit Owner’s Manual comprises:

  • Illustrated table of contents
  • Safety—Seats, seat belts, and supplemental restraint system
  • Instruments and controls
  • Pre-driving checks and adjustments
  • Monitor, climate, audio, phone, and voice recognition systems
  • Starting and driving
  • Appearance and care
  • Maintenance and do-it-yourself
  • Technical and consumer information

These are the most significant operations though the owner’s manual for the 2015 FORD TRANSIT contains many more operating guides. This owner’s manual was designed to meet the demands of automotive enthusiasts by instructing them on when and how to utilize every feature and function of the vehicle.