Diesel Trucks are Back in California: What Buyers Need to Know

A commercial van earns its keep by carrying the people, tools, materials, or equipment that make a business run. The 2026 Ford Transit® gives San Jose companies plenty of ways to build around that job, with T-150, T-250, T-350, and T-350 HD configurations, multiple body lengths and roof heights, 2 gas V6 engines, and RWD or available AWD. Cargo capacity can reach 487.3 cu. ft., maximum payload can reach 5,103 lbs., and properly configured gas models can tow up to 6,900 lbs. First, Figure Out What Has to Fit Inside Transit® Cargo Vans come with low, medium, and high roofs and 129.9-inch or 147.6-inch wheelbases, depending on configuration. Overall length starts at 219.9 inches for regular models, reaches 237.6 inches in long configurations, and stretches to 263.9 inches for high-roof extended vans. Cargo volume ranges from 246.7 to 487.3 cu. ft. behind the front seats. A low roof can be easier to live with when San Jose parking structures are part of the route. Medium and high roofs provide more vertical working room for shelving, tools, inventory, and vocational equipment. The correct choice starts with what goes inside the van, not what looks impressive on a specification sheet. T-250 Is the Middleweight That Can Carry Its Share The Transit-250 occupies useful territory between the T-150 and heavier T-350 configurations. Complete-vehicle Cargo Van versions can reach a 9,150-lb. GVWR, with regular and long wheelbases and several roof heights available depending on body configuration. Buyers can also choose RWD or available AWD. For plumbers, electricians, contractors, delivery operations, and mobile-service businesses, T-250 can provide additional capacity for equipment and an upfit without automatically stepping into the highest weight ratings. That's important because commercial vehicles aren't trophies. Capacity earns its place when you're putting it to work. Two V6 Engines, Depending on How Hard You Ask Gas-powered Transit® models offer a 3.5L PFDi V6 producing 275 hp and 260 lbs. ft. of torque or an available 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 with 300 hp and a considerably stronger 400 lbs. ft. of torque. Both pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD available. There is no plug-in hybrid Transit® in the U.S. lineup. Businesses interested in electric power can instead consider the E-Transit™, which uses a rear-mounted electric motor producing 198 kW and an 89-kWh battery. Choosing among them should come down to routes, loads, operating needs, and how the van will spend its working hours. A Work Van Should Be Set Up for Work An empty cargo area isn't much help if employees spend every morning digging through it for tools. Ford offers commercial packages designed around specific jobs, including Electrician Trade, General Contractor, Builder's Prep, Upfitter, Wall Liner, and Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow packages. Depending on configuration, these can provide a foundation for shelving, partitions, storage, electrical equipment, and other vocational hardware. Properly equipped gas Transit® models can also tow up to 6,900 lbs. A good upfit isn't decoration. It's about giving tools and equipment a place to live so the person doing the job can spend less time searching for them. Decide if You're Carrying Equipment or People Cargo Van models concentrate on 2 front occupants and working space behind them. Transit® Passenger Vans take a different assignment, with configurations for 12 or 15 passengers. That makes the distinction refreshingly straightforward: tools, deliveries, and mobile operations point toward Cargo Van, while businesses transporting groups should look at Passenger Van configurations. Standard driver-assistance equipment includes Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane-Keeping System, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps, adding useful support during the miles between jobs. Put the Right Transit® to Work in San Jose Payload, cargo dimensions, roof clearance, drivetrain, towing requirements, and the planned upfit should decide what belongs in your fleet. San Jose businesses can visit Mission Valley Ford Trucks to compare available Ford Transit® inventory, commercial configurations, and upfit options around the work they perform. Once you've narrowed down the van that fits the job, schedule a test drive online.

Ford is taking a different swing at the electric truck with the new Ford Fathom™. Due in 2027, it’s a midsize EV pickup built on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle Platform. That price is going to get attention. The bigger question is how much truck Ford can deliver for it. We don’t have every answer yet, but the details Ford has released give us a decent idea of what the Fathom™ is supposed to be. A New Kind of Ford EV The Fathom™ will be the first vehicle built on Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle Platform. Rather than adapting an existing gas-powered vehicle for an electric drivetrain, Ford developed this architecture specifically for a new generation of more affordable EVs. Ford hasn’t released horsepower, torque, battery capacity, EPA-estimated range, charging speed, towing capacity, or payload figures yet. Those are some pretty big blanks for a pickup, so there’s still a lot we need to learn before judging its capability. We do know Ford is aiming for more interior room than its midsize dimensions might suggest. The company projects the Fathom™ will have more passenger volume than the Toyota RAV4. For drivers around San Jose, CA who want a truck without dealing with full-size pickup dimensions every day, that could be one of its strongest selling points. Plenty of Technology Comes Standard Ford isn't treating the lower starting price as an excuse to gut the cabin. Every new Ford Fathom™ will get a large touchscreen with navigation powered by Apple Maps, along with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Digital Key will allow a compatible device to serve as the vehicle key, and owners will be able to access connected functions remotely through the Ford app. The Fathom™ will also be BlueCruise capable. Ford describes it as next-generation BlueCruise capability, although we’ll have to wait for more information about exactly what changes or improvements that brings. Bidirectional Power Could Be a Big Deal One of the more interesting, confirmed features has little to do with the touchscreen. The Fathom™ will support bidirectional power, meaning its battery won’t only take electricity in. It will also be able to send stored energy back out for compatible uses. Ford hasn’t released output figures or all the details about what equipment will be required. Still, there’s obvious potential here. Portable battery power could come in handy at a jobsite, campsite, tailgate, or anywhere else you’d rather not drag along a separate generator. That feature makes sense on a pickup. It turns the battery into something useful even when the truck isn't moving. What We Still Need to Know There are a few numbers that will ultimately decide how good this truck is. Range is an obvious one, especially for California drivers covering longer distances. Charging speed matters nearly as much. Truck buyers will also want firm towing and payload ratings before deciding if the Fathom™ can replace their current pickup. Then there's the standard-range battery itself. Until those details arrive, it's better to think of the Fathom™ as promising rather than proven. The New Ford Fathom™ Arrives in 2027 Preorders are expected to open in early 2027, with more specifications likely to arrive as launch gets closer. Drivers around San Jose, CA, can visit Mission Valley Ford Trucks to learn more about Ford's current truck and EV lineup and keep up with new Fathom™ availability. Once we have the range, charging, towing, and payload numbers, we'll have a much clearer idea of what Ford's affordable electric truck can really do.

A Comprehensive Guide to Ford Truck Towing Capacities When it comes to finding the perfect truck for work, play, or both, understanding towing capacity is essential. Ford trucks are renowned for their power and versatility, offering a range of options to suit every driver’s needs. In this blog, we’ll dive into a Ford truck towing capacity comparison to help you determine which model is right for you. Whether you're hauling equipment or towing a trailer for a weekend getaway in San Jose, Ford has a truck tailored to your lifestyle. more Why Towing Capacity Matters Towing capacity is one of the most critical factors when choosing a truck. It determines how much weight your vehicle can safely tow without compromising performance or safety. Ford trucks, from the compact Maverick to the heavy-duty Super Duty lineup, offer impressive towing capabilities to meet diverse needs. For instance, the Ford F-150, America’s Best-Selling Truck, combines everyday usability with robust towing power. With available features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and Ford Co-Pilot360® technology, towing in and around San Jose becomes not only easier but also safer. Light-Duty Trucks: Ford Maverick and Ranger If you’re looking for a compact yet capable truck, the Ford Maverick and Ranger are excellent choices. The Maverick, named MotorTrend’s 2026 Truck of the Year®, offers a city-friendly size with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 lbs. when equipped with the optional 2.0L EcoBoost® engine and Tow Package. The Ford Ranger steps it up with a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. when equipped with the available Trailer Tow Package. This makes it ideal for drivers who need more capability without stepping into a full-size truck. Whether you’re towing a small camper or a pair of jet skis for a weekend at nearby California lakes, these models deliver exceptional performance. Full-Size Trucks: Ford F-150 The Ford F-150 is a powerhouse in the full-size truck category, offering a range of engines to suit various towing needs. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 14,000 lbs. when properly equipped, the F-150 is perfect for hauling larger trailers or heavy equipment around San Jose. Ford’s innovative technology enhances the towing experience. Features like Smart Hitch and Onboard Scales help ensure your load is balanced and within safe limits. Additionally, the F-150’s hybrid powertrain option delivers both efficiency and power, making it a versatile choice for work and recreation. Heavy-Duty Trucks: Ford Super Duty Lineup For those who need maximum towing power, the Ford Super Duty lineup is unmatched. The 2025 Super Duty models, including the F-250, F-350, and F-450, offer staggering towing capacities of up to 40,000 lbs. with gooseneck towing configurations. These trucks are built for serious work, from construction sites to agricultural tasks in and around San Jose. Advanced features like Trailer Reverse Guidance and the available Pro Power Onboard™ generator further enhance the Super Duty’s functionality. With these capabilities, you can tow confidently and even power tools or equipment directly from your truck bed. Choosing the Right Ford Truck for You Selecting the right Ford truck depends on your specific towing needs and lifestyle. If you’re navigating city streets or need a versatile daily driver, the Maverick or Ranger may be your best bet. For those requiring more power and capability, the F-150 or Super Duty models offer unparalleled performance. With this comprehensive Ford truck towing capacity comparison, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision about which model suits your needs best. From the compact Maverick to the heavy-duty Super Duty lineup, Ford trucks deliver exceptional performance and reliability for drivers in San Jose and beyond. Explore your options today at Mission Valley Ford Trucks and discover why Ford continues to lead the way in towing capability and innovation.