The 2021 Ford Transit is a ubiquitous sight on American roads, though typically, these commercially focused passenger and cargo vans bear graphics for a package-delivery firm, a plumber, or maybe a preschool.
The Transit range comes in a vast array of configurations stretching — literally, in terms of their physical dimensions — to include those oriented toward hauling cargo or passengers, or even a combination of the two in Crew Van form. Additionally, cutaway and chassis cab versions serve as the starting point to box trucks and camper vans, among others.
Various wheelbase lengths stretch between 130 and 178 inches, and body styles are available in low, medium, and high-roof configurations. That’s just the start when it comes to configuring a Transit, as Ford also offers single and dual-rear-wheel options, sliding doors on either one or both sides, windows or sheet metal panels, and, in passenger-oriented versions, a choice between several different seating setups.
Engine options include a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 rated at 275 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque or a twin-turbocharged version with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Permanent all-wheel drive is optional.
When it comes to passenger and cargo vans, Ford offers a choice between XL and XLT trim levels that can stretch from downright basic to borderline luxurious with available leather trim, adaptive cruise control, and navigation. Safety-wise, all include automatic emergency braking, a lane-centering system, blind-spot monitors, and automatic high-beam headlights, plus front, side, and side curtain airbags.
The big Transit is mainly unrelated to the smaller, city-oriented Transit Connect. The Transit primarily competes against the Ram ProMaster.
We’ll focus on the Transit Passenger van configurations for this trim comparison.
2021 Ford Transit XL Passenger (Original starting price when new: $43,390)
See today’s prices on Ford Transit XL Passenger vans for sale near you
The 2021 Ford Transit XL Passenger starts at $43,390.
The base Transit XL comes in low-roof form with 16-inch steel wheels, black hubcaps, and unpainted bumpers.
Inside, look for vinyl flooring, cloth-upholstered seating for between 10 and 15 passengers depending on the length, an AM/FM radio with Bluetooth and USB ports, and a backup camera. Power windows, locks, and mirrors, as well as automatic windshield wipers, are standard.
Options include color-matched exterior trim, a hinged or power-sliding side door, HID headlights, running boards, alloy wheels, and either standard or adaptive cruise control. An 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is also optional, and it can display available forward-facing camera views.
Who is this trim for? The base Transit XL makes a tremendous value-oriented people-hauler for large families, or it can serve as a starting point for drivers looking to create a camper van.
2021 Ford Transit XL Passenger includes:
Vinyl flooring – Unlike carpet, vinyl floors are easy to clean up and ideally suited to high-traffic use.
10 to 15-passenger seating – Depending on the length, the Transit can be configured to haul passengers in numerous configurations starting with front-row bucket seats and rows behind, consisting of single or double seats.
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Smartphone mirroring tech projecting select communication, navigation, and entertainment apps onto the central touchscreen display.
2021 Ford Transit XLT Passenger (Original starting price when new: $45,225)
See today’s prices on 2021 Ford Transit XLT Passenger vans for sale near you
The 2021 Ford Transit XLT Passenger starts at $45,225.
Building on the base XL, the XLT adds several cosmetic and functional upgrades, plus it opens up the ability to add even more features.
Color-matched bumpers and 16-inch steel wheels with silver covers dress the Transit XLT up outside, and its headlights wear chrome trim. Its rearview mirrors fold at the tap of a button and contain turn signals.
A larger center console sits between the front seats. Additional interior upgrades include full carpeting, an extra dome light, cruise control, and reclining middle-row seats. Safety-wise, the XLT includes blind-spot monitors and parking sensors.
A power-sliding side door, heated front seats, leather upholstery, an upsized touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, and adaptive cruise control are available.
Who is this trim for? The Transit XLT can be a little more luxurious than the base XL, which may make it more appealing to shoppers looking to transition away from a more conventional SUV or van. It will also appeal to commercial users such as upscale hotels seeking a shuttle van.
2021 Ford Transit XLT Passenger includes:
Carpeted flooring – In contrast to vinyl, carpets offer a more luxurious feel.
Power-folding rearview mirrors – A helpful feature in a vehicle as large as the Transit that can add confidence when driving down a narrow road or when parking in a lot.
Available adaptive cruise control – A fatigue-reducing feature that keeps the vehicle a set distance from other cars at highway speeds by accelerating and braking automatically.
