Stretch the base and basic 2012 Ford E-Series E-150 Van from its standard 217 inches overall to 236.4 inches, and behold the E-Series E-150 Ext half-ton full-size cargo van. This box-like brute can carry 278.3 cubic feet of cargo in its ordinary 2-seat configuration, or some 319 cubic feet with the passenger seat removed. Throw in a pair of V8 engines, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) torque and a wealth of options, and you’ve got a van that’ll outwork even the most dedicated draft animal.
Spartan is the operative term for the 2012 E-Series E-150 Ext’s standard appearance, comfort and convenience amenities. Look for 16-inch steel wheels, a pair of vinyl captain’s chairs for driver and passenger, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning and an AM/FM radio with 2 door-mounted speakers to be included among the more noteworthy features aboard. New this year is a standard audio input jack for iPod and/or MP3 players.
Ford Work Solutions remains a popular option package for this base E-Series Ext trim, containing, as it does, a dash-mounted computer with mobile Internet access and file retrieval. The Crew Chief option, meantime, allows monitoring of vehicle speed, idle time, vehicle location and vehicle maintenance schedules.
Further down-and-dirty options include a towing package with or without an integrated trailer brake controller, almost unlimited storage configurations, including bins, racks and drawers and customizable upfitter switches.
More personable options include cloth upholstery, full power accessories, cruise control, Ford’s popular SYNC voice-activated audio and communications, and a hard-drive-based navigation suite. Finally, satellite radio, a single-CD player with 6 speakers, and additional sound insulation can also be delivered with this workaholic van. Most options are generally available either as part of a package or in standalone form.
The base engine in the 2012 E-Series E-150 Ext is a 4.6-liter Flex Fuel (FFV) V8 that mates with the standard 4-speed automatic transmission for 225 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque. Towing is maxed out at 6,100 pounds with the proper equipment, including an available 4.1 rear axle ratio, while mileage is estimated at 13 mpg city/17 highway.
Additionally available to this base trim is a 5.4-liter FFV V8 powerplant, again tied to the 4-speed automatic. Look for 255 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque from this peppy V8, with towing maxed out at 7,500 pounds, when properly equipped. Alas, mileage drops to 12/16, but there is a 5-speed automatic available with this bigger V8 that might save a drop or two of fuel. This potent V8 can also be configured to burn cleaner CNG/LPG (Compressed Natural Gas/Liquid Propane Gas), if desired.
Safety-wise, the 2012 E-150 Ext sports standard 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control and a post-collision safety system. Available safety and security features include a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors as part of an upgrade package, not to mention the E-Guard cargo protection system and a passive remote antitheft alarm.
