2027 Ford Transit Cargo Van Configurations: Choosing the Right Van for Your Business

You can’t beat the versatility of the Ford Transit cargo van, a van with nearly as many possible configurations as there are types of cargo to carry. There is certainly a Transit configuration that’s perfect for your business, but with so many to choose from, it may not be obvious which one is the right choice. So we put together this guide to simplify the process and help you make your decision.

These are the basic body configurations for the Transit, excluding passenger versions. While all of the images are of the gasoline-powered version of the Transit, many of these are also available for the electric E-Transit, but not all of them. The E-Transit is offered with all three roof heights, but only for the 148-inch wheelbase, or the Cutaway and Chassis Cab in 156- and 178-inch wheelbases.

There are three drivetrains offered for the Transit: a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, a turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6, and the electric drivetrain in the E-Transit. Both gasoline engines come paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and all three come with a standard rear-wheel drive configuration. All-wheel drive is also available, but only on gasoline-powered models.

With so many configurations to choose from, narrowing it down to the one that’s right for your business can be a real challenge. Fortunately, we can help you narrow down your options based on what your business needs your Transit to do.

Wheelbase

Choosing the right wheelbase can make the job a lot easier all by itself. If you need to use your Transit in the city, the 130-inch wheelbase provides better maneuverability on narrow streets and easier parallel parking as well. This is especially good for those with smaller equipment and a need for frequent stops, so things like mobile repair technicians, locksmiths, telecom installers, and small service businesses can benefit from a 130-inch wheelbase.

A 148-inch wheelbase gives you noticeably more interior space, a must for anyone with larger and/or longer equipment and parts. The 148-inch wheelbase also gives you the option of the van body paired with a dual rear wheel axle for heavy cargo. This kind of versatility is why the 148-inch wheelbase is the most popular for commercial use. It’s popular with electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and general contractors. 

The 156-inch and 178-inch wheelbases are specific to cutaway and chassis cab configurations, with specific needs being dictated by whatever the upfit requires.

Roof Height

A low roof still allows for a generous cargo area, but fits better under low clearances like parking garages. The lower center of gravity also comes with a handling advantage, lowering the risk of accidents. A medium roof gives you more headroom, perfect for applications where you’re in and out of the van a lot, but don’t need to spend a lot of time standing up in it. A high roof is the best option for a mobile workshop, as it allows you to fully stand up inside. It can also be useful for certain delivery applications, allowing you to either place long items upright or just fit more shelves of smaller items.

Engine Choice

The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine is a good choice for a wide cross-section of applications. It costs the least, but still packs enough power for all but the heaviest of cargo. If you’re transporting heavy cargo, or need to tow a trailer, there is no substitute for the considerable torque that comes with the EcoBoost® V6. This is the choice for construction or landscaping applications. If your business is required to make a lot of stops over a smaller geographic area, the electric E-Transit is up to the task and will also save you a ton of fuel costs. Electric motors also produce a lot of torque, so heavier cargo is no problem.

Cutaways And Chassis Cabs

Cutaways and chassis cabs are similar, but a cutaway comes with an open-back cab to connect to whatever upfitter body is put behind it, while a chassis cab comes fully enclosed. These are intended for specialized applications that are built by upfitters. Chances are, if you need one of these, you already know it. But the difference between a cutaway and chassis cab is still an important one to make note of.