2019 Ford Transit Cargo Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2019 Ford Transit Cargo van is jam-packed with a lot of good things. For being a bulky cargo van, it has a remarkably smooth and enjoyable ride quality, something which many of its competitors lack. This full-size cargo van has three different trim levels (the 150, 250, and 250) to choose from and has three different engine options as well. While its towing capacity is not best-in-class, the Transit Cargo can still get the job done thanks to its powerful engine choices and plenty of cargo space.

What's New for 2019?

This year, the 2019 Ford Transit Cargo has been given new hinges on its longer wheelbase model that allow the cargo doors to open out even wider than before, making loading and unloading wide cargo items that much easier. Also, a few changes have been made to the list of features, but they are fairly minor. Other than that, basically everything carries over from the 2018 line-up.  

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Ford Transit Cargo – The Pros

1. A More Sedan-Like Drive

Finding a full-size cargo van that drives less like a truck and more like a larger sedan is easier said than done. However, the 2019 Ford Transit Cargo van delivers just that type of sedan-like performance. It feels remarkably nimble, even when cornering. The turn circle itself is fairly small, so you can make a tight turn when in a pinch. For those who do not like driving big, bulky vans, this is one of the better options out there.

2. The Ride Quality

The ride quality on the Transit Cargo van is pretty impressive, and it easily outperforms some of the other full-size cargo vans that are out there. The ride is relatively smooth, and bumps in the road will not do much to jostle you about. While this is no minivan, the Transit Cargo van is pretty well-insulated from road, wind, and engine noise, so you can expect a fairly quiet ride.

3. A Bunch of Configurations to Maximize Cargo Carrying Capacity

One of the best things about the 2019 Ford Transit Cargo van is that there are quite a few configuration options, and they definitely help to maximize the cargo area. There are three different roof heights (low, medium, and high) and several wheelbases (a regular one, a long one, and an extra-long wheelbase). This means that you can tailor your van to fit your specific needs, which is helpful whether you just need a single van or a fleet. The high roof is especially helpful for when you need to walk around in the cargo area, as it allows even taller adults to stand up straight and not have to hunch over or crouch down.

4. Three Strong Engine Choices

The standard 3.7-L V6 engine is a fantastic little powerhouse that gets the Transit Cargo van up and moving in no time. It generates 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Of course, you can always choose to upgrade to either the 3.2-L turbo-diesel inline-five cylinder (which gets 185 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque) or the 3.5-L V6 (which musters up a respectable 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque). All of these engines come matched up with the same 6-speed automatic transmission and are considerably fuel efficient given that they're being used on a full-size cargo van.

5. The Easy-to-Use Sync 3 System

Ford's Sync 3 system is one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems out there right now. Having it as a feature on the 2019 Ford Transit Cargo van only makes the vehicle that much more attractive to buyers. It comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and upgraded audio features like a 6-speaker sound system and USB port. The menu is set up in a way that makes sense, and all of the graphics are easy to read.

6. A Ton of Optional Features

Although the base model might seem kind of basic in regard to its standard features, there are quite a few options for add-ons and packages. Available options include Ford Telematics (which consists of a lot of the audio system upgrades, like HD Radio and Bluetooth), the Sync 3 infotainment system, long-arm side mirrors for better visibility, rear parking sensors, cruise control, the lane departure warning system, and some nice leather upholstery for the cabin.

7. Cabin Comfort

While it is clearly not as plush as a minivan, the 2019 Ford Transit Cargo van is still pretty comfortable to ride around in. The standard cloth seats feel nice, and the optional leather ones are power-adjustable and well-bolstered for support. Long rides will not be painful in this cargo van. In fact, they can be pretty enjoyable.

8. Plenty of Cargo Space

Of course, the biggest reason you will likely want to buy the Transit Cargo van is for its amount of cargo space. At its max, you can configure the van to get a grand total of 487.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 20 more than what you get on Ram's ProMaster and over 200 more cubic feet than what is available in a lot of the GM models. And, with the high roof, you can get around a lot more easily in the Transit Cargo's rear.

9. A Standard Rearview Camera

One of the most helpful features that comes standard on the 2019 Ford Transit Cargo van is a rearview camera. This gives you a better idea of what is behind you while you are driving or backing into or out of a parking spot. Since this is a big van, having the rearview camera equipped just makes sense. It certainly makes the van a bit safer to drive.

10. A Contemporary Vibe

A lot of cargo vans still look kind of outdated, but the Transit Cargo van actually has a pretty contemporary vibe to it. On the outside, it looks professional enough, and the interior doesn't feel tacky or old-school, especially with the optional features that you can equip.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Ford Transit Cargo – The Cons

1. The Towing Capacity

While the 2019 Ford Transit Cargo van doesn't have a terrible towing capacity, it is lower than some of its competitors. It has a maximum tow rating of 7,500 pounds, which does get bested by a few of the Transit's top competitors. If towing is crucial for you, you will have to spend some money to maximize the towing capacity.

2. Rear-Wheel Drive Is Not Ideal for Some Drivers

The standard rear-wheel drive system is not horrible, but it might not be terribly practical for some drivers - in particular, those who drive in areas where winter gets harsh and long. Front-wheel drive comes on a lot of the Transit Cargo's competitors and offers a little more in the way of stability during inclement conditions.

3. The Smaller Wheels Make the Ride Less Smooth

Unfortunately, the only thing that really hinders the ride quality of the 2019 Ford Transit Cargo van are the small, 16-inch wheels. These make the ride a little bit rough, but not so much that it becomes unbearable. For a full-size cargo van like this, larger wheels would be more ideal.

4. Some Difficulty Getting Into the Rear

Finally, some drivers will experience a little difficulty getting to the cargo area. This is due to how you have to squeeze back there while accessing it from up front. This is a minor gripe, but larger adults will likely have some issues with this.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2019 Ford Transit Cargo vs. 2019 Ram ProMaster Cargo Van

The slightly more affordable Ram ProMaster is stiff competition for the 2019 Ford Transit Cargo van. It offers a tight turning circle, excellent grip on the road, an available on-board internet connection, and a massive list of different configurations. On the downside, the ProMaster lacks the smooth ride quality of the Transit Cargo, and the driver will struggle more with finding a good driving position up front.

2019 Ford Transit Cargo vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Another top contender against the Transit Cargo this year is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. While there are fewer configuration and engine options, what is available is pretty attractive. It has the same max towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, and with some recent changes, looks more contemporary and upscale than before. However, it is a more expensive option.

Conclusion

The 2019 Ford Transit Cargo van is one of the most well-regarded full-size cargo vans on the market right now, and it is no wonder why this is the case. From its number of configurations and three solid engine options to its pleasant and compliant ride quality, the Transit Cargo van does not feel like your average work van. Instead, it takes on a more relaxed and comfortable vibe that drivers should be able to appreciate.