How fast can a Ford Transit Connect go?
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact van designed for utility rather than speed. In general, you can expect a top speed around 100–115 mph (160–185 km/h), depending on engine, year, and how much weight it’s carrying. Exact figures vary by configuration and market, and Ford typically limits the top speed electronically.
What determines the Transit Connect's top speed
Several factors govern how fast a Transit Connect can legally and safely travel. Here are the main influences you’ll see across model years and trims:
- Engine choice and power output. Newer gasoline engines push roughly 160+ hp, older variants typically sit in the 150–170 hp range. Higher power generally enables a higher potential top speed, all else being equal.
- Electronic speed limiter. Most models are electronically limited to around 110–115 mph (177–186 km/h).
- Vehicle weight and payload. Carrying passengers or cargo adds weight and reduces top speed and acceleration.
- Aerodynamics and tires. The van’s shape and tire rolling resistance influence how high it can go before lift and drag curb performance.
- Transmission and gearing. The gear ratios determine engine rpm at highway speeds, affecting the top speed reachable in top gear.
- Market and engine variant. Diesel vs gasoline and European vs North American tuning can yield different limits and performance.
In practice, most drivers won’t reach the top speed in everyday use; 100–110 mph is a common ceiling under light load in favorable conditions.
Top speeds by configuration and market
Current-generation gasoline Transit Connect (North America)
The North American Transit Connect with the common 2.0-liter gasoline engine is typically capable of reaching about 110–115 mph (177–186 km/h) when unladen and under ideal conditions, consistent with factory limiter settings.
Older generations and alternate engines
Older Transit Connects and certain European-spec variants with different engines or diesel tuning may show lower top speeds, often around 100 mph (160 km/h), particularly under load or in hotter climates.
Electric options and what to know
Ford currently does not offer a dedicated electric Transit Connect in the North American market. The historical Transit Connect Electric was produced briefly in the 2010s but is no longer sold. For all-electric vans in Ford’s lineup, look to the E-Transit, which is based on the larger full-size Transit rather than the Connect and has its own performance specifications distinct from the Connect.
Practical takeaways
When planning driving or usage, keep in mind:
- Expect a practical top speed around 100–115 mph depending on year, engine, and load.
- Under heavy payload or adverse conditions, top speed is lower and acceleration slower.
- These vans are designed for cargo capacity and practicality, not top-end speed, so drive safely and within posted limits.
In real-world use, reaching the top speed is uncommon; proper maintenance, tires, and load management matter more for performance and safety.
Summary
The Ford Transit Connect can reach roughly 100–115 mph depending on engine type, year, and load. Gasoline variants with newer engines tend to be at the higher end, while older or diesel variants are often slower. Most models are electronically limited, and the Connect’s primary purpose is utility rather than acceleration or speed. For speed-sensitive needs, consider the overall handling, braking, and payload capacity, and review the exact specs for your specific year and trim.
What is the speed limit for Ford Transit Connect?
That means the speed limit for a Ford Transit is 50mph on a national speed limit road. And the speed limit for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van is also just 50mph. That's what you need to know about when it comes to vans. Proper vans that work for a living and don't pretend to be anything other than a commercial vehicle.
How fast can I go in a transit van?
Typically vans travel 10mph less than cars on main roads but can travel 30mph in towns and cities which is usually the same as a car. On single carriageways vans are usually limited to 50mph and 60mph on dual carriageways.
How to turn off speed limiter Ford Transit?
To turn off a Ford Transit's speed limiter, use the LIM button on the steering wheel to turn the feature off for the current drive, or use professional diagnostic tools like Ford IDS or Forscan for a permanent disablement. The permanent method involves connecting a laptop to the vehicle's system and using the software to access programmable parameters and disable the limiter in the vehicle's computer.
This video explains how to permanently remove the speed limiter from a Ford Transit using Ford's diagnostic software: 53sTool Hut USAYouTube · Dec 25, 2024
Temporary deactivation (for the current drive)
- Press the LIM button on the steering wheel to set the speed limiter to standby mode.
- Press the LIM CNCL/OFF button again to turn the system completely off for the current ignition cycle, according to this YouTube video and Ford's service content.
- Some models may have a separate ECO button that also turns off the speed limiter for the current cycle.
Permanent removal (for all drives)
- Using professional tools: Technicians can use diagnostic equipment like the Ford VCM II + IDS to permanently disable the limiter.
- The process involves:
- Connecting the diagnostic tool to the vehicle.
- Launching the software (e.g., IDS) on a laptop.
- Navigating to the "Module Programming" section, then "Programmable Parameters," and "Speed Items".
- Selecting the "Vehicle Speed Limit (PCM)" and choosing to "Disable Speed Limiter".
- Following the prompts to erase and reprogram the vehicle's computer with the new settings.
- Alternative software: Forscan is another option for those with the necessary hardware, as it can be used in "Engineering Mode" to disable factory speed limiters.
- Warning: Removing a fixed speed limiter is a significant change. It should only be done if you are experienced with vehicle programming and understand the implications for performance and safety. Fleet vehicles may have additional, non-switchable speed limiters that require professional tools to remove.
What is the top speed of the Ford Transit Connect?
108 miles per hour
The 2014–2021 Ford Transit Connect with the 2.5L engine has an est. MPG (City): 20 mpg‑US (12 L/100 km), MPG (Highway): 27 mpg‑US (8.7 L/100 km), 0–60 time: 9.5 sec. and top speed of 108 miles per hour (174 km/h). The 2022 models with the 2.5L engine saw a reduction to 26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km) highway.
