Are Ford Transit Customs good on fuel?
The Transit Custom generally offers solid fuel economy for a mid‑size commercial van, especially with Ford’s EcoBlue diesel engines. The Plug‑In Hybrid variant can cut fuel use dramatically in urban work when it is regularly charged.
Fuel efficiency depends on engine choice, payload, route, and how you use the van. This article breaks down what to expect from standard diesel options and the plug‑in hybrid, and offers practical tips to maximise miles per gallon in real‑world conditions.
Diesel propulsion: what to expect on the road
Key factors that influence diesel efficiency include engine output, gearing, weight, and driving conditions. The following points summarize typical patterns for current Transit Custom diesel configurations.
- Engine and transmission options: Ford offers EcoBlue diesel units in different power outputs, with manual and automatic transmissions available depending on the trim and body configuration. Higher payloads and longer wheelbases can affect economy.
- Official efficiency figures: The WLTP combined fuel economy for diesel Transit Custom variants typically spans from the low 30s to the mid‑40s miles per gallon (UK), depending on wheelbase, roof height, and load.
- Real‑world driving: In mixed use with payload, drivers often see lower figures than WLTP—real‑world economy commonly sits in the 20s to low 30s mpg when urban driving and heavier loads are involved, with better results on steady highway cruising.
- Driving conditions and maintenance: Economy improves with smooth driving, correct tyre pressures, and regular servicing; cold starts and frequent heavy acceleration can reduce mpg.
When choosing a Transit Custom, compare the WLTP figures for your exact spec (wheelbase, roof, and gearbox) and read independent road tests to gauge real‑world performance for your typical work pattern.
Plug‑in Hybrid option: urban efficiency with electric range
The Transit Custom Plug‑In Hybrid (PHEV) combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, designed to maximise electric drive for short urban trips. It is best used with regular charging, especially for city deliveries.
- Electric range: The PHEV variant offers a substantial electric‑only range, typically around 30–40 miles (approximately 50–65 kilometers) on WLTP, depending on load and driving conditions.
- Overall fuel use: When you frequently charge and drive short hops on electric power, fuel consumption can be markedly lower than in diesel only configurations for urban work; long highway runs rely on the petrol engine and will consume more fuel.
- Charging: The van supports external charging; actual charging time depends on the charger type (home wall box vs. public AC) and vehicle specifications. Most buyers plan for a few hours of charging in a typical urban cycle.
- Payload and practicality: The additional battery adds weight and can marginally affect payload; verify payload figures for your exact spec to understand trade-offs.
For fleets that can regularly plug in, the PHEV can offer notably lower running costs in city driving, though total savings depend on daily distance, charging availability, and the proportion of electric miles you can achieve.
Tips to maximise fuel efficiency
Across all Transit Custom configurations, disciplined driving and routine maintenance pay dividends in fuel economy. The following tips help you get the most miles per gallon from your van.
- Keep tyres inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures to reduce rolling resistance and improve efficiency.
- Plan routes to avoid unnecessary idling and congested detours; use cruise control on long, smooth highways where appropriate.
- Minimise aero drag and weight: remove roof racks when not in use and avoid carrying unnecessary cargo; lighter loads save fuel.
- Use Eco or similar efficiency modes if equipped, and change gear early to keep the engine in its most efficient rev range.
- Keep up with regular servicing, including air and fuel filters, to maintain optimal combustion and fuel economy.
- For Plug‑In Hybrid versions, charge regularly and use electric drive for city driving to maximise mpg and reduce emissions.
In practice, the best approach is to match your fleet’s typical duty cycle to the right variant: diesel for longer highway work and heavier payloads, or a Plug‑In Hybrid for predominantly urban, short‑trip deliveries with reliable charging infrastructure.
Summary
Ford Transit Custom models are competitive for their class when it comes to fuel efficiency. Diesel EcoBlue variants deliver solid mpg in many work scenarios, while the Plug‑In Hybrid offers meaningful savings for urban driving when charging is available. Real‑world results depend heavily on payload, route, and driving style. For the most accurate picture, check the exact WLTP figures for your chosen spec and read up‑to‑date independent reviews, then apply practical driving tips to maximise efficiency.
Bottom line: if your operations include lots of highway miles with moderate payloads, a diesel Transit Custom can be economical; if most of your work is urban and you can regularly charge, the Plug‑In Hybrid could offer even lower running costs.
