Does the Ford Transit get good gas mileage?

In general, the Ford Transit does not deliver standout fuel economy for its size. Gasoline-powered Transits typically achieve roughly 16–20 miles per gallon (mpg) in mixed driving, with highway numbers higher and payload weight lowering efficiency.

This article examines how mpg varies by configuration, what factors influence efficiency, and practical steps to improve fuel economy for fleets and individual buyers. It also places the Transit in the context of its class and real-world performance.

Fuel economy by configuration

Fuel economy depends on drivetrain, engine, body style, and payload. The ranges below reflect common gasoline configurations in North America and are intended as rough guides rather than exact numbers.

• Cargo van, 2WD, standard roof, mid-length wheelbase: typically 17–20 mpg combined, with around 15–18 mpg city and 20–23 mpg highway depending on load.


• Cargo van, 2WD, high roof or extended wheelbase: often similar or slightly lower in combined driving due to aerodynamics and weight, commonly around 16–19 mpg combined.


• Passenger wagon variants (heavier configurations with more seating): commonly toward the lower end, about 15–18 mpg combined.


• All-wheel drive (if selected): generally about 1–2 mpg less in combined driving than comparable 2WD setups.

Note: These figures are approximate and can vary by model year, engine choice, transmission, tires, and driving conditions. Real-world results often differ based on payload and city versus highway use.

How to maximize gas mileage

Below are practical steps to help you get the best possible fuel economy from a Ford Transit, whether you’re outfitting a fleet or using it for daily work.

• Choose the lightest practical configuration for your needs; avoid unnecessary payload and optional all-wheel drive if not required.


• Keep tires properly inflated and ensure alignment; underinflated tires and misalignment reduce efficiency and increase wear.


• Perform regular maintenance: air filters, oil changes, spark plugs (where applicable), and transmission service can sustain efficiency.


• Adopt efficient driving habits: smooth acceleration, steady speeds on highways, and gentle braking can significantly improve mpg.


• Plan routes to favor highway driving when possible and minimize idling; use cruise control on appropriate stretches.


• Compare alternatives within Ford’s lineup (such as smaller cargo vans) if your application doesn’t require a full-size Transit.

Implementing these practices can yield meaningful gains in fuel economy and reduce operating costs for fleets and individual drivers alike.

Fuel economy vs. rivals

In the full-size van category, the Transit’s gasoline mpg is broadly on par with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ram ProMaster when equipped with similar gasoline powertrains. Diesel options (where offered) can improve highway efficiency but come with higher upfront and maintenance considerations. Availability and exact figures vary by region and model year.

Summary

The Ford Transit is designed for cargo and people-hauling capacity rather than top-tier fuel economy. Expect gasoline versions to deliver roughly 16–20 mpg combined, with better highway efficiency and reduced payload improving numbers. For buyers who prioritize mpg, choose lighter configurations, avoid unnecessary all-wheel-drive setups, and apply fuel-conscious driving and maintenance practices. If your needs allow, consider smaller vans for better efficiency or explore diesel options where available in your market.

Which Ford Transit gets the best gas mileage?

Ford Transit -- 43.5mpg Ford transit top 5 large vans by mpg Leading the rest of the pack (by quite a margin) is the iconic Ford Transit when fitted with the 105PS Ecoboost Euro 6.2 diesel engine. Ford has been very vocal in just how efficient this engine is, and the class-leading fuel economy is a great indicator.

What are the disadvantages of the Ford Transit?

What Are the Disadvantages of the Ford Transit?

• Fuel Economy: Due to its size and weight, the Ford Transit generally has lower fuel economy than smaller vans or cars.
• Ride Quality: Due to its commercial nature, the Transit's ride can be stiff and less comfortable than that of other passenger vans.

How far can a Ford Transit go on a full tank?

A Ford Transit's range on a full tank varies, but can be between 350 and 550 miles depending on the engine, model, and driving conditions. For example, the EcoBoost engine can get up to 550 miles, while the 3.5L PFDi V6 is closer to 400 miles. Some users report ranges from around 350 to over 400 miles with different engines and driving styles.
 

• 3.5L PFDi V6 Engine: Approximately 350 miles in the city and 450 miles on the highway, for a combined range of about 400 miles, assuming a 25-gallon tank. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine: Approximately 600 miles in the city and 525 miles on the highway, for a combined range of about 550 miles, assuming a 25-gallon tank. 
• 2.0L GDI I-4 Engine: Approximately 300 miles in the city and 427 miles on the highway, for a combined range of about 363 miles, assuming a 15.8-gallon tank. 
• Real-world examples: Some users report getting around 350 to 420 miles on a tank, with the range depending heavily on factors like city vs. highway driving, vehicle weight, and driving speed. 

Factors that influence range:

• Engine and fuel type: Different engines have different fuel economy ratings. For instance, diesel engines may have a higher range than gasoline engines. 
• Driving conditions: City driving, which involves more stopping and starting, will result in lower mileage compared to steady highway driving. 
• Vehicle load: The weight of passengers or cargo will reduce the vehicle's fuel efficiency and thus its range. 
• Speed: Driving at higher speeds reduces fuel economy and range. 

Why is Ford discontinuing the Transit?

Ford is not discontinuing the large Transit van, but it is ending sales of the smaller Transit Connect in North America after the 2023 model year due to decreased demand and a strategic focus on reducing costs and complexity. The Transit Connect will continue to be sold in Europe. Additionally, the specialized Transit Trail package was recently discontinued because of supply chain issues and a lack of demand, though this is separate from the discontinuation of the base Transit Connect in North America. 
North America discontinuation (Transit Connect)

• Declining demand: Sales for the compact van segment, including the Transit Connect, have fallen significantly, making it unprofitable for Ford to continue. 
• Strategic shift: Ford is prioritizing cost-saving, efficiency, and its electric vehicle (EV) offerings as part of its global restructuring plan. 
• Other manufacturers followed suit: Other companies, like Ram with the ProMaster City, have also discontinued their small vans in the U.S. 
• Larger Transit remains: The larger Ford Transit van, which is built in the U.S., will continue to be sold. 

Transit Trail package discontinuation

• Supply chain issues: Ongoing supply chain challenges and part availability constraints made it difficult to produce the Transit Trail package.
• Prioritizing parts: Ford decided to remove the package for the 2025 model year to prioritize delivering parts and service for vehicles that already have it.