Yes, it’s van but it’s more than that. It’s an industrial people mover. Ford’s 2016 Transit is adding to the human side of the vehicle experience offering more technology and customization options.

The best-selling commercial van will now have available SYNC 3, rearview camera technology and new customization options.

“These and other updates make the 2016 Ford Transit the smartest, most flexible van ever offered by Ford,” says Yaro Hetman, Ford brand manager for Transit, Transit Connect and E-Series. “Transit replaces America’s best-selling van for 35 years, E-Series, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline, and we look forward to continuing our leadership in this important segment.”

SYNC 3

The next generation of Ford’s communications and entertainment system, currently available in most 2015 and 2016 Ford personal use vehicles will be available on the Transit for the 2016 model year. According to the manufacturer, highlights of the system include faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, a more innovative smartphone-like touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface.

Rearview Camera

Ford is offering the rearview camera and trailer hitch assist technology as standard equipment in the 2016 Transit. Like with other vehicles in Ford’s lineup, the rearview camera activates when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The trailer hitch assist will also automatically engage and display a graphical overlay on the screen that helps guide drivers to line up a hitch with a trailer.

2016 Transit cutaway and chassis cab customers will have the option to display the area behind the vehicle on the rearview mirror.

Dual Sliding Cargo Doors

Known for having the most vehicle configurations in its class, the Ford Transit medium- and high-roof vans will have available dual sliding side cargo doors. That means customers can choose from 58 vehicle configurations, up from 47 in the 2015 model year.

More Speed-Limiting Options 

Don’t want your drivers to speed? Fleet customers will be able to add an available speed limitation feature that caps top speed at 70 mph in the 2016 Transit. Speeds already can be limited to 65 mph and 75 mph on 2015 Ford Transit models.

Additional Upgrades

Not nearly as eye-catching but just as important are the other upgrades Ford has made for the 2016 model year including:

• Auxiliary fuse panels are optional on all Transit variants to power custom upfit accessories or other implements.
• A single absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery – designed for drivers who need to power extra lights or equipment – is optional on all gas engines.
• Heavy-duty alternators are optional on wagons – giving customers who upfit their vehicles more power to run accessories.
• Front dome lamps with map lights and theater dimming will be standard on all Transit variants.
• The USB jack moves above the cupholder in the center console for easy access.

New Paint Colors

Ford will debut four new paint color options for the 2016 Transit: Shadow Black, Caribou, Magnetic and Race Red.

The 2016 Ford Transit will be available for customizing online starting August 11, 2015. Vans and wagons will be available at Ford dealerships beginning in September.

images courtesy of Ford