Ford Transit Courier Review 2024

Written by Andy Brady

8/10
heycar ratingA very likeable little van
  • 2024
  • Van
  • Petrol, Diesel

Quick overview

Pros

  • Easy to drive
  • Cheap to buy and run
  • More versatile than before

Cons

  • Cheapest models are very basic
  • We'd like a less minimalist cabin
  • Strays into Ford Transit Connect territory

Overall verdict on the Ford Transit Courier

"The Ford Transit Courier is bigger and better than before. With a car-like cabin, versatile loadspace and efficient petrol and diesel engines, the new Transit Courier is one of the best small vans you can buy."

Ford Transit Courier Review 2024: rear

If you're new to the world of vans, you can make your life a lot simpler by looking for one with a 'Ford Transit' badge. The Transit is an iconic vehicle for good reason: it combines decent value for money with a strong reliability record and impressive versatility - all important considerations for van buyers, whether you're a one-man band or running a large fleet.


The Transit model line-up is actually quite expansive and it starts with this, the Ford Transit Courier. Traditionally quite diminutive in size, the Courier is intended to appeal to small shop owners, artisans and anyone who needs a bit more practical than a car but doesn't the space a full-sized van can offer.


Now based on the Ford Puma SUV, the Ford Transit Courier has grown in size compared to its predecessor. That means it's now in danger of overlapping with the bigger Ford Transit Connect - although it's still cheaper than the Connect to buy, and we reckon it has the edge in terms of style.


Another unique selling point of the Transit Courier is that it'll be offered as a pure-electric model (badged the Ford E-Transit Courier). For now, though, it's offered purely as a petrol or diesel van. We've sampled both and would recommend the 1.0-litre petrol, especially with the excellent six-speed manual gearbox.


While it might be bigger than before, the new Ford Transit Courier feels more car-like than ever to drive. It's reassuringly easy to manoeuvre, while there's a huge amount of driver-assistance tech on hand - making it one of the safest vans you can buy.


Of course, if you're looking to buy a small van, you're probably more interested in how versatile it is. Well, the Ford Transit Courier can carry up to 845kg, while its loadspace is now big enough for two standard Euro pallets. It's also available with a trick load-throw bulkhead, allowing you to carry long items (such as ladders) measuring up to 2.6 metres long.


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If you're looking for a versatile little van that represents impressive value for money, the Ford Transit Courier is a good choice. We like how car-like it is to drive, while it's also got an impressive amount of technology available. If overall versatility is what you're after - or you want to be able to carry more than one passenger - you might want to look at slightly bigger vans like the Ford Transit Connect or Citroen Berlingo.

Unless you're planning to cover a lot of miles, we'd recommend the 1.0-litre petrol engine. It works better with the manual gearbox than the clumsy dual-clutch auto - if you don't want the faff of changing gears, you might want to wait for the electric Ford E-Transit Courier, instead.


In terms of trim level, avoid the most basic Ford Transit Courier Leader - no one wants a van without air conditioning. Other than that, all Ford Transit Couriers are well kitted out for the money. The Trend model more than covers all the basics, while both the Limited and Active models have some nice-to-have features (such as a rear-view camera and wireless phone charging).

The Ford Transit Courier is one of the smallest vans you can buy. In reality, though, you're likely to be considering it alongside slightly bigger alternatives such as the Nissan Townstar, Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingo, Volkswagen Caddy and even the Ford Transit Connect.

Comfort and design: Ford Transit Courier interior

"The Ford Transit Courier's interior feels smart yet utilitarian. The new VW-based Ford Transit Connect is likely to be a better option if you want a classier cabin, but there's little to dislike about the Courier's functional interior."

Ford Transit Courier Review 2024: load space

There are some neat touches in the front of the Ford Transit Courier. The thick-rimmed steering wheel is just like that you'd find in any Ford car, while the 'blocky' dashboard adds to the slightly rugged vibe. There are a few shortcut buttons for the infotainment system, although we think the Courier is a little too reliant on touchscreen operation for things like climate control. What's wrong with twiddling a knob when you want to turn up the heat?


You'll notice a slightly odd plastic recess next to the infotainment system. That's because, however much Ford offers clever connectivity, many drivers still want their phone within sight. Attach an aftermarket phone mount to the plastic flap here and you won't be as reliant on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the main screen (which is useful when your passenger wants to bring up the climate control display).


The interior of the Ford Transit Courier is a little spec-dependent. All models get the central eight-inch touchscreen display, but we suspect the entry-level Leader derivative will feel a bit basic inside. It hasn't even got air conditioning or mirrors in the sun visors.

It'd be wrong to describe the Ford Transit Courier's interior as posh, but it feels perfectly well finished and will no doubt stand up well to general van life abuse. Again, the quality of the interior will depend a little on how much you spend on a Transit Courier - you'll need a Trend model or above for a steering wheel wrapped in faux-leather, while the top-spec Active adds some nice-to-have features such as one-touch electric windows for both the driver and passenger.

Ford's eight-inch SYNC4 infotainment screen is standard on the Transit Courier, meaning you get a user-friendly display with connected navigation as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's a pretty good system with bright graphics and fast responses but some of the menu layouts could be a bit more logical, in our opinion. Note that, while you can connect your phone wirelessly to the infotainment system, you'll need a Limited or Active model if you want a wireless phone charger.


As well as the central display, the Ford Transit Courier comes with an additional digital instrument cluster, which verges on information overload but at least looks more modern than a pair of traditional analogue dials behind the steering wheel.

Apparently customer feedback said that buyers of Ford's smallest van actually wanted it to be a bit bigger... which is why it's grown in size, both inside and out. The Ford Transit Courier now has external dimensions of 4337mm long, 2076mm wide (1800mm without mirrors) and 1827mm tall - which means it's not a great deal smaller than the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo (or the new Caddy-based Ford Transit Connect), Citroen Berlingo or Mercedes Citan.


The Transit Courier's cargo length has been increased by 181mm to 1,802mm, while new rear suspension with angled shock absorbers has increased the load width between the wheel arches to 1,220mm. This means the Courier can now carry two Euro pallets (the old model could only manage one). Total cargo volume is 2.9m3, 25 per cent more than the outgoing model, while an optional load-through bulkhead allows customers to carry items such as planks or pipes more than 2,600mm long.


As standard, the Ford Transit Courier has a payload of around 530kg (depending on trim level), or you can buy a high payload version fitted with beefier springs to carry up to 854kg. The maximum towing weight for all variants is 1,100kg.


The side-hinged rear cargo doors open up to 180 degrees to enable easy access, while there are six floor tie-down points fitted as standard. Ford offers the Transit Courier with LED loadspace lighting, rubber or wooden floor covers and half-height cargo stowage rails depending on your requirements.

Handling and ride quality: What is the Ford Transit Courier like to drive?

"As it's based on the Ford Puma, the Transit Courier feels more like a car to drive than a Transit. Its tight turning circle is great around town, while there's a load of technology on hand to make day-to-day driving that little bit easier."

Ford Transit Courier Review 2024: front dynamic

Ford has a reputation for making everyday vehicles that are surprisingly enjoyable to drive, and the Transit Courier certainly feels a lot more agile than a Citroen Berlingo. You don't need to be driving quickly to appreciate the direct steering and (on manual models) the precise gearchange - the Transit Courier is a van that you'll actually be quite happy driving day in, day out.


We sampled the Ford Transit Courier with a 250kg load in the back and the ride quality was generally very good. That agility doesn't compromise on comfort; it feels very capable at tackling uneven road surfaces.

From launch, Ford Transit Courier buyers are offered a choice of one diesel and two petrol engines.


The petrol engine is available with 100PS in the entry-level Transit Courier Leader, while the rest of the range gets a more powerful 125PS version. Both are offered with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.


We've driven the 125PS petrol with the automatic transmission and it's a perfectly likeable combination, although the auto gearbox does feel a little clumsy at times. We've sampled the same engine with the manual gearbox in the Tourneo Courier and prefer it to the auto - performance is eager, while the clutch action is light and the gear change feels precise. It's actually quite enjoyable to change gears in the Transit Courier, which makes it very different to any of its Stellantis competitors (such as the Citroen Berlingo).


You can also get the Ford Transit Courier with the 1.5-litre diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox. With 100PS, performance in the diesel Courier will feel fairly leisurely, although its 250Nm torque figure ought to make relatively light work of a heavy load.

Another thing that's very car-like about the Ford Transit Courier is how quiet and refined it is. Sure, you'll notice a little bit of road and engine noise, but it's no worse than in, say, a Ford Focus family hatchback. You won't notice any rattles, while the bluff front end doesn't create too much wind noise. There isn't that boominess to the cabin that we sometimes associate with vans, either.

If you're looking for a van that's just as safe as the latest passenger cars, your search should end with the Ford Transit Courier. It's the first van to be awarded a 'platinum' rating under the latest Euro NCAP crash test protocol, with the independent organisation describing the Courier's performance as 'excellent'.


All Ford Transit Courier models come with an extensive list of driver-assistance tech, including Cruise Control, Driver Alert, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Intersection Assist, Lane Keeping System, Rear Parking Aid, Traffic Sign Recognition and Wrong Way Alert. The following features are also available (depending on trim level): Blind Spot Information System with Lane Change Warning & Aid, Cross Traffic Alert, Digital Rear View Camera, Front Parking Aid, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Reverse Brake Assist & Clear Exit Assist.

MPG and fuel costs: What does a Ford Transit Courier cost to run?

"If you're looking for a van with low running costs, the Ford Transit Courier should tick that box very nicely indeed. Buy one with the 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine and expect to see around 55.0mpg according to official WLTP fuel economy tests."

Ford Transit Courier Review 2024: side profile

If you don't cover many motorway miles (or are looking for a van predominantly for short journeys), we'd recommend the Ford Transit Courier with a petrol engine. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine returns around 43.0mpg (depending on specification), with no fuel consumption penalty for buying one with the automatic gearbox.


These figures make the Ford Transit Courier one of the most frugal new vans you can buy. If you're looking to save even more money, wait for the electric Ford e-Transit Courier.

Ford generally has a reputation for making dependable, cheap-to-run commercial vehicles. That's why you see so many Transit-badged vans on the road - you know what you're signing up for (and it's not a lifetime of pain).


The latest Ford Transit Courier is too new for any reliability concerns to come to light, but we'd be surprised if there were any major issues. Its platform is shared with the popular Ford Puma, after all, and its engines are the same as you'll find in a wide variety of its passenger cars.


The Ford Transit Courier is covered by a warranty for three years/62,000 miles.

Insurance groups for the Ford Transit Courier are yet to be confirmed.

Like all small petrol and diesel vans, you'll pay a flat rate of £320/year in VED (or road tax) for the Ford Transit Courier. The only way to avoid this is by waiting for the all-electric Ford E-Transit Courier - although, by the time that hits the market, free road tax for electric vehicles will be coming to an end.

How much should you be paying for a used Ford Transit Courier?

"A new Ford Transit Courier is unlikely to break the bank, with prices start from around £21,500 (including VAT). Even the most expensive models are less than £27,500."

Ford Transit Courier Review 2024: front dynamic

The entry-level Ford Transit Courier Leader is aimed at the most miserly of fleet managers: it doesn't even have air conditioning or a sliding side door. That's pretty typical at the budget end of the van market, but we'd recommend splashing out on the Trend specification at least. For around £24,000, you get the more powerful 125PS petrol engine, as well as desirable features such as a heated seats, lumbar support for the driver and a heated windscreen.


Gone are the days when you could pick up a new Ford Transit Courier for around £16,000, but the new model represents pretty decent value for money alongside competition.

Standard equipment on the Ford Transit Courier Leader includes coloured front and rear bumpers, 15-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights (with automatic high beam) and hinged rear doors. Inside, the Leader model features six-way driver's seat adjustment, electric windows and an eight-inch SYNC4 media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 


The Ford Transit Courier Trend adds front fog lights, a single sliding load door, air conditioning, driver's seat lumbar support, an armrest, heated windscreen and heated seats.


The Ford Transit Courier Limited builds on this with 16-inch alloy wheels, body colour door handles, a rear-view camera, electronic automatic temperature control, keyless start, wireless phone charger, one-touch up/down front wheels and a steering wheel wrapped in Sensico faux leather.


Topping the range, the rugged Ford Transit Courier Active features 17-inch alloy wheels and bespoke exterior details (including skid plates, roof rails, wheel arch mouldings and a honeycomb grille). The Active model also gets a rear-view camera, body colour door handles, keyless start and a Sensico-wrapped steering wheel.

Ask the heycar experts: common questions

An electric Ford Transit Courier, badged the e-Transit Courier, will arrive later in 2024. Expect a range of around 170 miles and a launch price of around £30,000.
Size. The Ford Transit Connect is slightly bigger than the Courier. The new Ford Transit Connect is essentially a redeveloped Volkswagen Caddy, while the Courier is based on the Ford Puma.
The 2024 Ford Transit Courier measures 4,337mm in length, 2,076mm in width (including door mirrors) and 1,827mm in height. That makes it one of the smallest vans you can buy.