Ford Transit 150 vs 250 vs 350 – Differences, Pros, and Cons
The numbers on the same series of vehicles may be different but that doesn't mean the vehicles have any difference between them. You have to look beyond the surface to know if you are getting a better vehicle or more of the same.
In checking the specs and other features in these vehicles, the only differences between these 3 same series vehicles are the emblems, the spring ratios, and the price. You may get more payload capacity with the 350 over the 250 and the 250 over the 150 but that remains to be seen.
To learn more about these three Ford Transit cargo vans just continue to read our article. It explores the issue so you have all the information you need upfront. Take a few minutes to see if there are any real differences between these three van models.
Ford Transit 150 vs 250 vs 350
Quick Comparison Chart
In this chart, you will see at a glance how similar all three Transit models are.
| Category | Transit 150 | Transit 250 | Transit 350 |
| payload capacity* | 4,650 pounds | 4,650 pounds | 4,650 pounds |
| towing capacity** | 5,300 pounds | 5,300 pounds | 5,300 pounds |
| engine** | 3.5L V6 Gas | 3.5L V6 gas | 3.5L V6 Gas |
| horsepower** | 275 @ 6250 rpm | 275 @ 6250 rpm | 275 @ 6250 rpm |
| transmission** | 10 speed auto | 10 speed auto | 10 speed auto |
| drive train** | rear wheel | rear wheel | rear wheel |
| Fuel tank capacity** | 25.1 gal. | 25.1 gal. | 25.1 gal. |
| wheelbase** | 130 in. | 130 in. | 130 in. |
| roof style* | low & medium | low, medium & high | low, medium & high |
** figures taken from https://carbuzz.com *Payload and roof information taken from https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/product/2018/transit/18-Transit-Cargo-Van.pdf
What's the Difference Between the Transit 150 and 250?
People may talk about high and medium roof Transit cargo vans but it seems that those are not different. They may have been options for earlier models in this series. Those roof heights may be the only difference between these vans.
We checked the 2015 and 2022 models and there is not one mention of any difference between these vehicles except for maybe the spring rating. Someone mentioned that the payload capacity was different but according to Ford, all three models have the same payload rating- 4,650 pounds.
When we checked the 2022 specs sheet for all three models there was not one different item. They even had the same standard equipment. As for roof size, all three models come in low and medium roof options. The only roof option the 150 doesn’t have is the high roof.
The fact that the 150 doesn’t have a high roof may account for the spring rating difference. The high roof allows for a bit more cargo to be included and heavier springs will be needed to handle the load.
We did find out that the GVWR capacity is a bit different between the 3 vehicles. The 150 is rated at 8,600, the 250 at 9,000, and the 350 at 9,500 pounds. The 350 HDE HR EL model can reach as high as 10,360 pounds.
Ford Transit 150 vs 250 Pros and Cons
Over the years Ford has put some thought into their vehicles and there are a lot of pros that come with both of these models. There are a lot of cons as well and because the differences between them are slight, the pros and cons will fit both models.
Pros:
- Many safety features are built into both vehicles
- Interior is large and spacious, even for taller people
- A variety of trims are available giving you lots of choices
- They are easy to drive
- Great entertainment system
- Both vehicles are fuel-efficient
- Both vehicles are versatile
- If you lend out the vehicle, you can track it using your cellphone
- Good features are included as standard options
- The engine is solid
- The 250 comes in 3 roof options- low, medium, and high
Cons:
- No V8 option, just comes with a V6
- No all-wheel drive
- Options drive the price up quite high
- The 150 does not have a high roof option
Except for minor differences, you are actually paying a higher price for the same vehicle. There are not enough differences to justify the difference in the price tags.
Transit 150 vs 250 Payload
According to Ford, the payload for both these vehicles and the 350 are exactly the same. Each vehicle can carry 4,650 pounds inside the cargo area. This includes the 350 HD trim. You are not going to get a lot of hauling boost if you opt for the 350 over the 150.
The only real difference between the vehicles comes in the roof height. You can get more odd-shaped cargo containers inside the 250 and the 350 because they come with that high roof option. The little extra space does make a difference and makes hauling a little bit easier.
The 250 may be great for more traditional shaped cargo containers but not all cargo will fit in those traditionally shaped boxes and crates. If you are hauling a lot of weight at one time, you may need to upgrade to a bigger vehicle that handles more payload weight.
The Transits seem to be stuck somewhere in the middle of the pack when it comes to hauling weight.
What Does the 350 Mean on a Ford Transit?
According to some owners, the 350, 250 and the 150 do not mean anything anymore. By that those numbers used to stand for the Gross Vehicle Weight or GVW. The 350 is supposed to stand for a maximum of 3500 kg.
An empty Transit 350 should weigh about 2500 kg with the driver and fuel inside. That leaves very little weight allowance left over for your cargo. Basically, all that number gets you is an extra leaf in the springs to handle any extra payload capacity it may have over the other two models.
Also, you get to pay a little bit more just to have the T350 badge on the side of the vehicle. The reason this sounds so cynical is that if you look at the specs, you will see that the 3 different models are practically the same vehicle.
The differences are so minor most people will not notice them. We have not found out why Ford made this decision yet. It may come at a later date. The change could boil down to manufacturing costs and keeping the bottom line intact.
What is the Difference Between Ford Transit 250 and 350
The only difference we saw in these two vehicles was the GVWR rating. The 250 is rated for 9000 pounds while the 350 is rated for 9500. The 350 HD HR EL is rated for almost 10,000 pounds and that is about it.
There are some smaller differences but those come in dimension sizes. You may gain .7 inches in height in the regular high roof 250 and 350 options and a little in the overall length in the EL and 350 HD HR versions but not enough to brag about.
Each 250 and 350 listed in the same categories are the exact same measurements. The 3350 HD HR El is the exact same as the 250 and 350 EL models. In other words, you are not going to get too many differences that will justify the difference in the purchase price.
The same will go for the 150 when you look at the low and medium roof options. The 150, 250 & 350 models in the same categories all have the same specs, dimensions, and features.
At the second link underneath the chart above, you can make your own comparisons as Ford has placed all of its Transit vans in a side-by-side comparison that shows you the difference. Keep in mind that this article is only about the 150, 250, and 350 cargo vans.
Ford Transit 250 vs 350 Pros and Cons
We will start with the 350 model first and do not be surprised if you see a lot of similarities between these two categories and models. Why Ford decided to make them fairly close to the same vehicle is anyone’s guess. But even the pros and cons are almost exactly the same:
350 pros:
- Solid performance and power
- Lots of standard features
- 3 engine styles to choose from
- Many design options
- Interior looks good
- Good safety features
- A few different trim packages to choose from
- Good warranty protection
- Built on a tough chassis and frame
- Supposed to be affordable
- Has the HD option the 250 does not have
350 cons:
- Not a very attractive looking van
- Can get expensive, especially with options
- Interior doesn't have any luxury elements
- Gas mileage may be low
- Not much different from the 150 and 250 options
250 pros:
- Many design configurations for cargo room
- Can be fuel-efficient
- Great entertainment system
- Cargo area has an LED lighting standard feature
- Can order different options
- Step-in height is lower than usual
- Controls are easy to use
- Drives like a car
- Lots of interior options
- A variety of trims to choose from
250 cons:
- Low performance when transporting heavy weights
- No V8 engine option
- Does not have the HD HR EL option like the 350
- Except for the HR option almost exactly the same as the 150 and 350
- Not as good as other cargo vans
Ford Transit 150 vs 350
This is like comparing a half dozen of one item and 6 of another. While there are a few differences between these vehicles, for example, the high roof option, there are basically few differences between them.
When you look at the second link underneath the chart, you will see that the 150 in the same categories as the 350 all have the same engine, towing capacity, payload capacity, length, height, and so on.
The only difference that comes into play is when you change categories. But that doesn’t help much as the 350 is in the same categories and has the same specs, etc. The other difference is that the 150 does not have the EL or the HD versions that the 250 and 350 have. Yet it is not missing out on much.
For the 2022 models, you are not paying for anything special. The specs are the exact same and the only difference is in the price. It may be worth it to pay more for the high roof option but that would be about the only benefit you would get from paying the higher price.
The extended length or EL option may also be worth paying the higher costs. But if you are on a tight budget you are not missing out by buying a 150 over a 350. You are getting the same vehicle cheaper.
Some Final Words
This has been a surprising comparison as over the years the 150, 250, and 350 badges meant something. Now they just mean you are paying a higher cost for a lesser vehicle. That is a shame as there was some good potential for these Transit cargo vans.
Check the specs for yourself and see if the subtle differences are exactly what you need. You never know what small minute differences can do for you.
