Ford Transit - Top alternatives

MANILA: The introduction of a Ford van in our shores is nothing new. But it is making waves after the company’s flop attempt on penetrating the MPV market with the E-150 several years ago. With what it has learned from the past, Ford delivers a stronger offering with its Ford Transit.

The 2020 Ford Transit offered in the Philippines is the XLT trim which is marketed as either a cargo vehicle or a commercial-used van that can seat 15 people, driver included. The Ford Transit is powered by the 2.2-Liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine capable of delivering 133 hp of maximum power at 3,750 rpm and peak torque of 385 Nm at 1,500 to 2,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission for fuel economy and efficiency.

The Transit specs sheet mentions standard safety features like driver and front passengers’ airbags, rearview camera, rear roof escape hatch, ISOFIX child seat fixing point, ABS + ESP, emergency brake warning, hill launch assist, tire pressure sensors, front and rear parking sensors, perimeter anti-theft alarm, emergency hammer, and wide passenger side door with grab rails. The Ford Transit is only offered in one variant— no plush Transit Custom, for now at least— and comes with a price tag of Php 2.3 million.

So, what possible alternatives for the Ford Transit?

If you are still not fully convinced, you’d like to gamble on a Ford Transit after their disastrous van offering way back, don’t fret. There are other van options that can satisfy your cargo and passenger needs without the premium price tag. See our list below for top contenders as Ford Transit alternatives.

1. 2019 Toyota HiAce

The top alternative and the van leading the pack in the MPV segment is the Toyota HiAce. Just recently, the sixth generation of the HiAce just had a facelift. It now sports a protruded nose as opposed to the flat front fascia to give the van an updated, modern look while at the same time giving the vehicle more cabin room. It comes in 6 models and 3 trims:

• Commuter Deluxe: 15-seater which is the closest to the sitting capacity of the Transit
• GL Grandia: 12-seater
• GL Grandia Tourer: 14-seater

The Toyota HiAce specs sheet sports the same 2.8-liter 1GD diesel engine found in the Fortuner. The power and torque output, however, depends on the variant. The entry-level Commuter Deluxe has a capacity of 176 hp of power and 420 Nm of torque; the midrange GL Grandia can churn an output of 176 hp and 450 Nm of torque; while the top-of-the-line GL Grandia Tourer can deliver 163 hp of maximum power and 420 Nm of peak torque. The engines are either mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

2. 2019 Hyundai Grand Starex

Another major player in the MPV segment is the Hyundai Grand Starex. This Hyundai van can sit up to 10 passengers including the driver and comes in multiple engine options.

The 2.5-Liter gasoline engine can deliver 99 Hp of power and 230 Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission; the 2.5-liter diesel engine can give 168 Hp of output and 230 Nm of torque; while the 2.5- Liter CRDi GLS that deliver 173 Hp of power and 460 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.  Hyundai Grand Starex specs sheet include dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

3. 2020 GAZ Gazelle Next

Gaz is a relatively new player in the Philippines auto industry, but this Russian car brand is a pro when it comes to commercial-use vehicles. One of their offerings is the Gazelle Next.

The Gazelle Next van is designed as a business cargo vehicle but can be configured to fit 14, 16, to 19 passengers depending on the variant. The Gazelle Next is powered by either a 2.8-Liter Cummins diesel engine that can produce 150 Hp of power and can go for 12 km/l and by an Evotech gasoline engine that can churn 107 Hp of output and go for 10 km/l. Both engines are mated a 5-speed manual gearbox to maximize fuel economy. Though relatively unknown to most, the Gaz brand takes pride in making robust and safe vehicles. The altered kinematics of the front suspension working together with the shock absorbers increased vehicle stability by up to 10 percent compared to other European-made cars; more rigid body; ABS + ESP system; and other high-level passive safety features.

4. 2020 Foton Toano

Another relatively new player on the commercial vehicle is the Foton which also offers a van option. The Toano was designed by the original Mercedes-Benz Sprinter car design team in Stuttgart, Germany and comes in 11-seater and 15-seater variant.

The Foton Toano specs sheet tells it is powered by a 2.8-Liter diesel engine that has a capacity of 130 Hp of maximum power and 360 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a manual gearbox and has a rear-wheel drivetrain. Though the Toano lacks somewhat in the safety specs, it made up with its streamlined interior, panoramic window, and high roof which makes the interior cabin of the van feel roomier.

Price Matrix

MPV	Price
2020 Ford Transit	Php 2.3 million
2019 Toyota HiAce	Php 1.63 – Php 2.98 million
2019 Hyundai Grand Starex	Php 1.4 – Php 2.06 million
2020 GAZ Gazelle Next	Php 1.435 – Php 3.75 million
2020 Foton Toano	Php 1.978 – Php 2.338 million

Though technically, Nissan NV350 Urvan is also a good contender, however, its old exterior styling and the low roof don’t really fit as an alternative. Maybe when it updates its design to fit the modern look that van buyers currently demand, then we could add it to the list.

With many other alternatives, would you still prefer to buy a Ford Transit or did any one of these alternatives caught your fancy?

Also Read: Ford Mach E to share battery with Transit van