Though it’s not much to look at, Ford’s 2012 E-Series E-150 Van is a workhorse full-size cargo carrier that packs almost 238 cubic feet of total cargo area into its boxy frame and 278.6 cubic feet with the front passenger seat removed. This half-ton rear-wheel-drive (RWD) heavy hauler also offers a choice of two V8 engines and two automatic transmissions, and it can be delivered with a plethora of options for occupant comfort and techno-oriented work solutions.
The 2012 E-150 comes with only bare-bones standard necessities like 16-inch steel wheels, a pair of vinyl captain’s chairs for driver and passenger, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning and an AM/FM stereo with 2 door-mounted speakers and, new for 2012, a standard auxiliary audio input jack.
Ford, of course, offer a number of work-dedicated options packages for this big van, such as the Work Solutions package with a dash-mounted computer boasting mobile Internet capability and remote file access. The Crew Chief package, meantime, boasts vehicle tracking technology that monitors this big van’s location, speed, idle time and maintenance needs. Then there are numerous available bins, drawers and racks that can be configured to taste, as well as a pair of rear axle ratios, upfitter switches and a towing package with or without an integrated trailer brake controller.
Appearance, comfort and convenience options include alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, second-row bench seating, a single-CD player with 6 speakers and satellite radio, full power accessories and Ford’s popular SYNC hands-free audio and communications system, which can also include a hard-drive-based navigation suite. Most options are available as part of various upgrade packages or in standalone form.
The somewhat under-achieving Flex Fuel (FFV) 4.8-liter V8 remains the standard engine aboard the 2012 E-Series E-150. Mated with the standard 4-speed automatic transmission, this tepid V8 puts out 225 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque, while gas mileage is a meager 13 mpg city/17 highway. Towing, meantime, is maxed out at 6,100 pounds with the proper equipment, which includes an available 4.1 rear axle ratio.
Should a bit more giddyup be desired, a Flex Fuel 5.4-liter V8 powerplant is available to this half-ton beast, with either the standard 4-speed automatic or an available 5-speed automatic managing 255 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Mileage drops to 12/16, but towing capability increases to 7,500 pounds. Further, this peppy V8 can be configured to burn CNG/LPG (Compressed Natural Gas/Liquid Propane Gas) for a somewhat greener footprint.
Besides its hefty bulk, the 2012 E-Series E-150 boasts standard safety features like 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, and a post-collision safety system. Reverse parking sensors and a rear-view camera are optional safety equipment, with the E-Guard cargo protection system and a remote antitheft alarm as optional security items included among various upgrade packages.
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