2020 Ford Transit AWD Overland Review

We test the new 2020 Ford Transit AWD on our test track, including steep climbs and descents, cross-axle terrain, and embedded rock. This vehicle relies heavily on the traction control system for forward progress. While not an off-roader, it is certainly ready for vanlife travel around the world!

Editorial Note: Video reuploaded

[paulpowell]

Who knew I'd be sitting here at 3:15am watching a van go off roading

[xsteevox]

Thanks for making. Put my deposit in last week. This has me stoked.

[Vanislrunner]

Scott Brady! These are great vans and I kind of wish I had of waited a year to get the AWD model. I bought a 2019, SWB, medium roof transit van, built a basic interior and did a trip to Tuktoyaktuk with it. This year has included more mods like spare tire carrier and a ladder to get to the roof racks and a whole interior redo, I digress though. The 2WD van is surprisingly well suited for some off-road driving and I’ve been able to sneak it into some harder spots with some clever overload driving. I too went for the NA engine for the same reason though, the 2019 engine is even simpler, the 2020 engine is a PFDI engine. Which I think is brilliant, it is both direct injected and port injected. Each of the systems short comings are cancelled out by being together. Very brilliant if you ask me and not entirely complicated. As a certified mechanic though, I will say this, the newer engine will need some more particular maintenance because of the updated injection system. What a sweet engine none the less. Thanks for the video! I might just have to trade mine in next year!

[greatlakespowerstrokefx]

I am way to excited about this, for a guy who like pickups and lots of horsepower lol. It looks amazing and practical for everything, and with a 3.5 twin turbo option, i bet it would be pretty fun

[jeffhayden]

Excellent video, I really enjoyed the detail on what kind of terrain you were going over.

[WoodsUnknown]

Imagine the places you could go with a new set of bfg ko2's.

[howtodoit]

I have it for 3years, not Good on snow ❄️, but I love ❤️ this car, very comfortable even mine is 2 Wheel Dr. Now I don’t enjoy driving any car
, Ford transit it’s a king of the road,
Easy to drive 160 km, this car is crazy fast as sports car, love the driving it.

[R-bp]

So add a lift and grippier tires and it's perfect.

[F-Raptor]

I used to work a delivery driver and I had some fun offroading with one of these big dud.

[waynehenson]

Love this look. Possibly my next van after my Chevy Espress.

[jonmustang]

This was so helpful! I was wondering if a stock AWD Transit would be sufficient for rough (but no rock-crawling) types of terrain, or if I should budget for a lift or a Trail package. This answered many questions. Also I loved the mellow, vibey music. Good stuff!

[syncrovanCos]

Now, this is a simple and fair review !
For the old ones, lacking of low gear was an issue and will be nice to see more about this automatic low ratio gear. How this is working, does it have a reduction separate from the gearbox?

[intellectualgladiata]

Great video. We're considering our options for a build next year and really want to understand the capability of the AWD system in Mud/Ruts vs a dedicated 4x4 system like Quigley. Would you have any further comments in this regard?

[modimercurio]

Good info. Did this van have the limited slip differential addition, or heavy duty front axel?
Have you tested the 2021 yet?

[zippyfoo]

I have a 2015 Ford Transit high top long bed. I have plenty of traction with my rear wheel drive. My biggest problem is the long overhang from the back wheels. If you were going to get the long bed option I would recommend saving your money and not getting a four-wheel drive

[pwatom]

Shame they couldn't offer an Overland version with a decent 4 to 6" lift

[LowOnCash]

Great job good shots clear explanation thanks - Mike

[jessr.]

You should do an update, highlighting the difference in features and capability between this model and the new transit trail that’s about to release this year. I’d like to know how the ground clearance and bumper clearance differs in the new transit trail version.

[OneManTrail]

This is going to dominate overland van buildouts.

[raulacosta]

as far as carry heavy load in the back and mpg which does a better job?awd or rwd (250 transit version)