2012 Ford E250 Cargo: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo is a light-update year, not a redesign. Its main change is a standard auxiliary audio input jack added to the base AM/FM radio across the lineup.
About the 2012 Ford E250 Cargo
4th-generation Ford E-Series/Econoline van (1992-2014), late-run year before the Transit replaced the cargo van.
Ford positions the E-250 Cargo as a Built Ford Tough full-size work van for trades, fleets, and upfitters that need more payload and durability than a lighter-duty van without moving up to the heavier E-350. Its core appeal is simple and practical: a proven low-roof cargo body, V8 power, rear-wheel drive, easy-clean cabin materials, and broad suitability for shelving, contractor, delivery, and service-van use.
The regular-length E-250 Cargo is the more maneuverable work van, with 237.8 cubic feet of cargo room, while the Extended stretches capacity to 278.3 cubic feet. Both have a simple two-seat cabin, rear-wheel-drive V8 power, stability control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and trailer-tow mirrors.
What changed, by category
2012 Ford E250 Cargo specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.6 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.4 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 4.6 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 4-Spd w/OD | Auto, 4-Spd w/OD |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 12–13 mpg | 12–13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg |
| Horsepower | 225–255 hp | 225–255 hp |
| Torque | 286–350 lb-ft | 286–350 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7400 lb | 7300 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 237.8 cu-ft | 278.3 cu-ft |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 3 | 3 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo?
The main change for the 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo is a standard auxiliary audio input jack added to the base AM/FM radio. Otherwise, it largely carries over from 2011.
Was the 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo redesigned?
No, the 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo was not redesigned. It remained part of the long-running fourth-generation E-Series, with no meaningful body, chassis, or styling changes for the year.
Did the 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo did not receive a meaningful powertrain update. It retained rear-wheel-drive V8 power and a four-speed automatic transmission.
How does the 2012 E-250 Cargo Extended differ from the regular-length version?
The 2012 E-250 Cargo Extended has more enclosed cargo room: 278.3 cubic feet compared with 237.8 cubic feet in the regular-length van. Both use the same basic two-seat work-cabin layout and rear-wheel-drive V8 formula.
Is the 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo much different from the 2011 model?
No, the 2012 Ford E-250 Cargo is very similar to the 2011 model. The notable year-over-year update is the auxiliary audio input added to the standard radio.