The 2020 Ford Transit lasts around 250,000 miles with some brake wear and steering noise problems reported. At $31,375 to $44,050, it’s expensive, but worth the money for one of the best full-size vans on the market.
Is the 2020 Ford Transit a Good Used Van?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Ford Transit since it offers good reliability ratings paired with plenty of space. Owner reviews praise the technology, comfortable chairs, along with the responsive steering.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are relatively cheap, the seats offer good support for long drives, cargo space is also excellent for a van.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread issues on the 2020 Ford Transit. Models from 2015 through 2022 are all good choices with high reliability ratings.
- Performance 7/10 – The Ford Transit is slow, although the engines are more focused on hauling cargo rather than going fast.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2020 Ford Transit is reasonably safe, offering standard forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, along with automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 18 MPG, giving 450 miles of range from the 25 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other vans at $325 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Ford Transit is more expensive than other full size vans, although depreciation is slow, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Transit?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Ford Transit is a very nice van offering plenty of room for passengers or cargo, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Transit at 3.4/5, praising the available SYNC 3 infotainment system, but doesn’t like the poor fuel economy from the V6.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Transit a 3.7/5, enjoying the massive cargo capacity, but owners don’t like the shorter warranty.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Ford Transit Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Ford Transit include premature brake wear, loud steering, along with fading paint problems, particularly on the roof. Overall, these problems are similar to other large vans from the same year, with average repair costs as issues pop up.
Premature brake wear is the most widespread complaint on the 2020 Ford Transit in the first 10,000 miles. If you use your van to haul a lot of weight or tow then it will lead to the brake pads wearing out quicker. Replacing the brake pads costs around $550, while new rotors cost an additional $800. There are also some aftermarket brake pads on the market which last longer and are around $75 more.
Loud steering is another issue reported by Transit owners at around 25,000 miles. The power steering system in the Transit is electronic, which means it may make excessive noise as it ages. If your electronic power steering fails, then replacing the motor costs around $1,200, depending on local labor rates.
Fading paint, particularly on the roof, is another common complaint from Transit owners at around 40,000 miles. The roof on the Transit van is a large surface which is exposed directly to sunlight. Repainting the affected area is the only way to fix the problem, costing around $1,500.
There are six recalls on the 2020 Ford Transit, which is worse than some other vans from the same year. The most serious recall is for the driveshaft, which may separate, increasing the risk of a crash. Other recalls include seat belts along with the rearview camera, which are not major mechanical concerns.
How Long Will the 2020 Ford Transit Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Ford Transit can last around 250,000 miles, which is similar to many other large vans including the Chevy Express van. Regular annual maintenance costs are high, but average for a large commercial-focused van, at $913 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
As a used 2020 Ford Transit reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the wheel hub assembly for $450, a brake fluid level warning switch costing $120, along with the transmission oil cooler assembly which costs $550.
How Is the Technology?
Standard technology is basic in the 2020 Ford Transit with a relatively small 4-inch multifunction display. There are 6.5-inch and 8-inch touchscreens available with Ford’s Sync 3 software.
Standard safety features are average for a large van and include:
- Rearview Camera
- Automatic High Beam Headlights
- Lane Keep Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
Unfortunately, advanced features like adaptive cruise control are not available on the Transit.
Is the 2020 Ford Transit a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Ford Transit is a good value since it offers excellent reliability paired with plenty of room. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $31,375 to $44,050, making it more than a Chevy Express or Transit Connect. When new, the price range was $35,000 to $45,350. Depreciation is better than other vans, only losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Transit?
There are two main models of the 2020 Ford Transit offered from the base XL model to the XLT model, which has more features. There are also two wheel-lengths including standard or long-wheelbase versions along with dual rear wheels. If you’re looking for more cargo space, there are also low roof, medium roof, and high roof options. All the customizations give you dozens of options to tailor your Transit to your needs.
XL is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Vinyl Seating
- Front A/C
- Automatic Headlights
- Rearview Camera
- Sliding Rear Doors
- Power Windows & Locks
- Keyless Entry
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
- LED interior Lighting
- Four Speaker Audio System
XLT is a step up, adding:
- Cloth Seating
- Parking Sensors
- Sync 3 Infotainment System
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- SYNC 3 Software
- Lane Departure Warning
- Remote Start
- Engine Block Heater
- Upgraded Rear Seats
- Optional Power Sliding Door
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Optional Leather Seats
- Larger 8-Inch Touchscreen Is Optional As Well
- Exterior Upgrade Package
What Engines Come In the Ford Transit?
- The base engine is an average 3.5L V6 which makes 275 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque at up to 16 MPG. All engines come standard with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
- There’s an optional stronger 3.5L turbocharged EcoBoost V6 which produces 310 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque while getting 15 MPG.
- An available upgrade is the more efficient 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel, which generates 210 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque which gets 18 MPG.
What Colors Does the Ford Transit Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Transit?
The level of comfort in a 2020 Ford Transit can vary depending on the specific model and configuration. However, as a general guideline, the Transit is designed to provide a comfortable ride and workspace for its passengers and driver.
The driver’s seat in the Transit is adjustable and supportive, and the steering wheel can be tilted and telescoped to help you find a comfortable driving position. Some models also offer optional features like heated seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat for added comfort. The passenger seats in the Transit are also designed to provide a comfortable ride, with plenty of headroom and legroom, and optional features like cloth or leather upholstery and heated seats.
Regarding ride quality, the Transit’s suspension system is tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, even when the van is fully loaded with cargo. Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated, which helps to reduce road and wind noise, making for a quieter and more comfortable ride.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Transit Have?
The amount of storage space available in a 2020 Ford Transit can vary depending on the specific model and configuration. However, as a general guideline, the cargo space in the 2020 Ford Transit ranges from 246.7 cubic feet in the standard wheelbase low roof cargo van to 542.2 cubic feet in the long wheelbase extended-length high roof cargo van.
The exact amount of storage space available in the 2020 Ford Transit will depend on the specific model, options, and configuration you choose. It’s worth noting that these cargo volumes are measured with the rear seats removed and with the cargo area completely empty.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Ford Transit was launched for the 2015 model year.
2015: First model year for the Ford Transit Van in the United States after being European exclusive for years.
2016: Standard tow hitch and rearview camera on all models, SYNC 3 stereo system optional.
2017: Short wheelbase model introduced, standard 3.7L V6 engine, new LED headlights.
2018: Bluetooth and power folding mirrors standard on all models.
2019: Redesigned door hinges to open wider.
2020: Optional all-wheel drive, new engine choices added, 10-speed automatic transmission available.
2021: 2.0L Diesel engine discontinued, electronic parking brake included on rear-wheel drive models.
How Does the Ford Transit Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Ford Transit is a very nice full size van with plenty of room for passengers and cargo while also offering good reliability ratings as it ages compared to some of the competition.
The Nissan NV is another large van which is available for around $3,000 less. The larger rear doors on the Nissan NV are easier to get in and out of, while the Ford Transit has more room in the largest cabin. We recommend the Ford Transit since there are fewer complaints from owners, leading to lower ownership costs.
The Chevrolet Express is another competitor, which costs around $7,000 less. The available V8 engine in the Express offers a higher towing capacity, while the Ford Transit is much roomier for passengers or cargo. We recommend the Ford Transit since the Chevy Express van is very outdated, in need of a redesign.
