Which Ford Transit Model Should I Lease?
As one of the most recognisable vehicles on the road, the Ford Transit is the go-to van for businesses that require efficiency and versatility. However, with several models, sizes, and configurations, it’s sometimes difficult to know which model to choose.
Let’s explore four popular Ford Transit models to see which would work best for your business.
What to consider when choosing between Ford Transit van models
If you’re looking to lease a Ford Transit, there are a few practical considerations to bear in mind when deciding on which van suits your business best:
- Purpose and usage: Ford Transit models are incredibly versatile and each model is designed to suit specific needs. For instance, a Ford Transit Minibus is perfect for transporting people, while a Ford Transit Dropside is suited for heavy goods.
- Size and capacity: Each Transit type has varying wheelbase lengths, roof height, payload, and cargo volume.
- Budget and lease terms: The Ford Transit is one of the most cost-efficient vans on the market, and the lease price will vary depending on your choice of model, add-ons, initial rental, and contract length.
- Performance and fuel efficiency: The Transit has multiple engine options, including diesel, petrol, and electric. Consider what type of work you plan to undertake and calculate which fuel type would be cost-effective for your needs.
Ford Transit models explained
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of Ford vans on the road:
Ford Transit
As iconic as the VW Beetle or Porsche 911, the Ford Transit is a staple of British roads and is viewed by many as the backbone of the heavy-duty courier and delivery industries. What’s more, the sixth generation is remastered to work harder and faster and comes with a host of new tech. Some of the most popular body types include:
The Transit has a 2L EcoBlue diesel or an all-electric 68kWh or 89kWh engine. The diesel option offers three power outputs: 105 PS, 130 PS, or 165 PS, with a choice of FWD, RWD, or AWD drivetrains. The all-electric engine provides up to 249 miles of range and delivers 430 Nm of torque.
The Transit offers a maximum gross payload of 2,447kg and a maximum load space of 15.1 cubic metres, perfect for transporting or delivering heavy-duty equipment. Although older models could carry more, they did so at the expense of safety and driving comfort — areas enhanced in the latest Transit.
Technology holds no bounds in the latest Transit, as it comes loaded with collision assist, automatic emergency braking, cruise control, lane-keeping alerts, and intelligent speed assist.
Ford Transit Connect
A small van with a sense of fun, the Ford Transit Connect uses the same platform as the MK2 and MK3 Ford Focus, so it has enjoyable car-like tech driving dynamics. Thanks to its weighted steering wheel, the Transit Connect is noted for its composed handling and responsiveness.
You’ll find the Ford Ecoblue Diesel in the engine department, which ranges from 75 PS to 120 PS. This allows the van to carry a maximum payload of 913kg within its 3.6 cubic metres of load space. It’s worth noting, however, that the payload capacity is slightly less than the Citroën Berlingo and Fiat Doblo, which are close competitors of the Connect. As always, efficiency is at the heart of Ford’s design. The Connect comes equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which is perfect for long journeys.
Alternatively, the new Transit Connect can also feature an advanced automatic transmission to optimise fuel efficiency if desired. While some brand competitors lag in the tech department, the Connect is equipped with a range of features, including Ford’s push-of-a-button Active Park Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist, Lane Keeping technology, and Hill Start Assist.
Ford Transit Courier
The Transit Courier enjoyed a complete redesign in 2024 and is slightly shorter and cheaper than the Transit Connect. Although the Transit Courier is noted for its heavy steering, the van is designed for both city and long-haul journeys and is nippy when required.
With a choice of three powertrains, the Transit Courier delivers an abundance of choice. The 1L EcoBoost Petrol engine provides 125 PS and is available as a 6-speed manual or 7-speed auto transmission. The Ford Transit Courier’s EcoBlue Diesel 1.5L provides 100 PS from its 6-speed manual transmission. Finally, the all-electric Courier has a 100kW e-Motor, delivering 290 Nm peak torque.
The Transit Courier offers just a shade under the Connect in terms of cargo space, offering 2.9 cubic metres and a maximum payload capacity of 820kg. Standard vans in this category have a payload range between 615kg and 676kg. Although it’s one of the smallest vans in its class, the Courier still fits two Euro pallets in its bay, thanks to 1,200mm of space between the wheel arches.
The Ford Transit Courier empowers drivers with an 8” SYNC 4 touchscreen that can include Ford Telematics fleet management software. The screen connects quickly and easily with the FordPass app, which enables remote locking, remote start, and vehicle location software.
Ford Transit Custom
Viewed by many as a titan of the van world, the Ford Transit Custom is one of the UK’s best-selling vehicles, and outsold Ford’s best-selling car — the Puma — in 2022. As you would expect, the Transit Custom offers an array of customisations, including crew, refrigeration, and window options.
Like the Connect, the Transit Custom offers a range of powertrains. The Transit Custom’s EcoBlue 2L diesel engine is badged at 110 PS, 136 PS, and 170 PS and is available with manual and automatic transmission. The 2.5L petrol plug-in hybrid engine comes with an 11.8kWh plug-in hybrid battery and offers up to 25 miles of electric-only driving range.
Finally, the all-electric comes with a 100kW or 160kW power output and provides up to 209 miles of range. For a medium-sized van, the Transit Custom offers a staggering gross payload capacity of 1,327kg, with up to 6.8 cubic metres of loadspace.
The all-new Transit Custom has also done away with the retaining arms at the rear doors to create less obstruction — one of the few minor criticisms aimed at older Transit Custom variants. Like the Courier, the 2024 Transit Custom comes armed with a host of gadgets, including a 360-degree parking camera, delivery assist technology, and optional high-security TVL lock packs.
Are Ford Transit vans reliable?
The Ford Transit is a household name for a reason. Its reputation is built upon its dedication to reliability, safety, innovation, and practicality. As the biggest-selling van in the UK, the Ford Transit is the go-to for deliveries, tradespeople, and couriers.
Furthermore, Ford’s confidence in the Transit echoes through its warranty terms: three years or 60,000 miles from the new, whichever comes first.
Lease the suitable Ford Transit model with Synergy
Whichever Ford Transit you’re interested in, the Synergy team is always at hand to answer any questions or guide you to the most practical model for your business. If you’re interested in leasing a Ford Transit, get in touch today.
