If you’ve been considering wading into the world of cargo van overlanding, adventuring, pretending, or even living full-time, and you wanted 4WD or AWD, you’ve probably been pricing an eye-wateringly expensive Mercedes/Freightliner/Dodge Sprinter. That’s pretty much the only option right off the lot. Or there’s also been the possibility of buying a cargo van from another manufacturer and going the expensive aftermarket 4×4 conversion.
But Ford has, wisely, looked around and realized that Mercedes is building 4×4 Sprinters so fast it can barely keep up, and decided to throw their hat in that very trendy ring. Starting next year, Ford will sell their popular Transit vans (they call them vanwagons) with a robust AWD system—the same drivetrain available on the off-road-ish capably Explorer—in the United States. European adventurers have had access to Transits with AWD for a while now.
Low ride height is either a ground clearance nightmare, or a blessing when it comes to packing the thing.
The vans will still be predominately rear-wheel-drive, but when needed all 100 percent of created torque can be directed to the front wheels. Unlike the Sprinter, the AWD Transit vans will have the same ride height as their strictly 2WD versions. The Sprinter also has true 4WD with selectable low range gearing; the Transit is just a computer-controlled AWD system that sends power to the wheels with the most traction. Though the Transit will offer a diesel option, the AWD system is strictly gas only. So, if you want diesel and 4WD/AWD, you have to opt for the Sprinter.
Where the Transit may better compete is in price. A base, diesel 4WD Sprinter starts at roughly $55k, depending on wheelbase options. Pricing for the AWD Transit isn’t yet available, but a high-roof, extended wheelbase Transit equipped with a limited slip rear differential runs roughly $45k, and that’s near the priciest model. Figure something similar for the base model with AWD, and these are just back-of-the-napkin calculations, and it’s possible the Transit AWD could come in somewhere around $10k less than a Sprinter. Maybe.
The Transit will also include WiFi, and, my favorite, swiveling forward seats are an option. Far as I’m concerned, real vans have swiveling seats.
Look for more details in the coming months. Ford says these new Transits will be available in the fall.
A dually is an option too.
Adventure Journal doesn’t accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews. Here’s why.
The AJ staff is smaller than you think. Here’s a peek behind the scenes.
Here’s why Adventure Journal was launched and how we follow ethical business and publishing practices.
Adventure Journal in print is like Adventure Journal online x 100—and print stories can only be found there. Subscribe to get it now—we guarantee you’ll love it.
finally some of these auto manufacturers are starting to pay attention.
I am probably not replacing my present Ford van right now, however, if I do, looks like another Ford will be my first chose. Thank you Ford.
It’s a shame there’s no diesel AWD option, all that extra weight and diverted torque is gonna kill mileage.
My diesel Promaster gets up to 26 hwy, front wheel drive is nearly as good as AWD, not sure I’d spend the money to upgrade.
The Diesel 4X4 Sprinter gets decent mileage and it’s git a hi/lo transfer case. These things are worth 10k to me.
The upside of the Ford Transit is better access to dealers, ease of repairs and lower cost parts.
I hear you! i have commuted 40 minutes each way for the past 15 years and live pretty far north and east where we have snow on the ground december-april and front wheel drive with 4 snow tires has been all i ever needed. never got stuck once but have passed up many many 4x4s off in the ditch.
AWD Chevrolet Express made from 2003 – 2014, excellent budget option for van owners wanting to turn all 4 wheels.
I want to see a vehicle, Ford Transit, Honda CR-V type or whatever, with four wheel drive BUT, the front wheels would be conventional engine driven and the rear wheels would be electric powered. Eliminate a transfer case, drive shaft and differential. Saving a lot of weight. The rear drive system would have a motor at each wheel like a Tesla. You could select either drive system depending on your needs. Front only for highway, electric rear only~for short around town trips~ or four wheel drive as road, or off road conditions dictated a need for it. The CR-V is always driving all four wheels up to 15 mph, and it works brilliantly for my winter driving needs. But you still have a drive shaft and rear axle/differential.
Is battery technology matured enough for practicality versus weight? And how about longevity of the battery systems?
I could be way off here, but I think the new AWD Prius works something like that.