Ford Transit Courier (2014-2024) Review

If you need a compact van with low running costs with moderate carrying capacity then the Ford Transit Courier should be at the top of your shopping list: it’s one of the best vehicles in its class for road handling and fuel economy, while its car-like refinement also makes it one of the most comfortable on a long journey. 

The panel van version of the Transit Courier is the best selling model in the UK, thanks to its versatile load area that provides up to 2.6 cubic metres of storage space. However, the five-seat kombi model is also popular with buyers who want a practical and affordable crew van. 

Launched in 2014, the Transit Courier has gone through many revisions over the years to keep it at the front of the small van pack. The latest models are well-equipped as standard, with DAB audio and a smartphone dock that makes it easy to use online mapping and online streaming services. You also get Ford’s Easy Fuel capless refuelling system, which makes it almost impossible to put the wrong fuel into the vehicle. 

As small commercial vehicles go, the Ford Transit Courier is difficult to fault. Good to drive, efficient and capable of carrying 500kg+, this little van punches above its weight in all of the key van areas. 

We’d recommend buying the Transit Courier with a flexible load area that lets you use the space under the passenger seat. This unlocks a maximum load length of 2593mm, which is perfect for carrying planks of wood, copper pipes and other bulky items. A folding mesh bulkhead with a fold-and-dive passenger seat is also available.

The 100PS 1.5-litre diesel is the go-to engine for most buyers, due to its low running costs and punchy acceleration, but don’t discount the 100PS 1.0-litre petrol if you need a van for short journeys. 

The Ford Transit Courier rivals the Fiat Fiorino, Citroen Nemo and the Nissan NV200. You should also consider the smallest versions of the Mercedes-Benz Citan, Volkswagen Caddy and Vauxhall Combo.

The Transit Courier has the same steering wheel, instrument dials and switches as the Fiesta, giving it that car-like feel that we've become accustomed to with many modern vans. The stereo is also lifted from the Fiesta, although it's a little cluttered with lots of buttons on the entry-level van, but that's the only minor criticism in an otherwise first-rate interior.

Compared to rivals like the Peugeot Bipper, there's far more space in the cabin, which will be particularly noticeable for taller drivers who won't have to spend time forcing the seat back up against the bulkhead to maximise legroom.

Like all vans, the interior has lots of hard plastics that are designed to cope with life in a commercial vehicle; however, we think the Transit Courier feels more car-like in its quality than many of its rivals, with better quality plastics and seat materials.  

The entry-level Leader version of the 2022 Ford Transit Courier doesn't get an infotainment screen, instead, it has a smartphone dock that allows you to plug your phone into the van and use its speakers for media or navigation commands.

Both the Trend and Sport models get a four-inch colour screen and Bluetooth connection that allows you to receive hands-free phone calls. The screen is surrounded by buttons that let you access the DAB radio stations. You also get a second USB socket and Applink, which lets you access your phone apps via voice control or the steering-wheel buttons. 

The range-topping Limited version adds a six-inch colour touchscreen that adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, if you want sat nav, you'll need to raid the options list. 

All versions of the Transit Courier get at least one USB socket as standard, along with a 12V power socket in the central storage area. 

With a load capacity of 2.3 cubic metres, the Ford isn't quite a match for alternatives like the Citroen Nemo but its 660kg payload is on par with the competition. Over the years Ford has tweaked the maximum payload, with the latest model offering up to 595kg. 

The Transit Courier can accommodate a standard Euro pallet and there are six cargo tie-down points with four side-mounted panels plus the option of ultra-bright LED lighting which makes a big difference when using the van at night.

The cargo deck is 1620mm long but if you have longer items to move, and don't want to use roof bars, there's the option of a clever folding mesh bulkhead that swings around the driver and includes a drop down passenger seat - this allows you to carry items up to 2.59mm in length.

A moulded bulkhead is fitted as standard while a full steel bulkhead is standard on the Trend trim and an option for the base model. The build quality throughout the Transit Courier really impresses with a solid and durable feel to everything.

The Kombi version of the Transit Courier comes with a rear row of three seats that all fold and tumble giving you useful flexibility. It also has glazed side windows that flip out for extra ventilation plus full front, side and curtain airbags. Despite the small size of the Courier, there's a generous amount of room in the back of the Kombi plus it comes with dual sliding side doors.

Like many small vans, the Transit Courier is offered with the choice of petrol or diesel engines. Most buyers will choose one of the fuel-efficient diesels due to their low fuel costs and punchy low-gear performance. 

The oldest vans for sale are offered with a 75PS 1.5-litre diesel engine or a 95PS 1.6 litre diesel. Take note, some of the earliest versions of the diesel Transit Courier may not meet Euro 6 emission standards so make sure you check the vehicle’s documentation if you need to navigate clean air zones, like the London ULEZ. 

The 1.6-litre diesel was phased out in early 2018, which means the latest models are offered with the 1.5-litre diesel with 100PS. This engine, in our opinion, is the best diesel option for the Transit Courier due to its excellent performance and running costs. 

The 1.0-litre petrol engine is the familiar EcoBoost unit that’s found in Ford’s range of passenger cars. Admittedly, it lacks the low-gear punch of the 1.5 diesel, but it’s sufficient for drivers who need to use the Transit Courier for lots of short-drop work that may not be suitable for a diesel. 

The Transit Courier doesn’t get the option of an automatic gearbox, which means your options are limited to a manual gearbox. The earliest versions of Transit Courier use a five-speed manual but this was replaced with a six-speed gearbox in 2018.

Refinement isn’t really an area that small vans tend to excel in, but the Transit Courier is one of the exceptions to this rule due to the fact it’s based on the Fiesta. Road and engine noise is generally low, although the EcoBoost engine can become a little vocal under heavy acceleration.

On the motorway, the Transit Courier is smooth and quiet, which means you can travel long distances and still feel relatively fresh when you arrive at your destination. The suspension is composed and comfortable too, even when the van isn’t carrying a full load (a rarity in the small van class). 

The Ford Tourneo Courier was given four stars out of five when it was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2015, with 84% adult occupant protection; 84% child occupant protection; 74% pedestrian protection; 56% safety assist.

The 2022 Transit Courier is fitted with a sophisticated electronic stability control package, which includes ABS, traction control and an electronic brake-force distribution system that prevents the braking forces from disproportionately being applied and causing the van to veer from side to side in the event of an emergency stop. 

All vans get a hill start assist system that will prevent the van from rolling backwards or forwards when starting the vehicle on a steep incline. You also get a smart trailer safety system that will prevent it from swaying in windy or wintery conditions.

Ford vans tend to have a good reputation for reliability and owner complaints about the Transit Courier are few and far between on the commercial vehicle website, Honest John Vans. Most problems can be avoided by making some basic checks before buying, such as checking that the van has been serviced in accordance with its manufacturer recommendations. 

Small vans are generally cheap to insure and the Transit Courier is no different in this respect. Entry-level versions of the 1.0 EcoBoost petrol van start in group 8 while the 1.5 TDCI diesel are slightly more expensive in group 11. 

As with all van insurance policies, it pays to prioritise the level of cover over the price. Otherwise, the cheapest deal may leave you shortchanged in the event of a claim should it not cover the full cost of replacing your tools or equipment that are stored in the vehicle.

Road tax for the Transit Courier is based on a flat fee, which starts at £140 a year or £77 for six months VED.

The Transit Courier might be one of the smallest vans in the UK but it has lots of options and trim levels for you to choose from. 

The Ford Transit Courier Leader is the starting point in the range but standard equipment is a little sparse on these vans with no side sliding door or electric windows. You do get Ford's capless refuelling system (that makes it near-impossible to misfuel the van) plus DAB audio and a dock for your smartphone, which means you can listen to a music streaming service through the van's speakers. 

Ford Transit Courier Trend adds a four-inch colour screen to the dashboard, overhead storage shelf and lumbar support for the driver's seat. You also get a central arm rest, electric windows, heated door mirrors with electric adjustment and front fog lights. 

Ford Transit Courier Limited models get the best mixture of equipment with air conditioning, a six-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, plus 15-inch alloy wheels. 

If you want to inject some hot hatch appeal into your van then the Courier Sport trim line will add racing stripes to the bodywork, 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear skid plates, plus part-leather seats and a leather steering wheel.