2018 Ford Transit Passenger Van is the Perfect Ride for Big Families and Businesses
The 2018 Ford Transit Passenger Van is the kind of vehicle that fits the bill if you’re hauling around a bunch of people—whether that’s your extended family or a group of employees. It's a beast when it comes to space and reliability. But don’t just take my word for it. I got a chance to chat with Alex Collantes, a long-time Ford enthusiast, and he had some pretty interesting things to say about the Transit Passenger Van too. More on that in a bit! First, let’s dive into what makes the 2018 Ford Transit Passenger such a unique vehicle in its segment.
The 2018 Ford Transit Passenger: Overview
Ford’s 2018 Transit Passenger is a full-size van designed to move people from point A to point B with ease. Available in multiple configurations (you’ve got three roof heights and three body lengths to choose from), this van offers exceptional versatility. Whether you’re a big family, a small business, or a rideshare service, there’s a Transit model that can meet your needs.
However, like any vehicle, it's not without its drawbacks (spoiler alert: parking one of these monsters is like a cardio workout). But let’s start with the good stuff!
Why the 2018 Ford Transit is a Game Changer
Space for Everyone and Then Some
First off space. This van has an insane amount of room. You can get a configuration that seats up to 15 passengers, which is more than enough for a baseball team plus their gear. I mean unless you're running a mini circus... in which case you're still probably fine.
- Passenger capacity: Up to 15
- Cargo space: 100.5 cubic feet behind the last row (in the long-wheelbase, high-roof version)
If you’re running a business where you need to shuttle people around—or even if you're just the kind of person who takes all their friends on road trips—this vehicle is hard to beat when it comes to sheer size.
Power Under the Hood
Powering the 2018 Ford Transit Passenger is a choice of three engines:
- 3.7L Ti-VCT V6
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6
- 3.2L Power Stroke I-5 Diesel
The 3.5L EcoBoost engine is probably the pick of the bunch. It’s the kind of engine that delivers impressive acceleration for a vehicle of this size. According to Alex Collantes, “The EcoBoost engine really gives the van a surprising amount of power. You wouldn’t think it could move that fast but it can!”
Multiple Roof Heights
Not everyone considers the height of their van until they try to fit it in a parking garage. Ford’s got you covered with three roof heights to choose from.
- Low Roof: For normal garages and tight spaces.
- Medium Roof: Offers more interior height but still manageable for most urban settings.
- High Roof: If you want to fit a 6'5" basketball player standing upright.
Just remember: the high-roof model might not fit into the local drive-thru. Consider that your daily exercise—getting out to order your coffee inside!
Versatile Configurations
Whether you need seating for 8 passengers or 15, the Ford Transit Passenger van offers versatile seating arrangements to fit your needs. Plus the seats themselves are pretty comfortable, which is a bonus for longer trips.
Seating options:
- 8 passengers
- 10 passengers
- 12 passengers
- 15 passengers
Each option offers the ability to remove rows of seats to create more cargo space, giving it the ability to transform from a people mover into a cargo van. This flexibility is a huge selling point.
What You’ll Love About the 2018 Ford Transit Passenger
1. Driving a Bus has Never Been So Easy
Okay, it’s not actually a bus, but driving the 2018 Ford Transit Passenger Van feels pretty smooth for its size. You might think that maneuvering something this large would be a chore, but thanks to its responsive steering and smooth transmission, it's not too bad. You’ll have no problem merging onto the highway, though parking in a tiny city space might leave you wishing you had a smaller car.
Pro Tip: Back-up cameras come standard, and trust me, you'll want to use that every single time you park.
2. It's Not as Gas-Guzzling as You'd Think
Full-sized vans don’t have the best reputation when it comes to fuel efficiency, but the 2018 Ford Transit does better than most. The 3.7L V6 model averages about 14-15 MPG in the city and up to 19 MPG on the highway.
For something that can haul 15 people and a bunch of luggage, that’s not too shabby! Alex Collantes noted, “I thought I’d be filling up the tank every couple of days, but it’s been way more manageable than I expected.”
3. It’s a Workhorse (But Also Family-Friendly)
You’ve probably seen the Transit Passenger van in multiple settings—airport shuttles, church groups, or school field trips. That’s because it’s a vehicle that can handle pretty much any job. If you’re hauling around workers, families, or tourists, this van is built to do it all.
And Ford knows how to make sure the interior doesn’t feel like a cold, commercial vehicle either. The 2018 Transit offers a high-end interior package, with leather seats and touchscreen navigation options that make the cabin feel comfortable.
The Drawbacks: Let’s Keep it Real
Big on Space, Big on Parking Woes
Let’s not sugarcoat this: Parking the 2018 Ford Transit can be a headache. This thing is massive—especially the extended-length, high-roof model. Sure, it’s got backup cameras, but even then, you’re going to have a hard time fitting into compact spots. It’s like trying to fit a whale into a kiddie pool.
“I had to circle a parking lot five times before I found a spot big enough,” said Alex, laughing. “At least it’s a good excuse to skip the gym.”
Not Exactly a Luxury Ride
While the interior of the Transit Passenger is functional and gets the job done, don’t expect luxury. The base model comes with a lot of plastic and vinyl, which can feel a bit cheap. If you want to upgrade to leather, you’re looking at spending a little extra cash. But for a van that’s meant to be practical, you probably weren’t expecting a luxury SUV-level of comfort.
Noise Can Be a Thing
There’s no sugarcoating this one: road noise can be loud in the Transit Passenger van, especially when you’re driving on the highway. It's not like you’re rolling in a Lincoln here, folks. But hey, at least your passengers will have no problem talking to each other at max volume.
Trims and Pricing
The 2018 Ford Transit Passenger comes in several trims, offering flexibility based on what you need:
- XL: The base model. It’s all about function with vinyl seating and basic features.
- XLT: More refined with cloth seating, cruise control, and a nicer interior.
Starting Price:
- XL: Starts around $36,000
- XLT: Starting at about $40,000
Optional Add-Ons:
- Sync 3 infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
- Dual sliding side doors
- Adaptive cruise control
Safety Features
Ford’s been good about equipping the 2018 Transit Passenger with solid safety features. Some come standard, while others are optional.
Standard Safety Features:
- Rearview Camera
- Lane-Keeping Assist
- Side-Wind Stabilization
Optional Safety Upgrades:
- Pre-Collision Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
Alex Collantes pointed out, "I really appreciate the safety features, especially with so many people in the van. You want to feel secure, especially on long trips."
Competitors: How Does the 2018 Ford Transit Stack Up?
Let’s take a quick look at how the 2018 Ford Transit Passenger Van compares to some of its competitors.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Pros: It’s a luxury van with more tech features and a diesel engine option.
- Cons: More expensive, and let’s be honest, do you really need a Mercedes badge on a passenger van?
Nissan NV Passenger
- Pros: Solid V8 engine, cheaper than the Ford Transit.
- Cons: Less interior space and fewer seating configurations.
Ram ProMaster City Passenger
- Pros: Affordable, easy to drive, and better for small groups.
- Cons: Less powerful, fewer seats, and smaller cargo space.
Conclusion: Is the 2018 Ford Transit Passenger Worth It?
In conclusion, the 2018 Ford Transit Passenger Van is a solid choice for anyone looking to move a lot of people in one go. Whether you're running a business, shuttling family members, or planning epic road trips, this van is up for the job. It’s spacious, surprisingly powerful, and offers just the right amount of features to make long trips bearable.
Sure, there are a few drawbacks—parking is a challenge, the interior isn’t exactly top-of-the-line, and it can get a bit noisy on the highway—but overall, you’re getting a reliable vehicle that gets the job done.
And hey, if you're anything like Alex Collantes, you'll love having an excuse to skip the gym after trying to park this thing.