2017 Ford Transit Passenger Reviews, Pricing & Specs

While the Ford Transit van may be best known as a cargo hauler, it also comes in a passenger configuration. Whether you’ve got a big...

While the Ford Transit van may be best known as a cargo hauler, it also comes in a passenger configuration. Whether you’ve got a big family, run a shuttle service, or need to carry schoolkids or church groups, the Transit Passenger Wagon can be built to suit your needs, and it continues into 2017 without any major changes.

With 2 trim packages, 3 engine choices, 3 roof heights, 3 lengths, 3 rear-axle ratios, and numerous available add-ons, buyers have hundreds of ways to customize a Transit Passenger. The regular-wheelbase Transit comes with a low or medium roof and seating for 8 passengers in 3 rows or 10 passengers in 4 rows. A long-wheelbase Transit is available with a low, medium, or high roof and can seat 12 passengers in 4 rows or 15 passengers in 5 rows. The Extended Transit is available only with a high roof and can seat 15 in 5 rows, with 100.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the last row.

Every Transit Passenger comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 3.7-liter V6 engine that makes 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. An option package enables the engine to run on compressed natural gas or propane. It can also be upgraded to a turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 with an output of 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque or a 5-cylinder diesel engine good for 185 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. Both gas engines have fuel-economy ratings of 14 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined (though these numbers will vary with vehicle configuration and load). The diesel engine has not been EPA rated.

No matter which engine, height, or passenger count you choose, the Transit Passenger Wagon comes in two trims: XL and XLT. The XL comes with 16-inch steel wheels, fixed or fourth-row flip-open windows, tinted glass, vinyl upholstery, and an AM/FM radio with Aux input. Optional extras include a CD player, navigation, a power driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, lane-keep assist, heavy-duty batteries, cruise control, and rear air conditioning. Other additional features are a tow/haul package, a reverse alarm, running boards (standard or powered), second-row flip-open windows, privacy glass, and a rear-window defogger.

The Transit Passenger XLT trim adds creature comforts like an upgraded exterior with chrome trim, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and standard front and rear heating and air conditioning. Cloth seats, cruise control, wheel covers, and a CD player are also standard, while leather seats, lane-keep alert, navigation, running boards, and reverse sensors remain optional. The XLT comes with a 60/40 split passenger door that can be upgraded to a sliding door.