Ford reveals the updated 2020 Transit van with new powertrains and more configurations to fit more lifestyles and jobs.
The major changes to the new Transit include an all-wheel drive setup, a new 2.0-liter inline-four bi-turbo diesel engine, a new standard 3.5-liter V6 with port and direct injection, updated interior, and more high-tech features than before.
A new Crew Van is joining the lineup as well, capable of carrying five people in two rows of seating while still being able to haul gear in the back. This joins the Cargo Van, Passenger Van, Chassis Cab and Cutaway.
On the capability front, the updated 2020 Transit now has a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 11,000 lbs. That is a 640 lbs increase over the outgoing model.
2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel
Power numbers for the new diesel weren’t announced, but Ford says it will make more than the 185 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque that the current 3.2-liter diesel in the Transit makes. It is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the same unit that is mated to all the engines in the Transit. Ford says the new diesel engine and the transmission combination will make it more fuel efficient than the outgoing diesel.
This diesel in particular is exciting as it is a very similar unit out as the one in the new Ranger Raptor sold overseas.
All Wheel Drive
There is no longer a need to look to an aftermarket company in order to gain all-wheel-drive capability in a full-size Ford van. Ford is introducing an AWD option to gas-powered Transit vans. The system is similar to the one found in the new 2020 Ford Explorer.
The new Transit AWD will have the exactly the same ride height as the regular 2WD models. Ford says this provides all-weather capability, but does not require an extra effort of stepping in and out of a taller van.
In normal mode, the AWD system monitor wheel slip and can send power to where it’s needed. While this is a rear-wheel-biased system, it can send up to 100% of the torque to the front. There are also Mud & Ruts or Slippery modes that further adjust how the AWD behaves on various surfaces.
Design and Technology
The exterior has been subtly updated, while a new power sliding door is available for the cargo van and passenger van. Three different grilles will be available on the Transit depending on model.
New driver assistance features have been built into the updated Transit as well, including pre-collision assist with automatic braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, post-collision braking, lane-keeping assist and automatic high-beam headlamps.
If you opt for the passenger van XLT, Ford Co-Pilot360 is included featuring blind spot information system with trailer coverage, cross-traffic alert and a new side sensing system.
Active park assist has been added to the Transit as well, which means that the van can now park itself in both parallel and perpendicular spots, as well as park out of those spots.
Adaptive cruise control, front and rear split-view cameras and an adjustable speed limiting device are also part of the package.
The Ford Transit now is connected to the internet with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices. This connection enables Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services which can help businesses with GPS tracking, geofencing with alerts, fuel waste reports and more.
Sync 3 has been added to the 4-inch and 8-inch touchscreen displays in the center stack, which means that both use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The 2020 Ford Transit will start shipping to customers this fall.
