Van wars: ford transit vs vw transporter – the verdict you’ve been waiting for

In the realm of commercial vehicles, the Ford Transit and VW Transporter stand as formidable contenders. Both vans boast impressive capabilities, but discerning buyers often face a dilemma when choosing between these two market leaders. To shed light on their strengths and weaknesses, we delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Ford Transit vs VW Transporter.

Engine and Performance

The Ford Transit offers a wide range of engine options, including diesel, gasoline, and hybrid powertrains. The base 2.5-liter gasoline engine produces 163 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, while the available 3.5-liter V6 delivers 250 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. For diesel enthusiasts, the 3.2-liter Power Stroke engine provides 185 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.

The VW Transporter, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that generates 148 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 2.0-liter BiTDI engine is available, offering 198 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque.

Payload and Cargo Capacity

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Ford Transit reigns supreme. The regular-wheelbase model offers a payload capacity of up to 3,460 pounds and a cargo volume of 246.7 cubic feet. The extended-wheelbase model increases the payload to 4,290 pounds and the cargo volume to a whopping 313.3 cubic feet.

The VW Transporter falls slightly behind in payload capacity, with the standard model offering 2,822 pounds and the long-wheelbase model providing 3,086 pounds. However, its cargo volume is comparable to the Transit, ranging from 235.6 to 300.4 cubic feet depending on the wheelbase.

Interior Features and Comfort

Inside the cabin, both the Transit and Transporter offer a spacious and functional work environment. The Transit features a user-friendly dashboard with intuitive controls and a large infotainment touchscreen. It also boasts comfortable seating with adjustable lumbar support and ample headroom.

The Transporter’s interior is equally well-equipped, with a clean and modern design. It comes with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and a variety of driver assistance systems. The seats are supportive and offer good visibility.

Safety and Reliability

Both the Ford Transit and VW Transporter are highly regarded for their safety and reliability. The Transit has earned a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Transporter has received a 4-star rating from Euro NCAP.

In terms of reliability, the Transit has a slightly better track record than the Transporter. According to J.D. Power, the Transit has a predicted reliability score of 87 out of 100, while the Transporter scores 83 out of 100.

Fuel Economy and Cost of Ownership

The Ford Transit with the 2.5-liter gasoline engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The VW Transporter with the 2.0-liter diesel engine returns a more impressive 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

When it comes to cost of ownership, the Transit and Transporter are comparable. Both vans require regular maintenance and repairs, but the Transit may have slightly higher fuel costs due to its lower fuel economy.

Which Van is Right for You?

The choice between the Ford Transit and VW Transporter ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you require maximum cargo capacity, the Transit is the clear winner. If fuel economy and a more refined interior are your priorities, the Transporter may be a better fit.

Alternatives to Consider

If neither the Transit nor the Transporter meets your requirements, there are a few other cargo vans worth considering:

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
• Ram ProMaster
• Nissan NV

What You Need to Know

Q: Which van has the higher payload capacity?
A: The Ford Transit has a higher payload capacity than the VW Transporter.

Q: Which van is more fuel-efficient?
A: The VW Transporter with the 2.0-liter diesel engine is more fuel-efficient than the Ford Transit with the 2.5-liter gasoline engine.

Q: Which van has a better safety rating?
A: The Ford Transit has a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, while the VW Transporter has a 4-star rating from Euro NCAP.

Q: Which van is more reliable?
A: The Ford Transit has a slightly better reliability score than the VW Transporter, according to J.D. Power.

Q: Which van is more expensive to own?
A: The Transit and Transporter have comparable costs of ownership, but the Transit may have slightly higher fuel costs due to its lower fuel economy.