The Ford Transit gets a significant refresh for 2020. Updates include revised styling, new powertrains, and sought-after technology to optimize the driver experience and passenger comfort. The Ram ProMaster and Nissan NV van lines are the Transit Passenger’s two most prominent competitors.

A new powertrain lineup drives the 2020 Transit Passenger. The base engine is now a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. Buyers can also opt for a new bi-turbo 2.0-liter inline-4 diesel engine or the familiar 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which makes 310 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Ford has not yet revealed horsepower or torque numbers for the two new engines. All three engines come paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) comes standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is newly available for 2020. As of this writing, fuel-economy ratings are not yet available.

The Transit Passenger can now be equipped with a power sliding door and premium high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with LED surrounds. New grille designs improve powertrain efficiency as well as aesthetics. Inside, the Transit Passenger’s new interior design modernizes the cockpit with a new dashboard. Updated ergonomics, more storage, and resilient new upholstery are found throughout the cabin. Swiveling front seats join the list of options, along with premium cloth upholstery and a heated driver’s seat. The Transit Passenger is available with a wide range of seating configurations to help optimize passenger and cargo space to meet the needs of each buyer. The van can be configured in XL and XLT trims.

The Transit Passenger features Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices. Buyers get the choice of a 4-inch color display or an 8-inch touchscreen. Every row of the Transit Passenger can be equipped with USB ports.

The Transit Safety offers the same safety features as a Ford car. A reversing camera and automatic emergency notification were already standard for the XL trim, and new standard safety features include pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The XLT trim adds Ford Co-Pilot360 with blind-spot monitoring, rear and side cross-traffic alert, and trailer assistance. Options include enhanced active park assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear split-view camera, adjustable speed limiting, and the Ford MyKey customizable-settings system.

With the refreshed 2020 Transit Passenger, Ford brings mainstream features and technology to this niche segment. The Transit Passenger will be available in late 2019.