Overview

Three-row SUVs are great for getting your kids to soccer games or driving the neighbors out to dinner. But what about when you need to move the entire soccer team? Get the church group to the holiday service, or get the band to the next gig? For some jobs, only a full-size passenger van will do, and the 2022 Ford Transit Passenger Wagon is one of the few in this corner of the auto market. It comes standard with 12-passenger seating but can seat up to 15 (you can also choose fewer seats and more cargo space). Two V6 engines deliver plenty of muscle, and there are multiple configurations of length and height. Inside, the Transit borrows from Ford's economy crossovers with useful interior design and simple, quality materials. A smooth ride, standard driver-safety features, and ample payload and towing limits round out the Transit Wagon's benefits. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Passenger Van is the only other van with double-digit passenger capacity out there. The Ram ProMaster Crew Van is an option if you only need room for five, but it's really a cargo van with extra seats. Surprisingly, the base model Benz costs a bit less than the Ford, and both models match up well with feature offerings. The Sprinter has an optional turbodiesel V6 engine that may offer marginally better fuel efficiency (the Sprinter has not been EPA-rated), while the Transit's initial maintenance costs will be less than the Mercedes. Either will suit most buyers well, but for carrying large groups in comfort, the Ford Transit Passenger Wagon is an easy choice.