The 2021 Ford Transit lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor exhaust and brake issues reported. At $35,150 to $47,250, it’s a good value for a full-size van with plenty of cargo space to fit large items and construction equipment.
Is the 2021 Ford Transit a Good Used Van?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Ford Transit van since it offers decent reliability ratings with plenty of cargo space. Owner reviews praise the comfortable seats, responsive steering, along with the safety technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are cheaper than some other vans, all of the seat options are supportive, cargo space is also fantastic for a van.
- Reliability 8/10 – Reliability ratings are high, there are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Transit. In general models from 2015–2022 are all dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Both of the V6 engines offer reasonable power for a van, but since it’s a big heavy box on wheels it’s never going to be fun to drive.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Transit is reasonably safe earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking along with lane departure warning. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – Fuel economy is poor at up to 17 MPG, giving 425 miles of range from the 25 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other large vans, at $385 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2021 Ford Transit is similar in price to other large vans with similar ownership costs as it ages, giving it an average value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Transit?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Ford Transit offers a lot of great features for commercial users, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2021 Transit at 3.2/5, praising the smooth suspension for a van, but says the towing capacity is lower than some other vans.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Transit a 3.7/5, enjoying the outstanding room for cargo, but owners don’t like the inefficient engines.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Ford Transit Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Ford Transit include exhaust fumes in the cabin, premature brake wear, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other large vans, leading to average repair costs as the Ford Transit ages..
Exhaust fumes in the cabin is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Transit owners in the first 20,000 miles. There are some exhaust clamps which may be loose from the factory, and allow gasses to escape into the cabin. Repairing the problem usually costs under $100, depending on local labor rates.
Premature brake wear is another issue on the 2021 Transit, especially if you use the van to tow or haul lots of weight. The front brakes, in particular, tend to wear down quicker than in some other vans. Replacing the front pads costs around $150, while a set of rotors is $250.
Stereo system issues with the touchscreen freezing have also been reported by 2021 Transit owners at around 5,000 miles. There are some software updates available for the SYNC system which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install updates for free, while some charge around $50.
There’s only one recall on the 2021 Ford Transit, which is better than other large vans. The recall covers a seat belt locking retractor, which Ford will replace for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2021 Ford Transit Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Ford Transit can last around 250,000 miles, which is similar to many other large vans including the Mercedes Sprinter Van. Regular annual maintenance costs are high, but similar to other large vans according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $845 per year.
As a used 2021 Ford Transit reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the drive belt tensioner for $380, transmission oil cooler costing $525, along with the water pump which costs $700.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is basic in the 2021 Ford Transit with a small 4-inch multifunction display. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Ford’s Sync 3 software.
Standard safety features include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Package
- Rearview Camera
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic High Beam Headlights
Optional Advanced Driver Assistance Upgrades Include:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Parking Sensors
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Is the 2021 Ford Transit a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Ford Transit is a good value since it’s reasonably priced for a full size van with plenty of room for cargo or passengers. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $35,150 to $47,250, making it similar to the Chevy Express and Ram Promaster. When new, the price range was $37,470 to $51,450. Depreciation is similar to other vans, losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Transit?
The 2021 Ford Transit is offered in either cargo or crew configurations, and also comes as either a 150, 250, or 350 trim level. The Transit also comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Standard Features Include:
- Steel Wheels
- Sliding Passenger-Side Door
- Cargo Tie Downs
- Power Locks, Windows, and Mirrors
- Keyless Entry
- Manual Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel
- Bluetooth Phone Connectivity
- 4-Inch Display
- AM/FM Radio
- Four-Speaker Stereo System
Optional Upgrades Include:
- Upgraded Axle Ratios
- 60/40 Passenger Side Door
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Paint Matched Bumpers
- Fog Lights
- Larger Fuel Tank
- Cruise Control
- Remote Start
- Spray In Bedliner For Cargo Area
- Trailer Brake Controller
- RV Prep 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 while getting up to 17 MPG.
- An available upgrade is the stronger turbocharged 3.5L V6 which produces 310 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque and gets up to 16 MPG. It’s capable of towing up to 7,500 pounds with this engine.
What Colors Does the Ford Transit Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Transit?
The 2021 Ford Transit offers a comfortable and pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the driver’s seat can be adjusted in multiple ways to ensure optimal comfort during long drives. The steering wheel is also adjustable, allowing the driver to find the perfect position for their individual preferences. In addition, the cabin is well-insulated, keeping road noise at a minimum and providing a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
Passengers in the 2021 Ford Transit can also enjoy a comfortable ride, thanks to the spacious seating area with ample headroom and legroom. The seats are well-padded and designed to provide support during extended trips. Depending on the configuration, the Transit can accommodate up to 15 passengers, making it an ideal choice for group transportation or large families.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Transit Have?
The 2021 Ford Transit offers ample storage space, making it an ideal choice for businesses and families that require a versatile and roomy vehicle. The cargo capacity of this van varies depending on the model and configuration chosen. There are three roof heights (low, medium, and high) and three body lengths (regular, long, and extended) available, which provide different storage capacities.
For instance, the low-roof, regular-wheelbase model offers 246.7 cubic feet of storage space, while the medium-roof, long-wheelbase variant has an impressive 404.3 cubic feet of cargo room. The high-roof, extended-length model boasts the most substantial capacity, with 487.3 cubic feet of storage.
These spacious interiors allow for the transport of various items, such as furniture, construction materials, or equipment for outdoor events. The van can easily accommodate items like couches, mattresses, bicycles, and even appliances like refrigerators or washing machines. The Ford Transit’s generous cargo area and customizable configurations make it a versatile and practical option for a wide range of uses.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Ford Transit came out for the 2015 model year in the United States.
2015: First year for the Ford Transit Van in the United States after being a popular choice in Europe for years.
2016: SYNC 3 stereo system optional, standard tow hitch and rearview camera on all models.
2017: Short wheelbase model introduced, standard 3.7L V6 engine, LED headlights offered.
2018: Standard Bluetooth and power folding mirrors on all models.
2019: Redesigned door hinges to open wider to load and unload cargo easier.
2020: New engine options added, optional all-wheel drive available, 10-speed automatic transmission offered.
2021: Electronic parking brake included on rear-wheel drive models, 2.0L diesel engine discontinued.
How Does the Ford Transit Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Ford Transit is a very good full size van offering decent reliability ratings paired with plenty of room for cargo, although ownership costs are expensive.
The Mercedes Sprinter is another large van which costs around $1,200 more. Interior materials are slightly higher-quality in the Mercedes Sprinter, while the Ford Transit offers a higher towing capacity. We recommend the Ford Transit, although both are very similar large vans worth checking out.
The Ram Promaster is a competitor which can be found for about $2,000 less. Visibility is better in the ProMaster with its huge front window, while the Ford Transit has more cargo space with its taller roof options available. We recommend the Ford Transit since there are fewer mechanical issues reported as they age.
