2017 Ford Transit 150 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Full-sized cargo vans aren't what they used to be. The 2017 Ford Transit 150 is a good example of how far cargo vans have come in the last few decades. Vehicles in this category used to be very basic, with little in the way of options. This van has numerous options, luxury features and multiple configurations. If you are looking for a van for work or a business fleet, this might be the right choice for you.

What’s New for 2017

This year sees a few more options than the 2016 model. Last year's LED lighting package for cargo vans is now standard on all Transit 150 models. You can now opt for heated seats for the driver and front passenger. The center console has been changed to allow easier access to the rear of the van. The basic sound system now has four speakers.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Ford Transit 150 – The Pros

1. The Safety Features

The 2017 Ford Transit 150 has a nice assortment of safety features. The NHTSA awarded the van 5 stars for side-crash safety and 4 stars for frontal collisions. The van features roll stability, trailer stability and traction control. A rear-view camera helps you to safely back up in this large vehicle.

2. Interior Size

Not only is the interior spacious, but it's also easily accessed. The low floor makes getting into the cargo area easy. The cabin can be accessed just as easily. The high-roof version can accommodate someone as tall as 6'4", allowing them to comfortably stand. The standard version of the 150 model can easily carry 10-foot long items. The overall storage space is 246.7 cubic feet.

3. 14 Trims Available

With 14 different trims available, there is something here for everyone. There are low, medium and high-roof versions available. There is also a number of options such as side-cargo doors. No matter what type of business you use the van for, you should be able to find the perfect configuration. If you need more space, there are larger versions available.

4. Easy To Drive

The 2017 Ford Transit 150 handles more like a family sedan than a cargo van. The steering circle is tight and easy to handle. The van provides a smooth, comfortable ride.

5. Sync 3 Infotainment System

The entertainment system is nicer than a lot of comparable, cargo vans in this class. The extra speakers this year add to the volume and sound quality. The system interface is intuitive and easy to use. If you plan on spending a lot of time behind the wheel, this system will make that time more pleasant.

6. Fuel Efficient

This van gets decent gas mileage for a cargo van of its size. You should get around 14 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway, with the standard V-6 engine. The turbocharged version is a bit better at 15 city and 19 highway mpg.

7. Versatility

The sheer number of configurations you can choose for the van makes it very versatile. This would be a good choice for any business or work purposes you can imagine. It can even be used as regular, family transportation.

8. Ford's Crew Chief Telematics

This is an excellent feature that sets the 2017 Ford Transit 150 apart from the competition. This system allows a business owner to monitor their vehicle while another driver has it out on the road. You can sync your phone or computer to the system to keep tabs on the vehicle location, oil and tire pressure.

9. Nice Features

The Ford Transit has more luxury features than you typically get with a cargo van. From heated seats to a premium sound system, this is a work vehicle that you can drive in comfort.

10. Solid Engine Performance

The base engine is a 3.7-liter V-6. This engine has a good amount of torque and power, but may not be ideal for hauling really heavy loads. There is an option to choose a turbocharged, 3.5 liter V-6. This option provides more than enough power for most hauling duties.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Ford Transit 150 – The Cons

1. No V-8 option

The standard V-6 and the turbo-charged option pack a lot of punch. Unfortunately, this may not be enough for a work van used for heavy hauling. If you need more power for transporting cargo, you might need to look elsewhere.

2. No All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive can be an important option for a company or fleet vehicle. Without this option, you might find your van sidelined during winter weather. If you live in an area where winters get rough, the 2017 Ford Transit 150 may not be your best option.

3. Options Can Get Pricey

The baseline price is on par with other cargo vans with similar features. It is nice to have so many options, but they can get a bit pricey. Creating the perfect package may cause the cost to be prohibitive.

How It Stacks Up To The Competition

The main competition for the 2017 Ford Transit 150 is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Ram ProMaster and the Nissan NV Cargo. All three of these vans are quality vehicles. The Mercedes leads the pack with the most cargo space. The Nissan is the workhorse of the bunch. The Nissan NV offers a V-8 engine that is capable of hauling over 9000 pounds. The Ram ProMaster is perhaps the best budget buy of the lot, but is also quite small.

The 2017 Ford Transit 150 may not be the largest or the most powerful, but it is the most versatile. With tons of features, options and configurations, the Transit 150 beats out most competitors overall. The Ford beats out the others in comfort and handling. If your primary use is to haul family or transport customers, then the Ford wins hands down.

Conclusion

It's hard not to recommend the 2017 Ford Transit 150 for most potential consumers. The base price is very reasonable. There are a lot more options than you normally see on cargo or passenger vans. The 2017 Ford Transit 150 handles great and gets good gas mileage. It would make an excellent choice for large families, businesses, deliveries, transportation services or church and school transportation.