The original minivans may have been based from the cargo van at one time, but things certainly change. Those grocery getters don’t come anywhere close to resembling models like the 2012 Ford E-250. Unlike those useful smaller versions, this van is meant for hauling, towing, and working like a horse. The E-250 is so much unattractive as its bare bones. This model is clearly intended to be easy to clean and maintain, while meeting the needs of commercial businesses or trades people. There are some features available to give this van a boost in terms of comfort, but it will still keep its utilitarian nature. Those looking for reliability, tons of cargo space, and sufficient power to move this monster around are sure to find what they are looking for with the 2012 Ford E-250.
New For 2012
Ford didn’t do much to the E-250 van for the 2012 model year. For this year, the model has optional alloy wheels and an audio input jack on the standard feature list.
Exterior
The 2012 Ford E-250 is a heavy duty version of the E-series full-sized cargo vans. This model in its base form rides around on 16 inch steel wheels and is available with a long list of available extras for those that want more comfort. This generation is overall boxy in shape with snub nosed front end and prominent grille. The grille features vertical and horizontal metal work with the Ford emblem in the center. The headlights are large and square. While the E-250 isn’t going to win any beauty contests, it does have some detailing on the hood and along the doors. The sides of the van are solid, making it a perfect vehicle for commercial or utility work. It is outfitted for towing and hauling. The rear end matches the utilitarian look and feel of the rest of the body design. If desired some of the optional features can give the van a more attractive look.
Interior & Cargo
Much like the exterior of the E-250, the cabin is basic in the extreme. This isn’t the vehicle for you if you are looking for lots soft materials and cushy seats. Hard plastic is the main material inside the van. It cleans and holds up well to the industrial abuse these vans are required to take. The seats are padded, but not especially so. Things inside the E-250 can be made a bit more comfortable with the addition of captain’s chairs and second row seating if needed. Second row seating is in bench form only. Options also include windows on the side of the vehicle, a sliding side cargo door, and an insulation package to cut down on engine and road noise.
While useful, the dash design is pretty basic as well. The gauges and controls are large and easy to see and use. The overall design utilizes a lot of block like shapes and lack the high tech gadgets found in minivans or SUVs.
Cargo space is amazing though. The 2012 Ford E-250 is available in two lengths, standard and extended. The standard E-250 provides 237 cubic feet of space with the extended version upping the available storage and hauling space to 275 cubic feet.
Safety
This sparse cargo van is equipped with some of the standard safety features one would expect in a new vehicle. It has four-wheel anti-lock brakes as well as traction and stability control. Both are necessary for a vehicle of this weight and height. Airbags in the side and side curtain positions are not standard for this model. While the standard safety features available may not be all that impressive on their own, the size of the 2012 E-250 does provide a certain measure of security too.
Driving Experience
It only stands to reason that a vehicle of this size along with its towing and hauling capacity has a powertrain that can keep up with those needs. The 2012 Ford E-250 is equipped with a 4.6-liter V-8 flex fuel engine. This motor is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. It is also available with a 5.4-liter V-8 paired with the same gearbox. This particular powertrain is good for 255 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates fuel economy for this model at 12/16 mpg city/highway.
There has never been a cargo van made that could come close to high performance and the 2012 Ford E-250 is no exception. Large, awkward, and unwieldy comes to mind with this van. Naturally, it’s exactly what one should expect. These vans have an enormous turning radius and direction changes mean the driver is sure to feel some degree of body roll. With this type of vehicle, you have to let performance go in favor of the added advantages of cargo room and sheer function.
Key Competitors For The 2012 Ford E-250
- Chevrolet Express
- Nissan NV
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter