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How many miles per gallon does a Ford work van get?

There isn’t a single miles-per-gallon figure for a Ford work van; mpg depends on the model, engine, drivetrain, payload, and year. The two most common work vans in the United States are the full-size Ford Transit and the smaller Ford Transit Connect. EPA estimates vary by configuration, but gasoline-powered versions typically range from the mid-teens to upper teens in combined mpg, while the electric E-Transit uses MPGe rather than mpg. For a precise figure, consult the EPA fuel economy label for the exact build.


Overview: why mpg varies for Ford work vans


Key factors include van size (full-size Transit vs compact Transit Connect), engine choice (gasoline vs diesel in some markets), drivetrain (RWD vs AWD), wheelbase and roof height, and payload. Heavier loads generally reduce mpg, while highway driving yields better efficiency than city driving.


Ford Transit (full-size cargo van) mpg


The following estimates reflect common US configurations for the Transit cargo van. They are approximate EPA combined mpg figures and can vary year to year and by options such as wheelbase, roof height, and whether the van is front- or rear-wheel drive. For the exact number, check fueleconomy.gov for the specific year and build.



  • Gasoline engine, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, rear-wheel drive, standard wheelbase: typically around 16–18 mpg combined.

  • Gasoline engine, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, rear-wheel drive, long wheelbase or high roof: usually about 15–17 mpg combined.

  • Gasoline engine, with all-wheel drive or other configurations: commonly around 15–17 mpg combined.

  • Diesel option (in some markets): often higher efficiency, around 20–25 mpg combined in Europe; availability in the U.S. has been limited in recent years.

  • Electric version (E-Transit, EV): uses MPGe rather than mpg; typically in the mid-70s MPGe combined depending on battery and drivetrain.


In practice, real-world fuel economy can be lower than these figures, especially with frequent loading/unloading, city driving, and higher payloads. Techniques like planning efficient routes and limiting weight can improve efficiency.


Ford Transit Connect (compact cargo van) mpg


The following estimates reflect common US configurations for the Transit Connect van. They are approximate EPA combined mpg figures and will vary by engine, drivetrain, and body style. For precise numbers, check the EPA label for your selected year and configuration.



  • Gasoline engine, typically 2.0L I-4: around 27–30 mpg combined (roughly 24–31 mpg depending on drive cycle and payload).

  • Front-wheel-drive configurations with efficient tuning can push toward the upper end of the 28–32 mpg combined range on highway-heavy trips.

  • Diesel options (where available) can offer higher highway efficiency, commonly in the mid-30s mpg combined in some markets, but availability in the U.S. is limited.

  • Electric versions (where offered in specific markets) use MPGe; practical numbers depend on battery size and driving conditions.


As with the larger van, real-world results depend heavily on load, driving style, and route. The Transit Connect generally delivers better city mileage than the larger Transit, with reasonable highway efficiency.


Summary


Ford work vans encompass a range of models and powertrains, so mpg isn’t a single number. In the United States you’ll typically see gasoline-powered full-size Transit vans in the mid-teens to low-20s mpg combined, while the smaller Transit Connect often lands in the high-20s to low-30s mpg combined. Electric E-Transit vehicles use MPGe ratings in the mid-70s range. For the exact mpg or MPGe for a specific year, engine, wheelbase, and drivetrain, consult the EPA fuel economy labels or fueleconomy.gov for the precise configuration you’re considering.

How many miles per gallon does a Ford van get?


Ford van MPG varies significantly by model, but the large Ford Transit typically gets around 13-17 MPG combined, while the smaller Ford Transit Connect can achieve up to 24 city/29 highway MPG with its standard engine. Factors like engine size, drivetrain (RWD vs. AWD), and load/build weight will influence the final mileage. 
Ford Transit (full-size)

  • Base models (e.g., 2022 Transit 150 Passenger Van): Around 17 MPG combined, with city/highway figures of 15/19 MPG for the rear-wheel-drive model. 
  • All-wheel drive (AWD): Slightly lower at 16 MPG combined (14 city/19 highway). 
  • Varies by configuration: High-roof, extended, and cargo configurations will have different figures. 
  • Build weight: Heavier conversions can reduce mileage to the 13-16 MPG range, as seen with van life builds. 

Ford Transit Connect (small)
  • Standard 2.0L engine: Expect 24 city/29 highway MPG.
  • Larger 2.5L engine: Around 20 city/26 highway MPG. 

Other factors to consider
  • Engine: The Transit Connect's smaller engines are more fuel-efficient than the Transit's larger engines. 
  • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) versions are slightly more fuel-efficient than all-wheel drive (AWD) versions. 
  • Load: The weight of passengers, cargo, and conversions significantly impacts fuel economy. 
  • Fuel type: Using E85 can decrease MPG. 



How many miles per gallon does a Ford Transit van get?


Ford Transit MPG varies significantly by model and engine, ranging from around 15/19 mpg (city/highway) for a base 3.5L engine to as high as 24 city/29 highway mpg for a 2.0L Transit Connect with a 2.0L engine. Larger or customized versions will have lower fuel efficiency, with some owners reporting around 13–16 mpg for a heavy-duty, 250 model with a full build. AWD models typically have lower MPG than their 2-wheel-drive counterparts.
 
Ford Transit

  • 3.5L V6 (non-turbo): 15 city / 19 highway MPG for a 2WD model. 
  • 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 18 city / 24 highway MPG. 
  • 2.0L GDI I-4: 19 city / 27 highway MPG. 
  • AWD versions: Roughly 18–20 city / 25–27 highway MPG on average, depending on the engine. 
  • Post-build conversions: Owners of customized vans often report lower fuel economy, with some seeing around 13–16 mpg after adding a full build. 

Ford Transit Connect
  • 2.0L 4-cylinder: Up to 24 city / 29 highway MPG. 
  • 2.5L 4-cylinder: Around 20 city / 26 highway MPG. 
  • Combined MPG: Can be as high as 25–28 mpg, depending on the configuration. 

Factors that affect MPG
  • Engine choice: Different engines have different fuel economy ratings. 
  • Drivetrain: AWD models generally have lower fuel economy. 
  • Configuration: The size, roof height, and modifications (like a full build) of the van play a large role. 
  • Driving habits: City driving with frequent stops and starts will reduce fuel efficiency compared to highway driving at a steady speed. 
  • Vehicle load: Carrying heavy loads or towing will decrease MPG. 



What work van gets the best MPG?


The Ford Transit Connect is one of the most fuel-efficient options in the compact category, with some models achieving around 25-28 mpg. For larger vans, diesel models generally offer better efficiency, with the Ford Transit diesel and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter diesel both getting around 21-22 mpg, while hybrid options, like the Ford Transit Hybrid, can reach even higher, up to 43.5 mpg. 
Compact vans

  • Ford Transit Connect: Offers around 25-28 mpg and is a good choice for businesses that don't require a large cargo area. 
  • Ram ProMaster City: A compact option that can achieve around 24-28 mpg. 

Full-size vans
  • Ford Transit (Diesel): A 22 mpg combined fuel economy makes it a more efficient choice for a full-size van. 
  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (Diesel): This can achieve around 21-23 mpg, depending on the configuration. 
  • Ford Transit Hybrid: When equipped with a hybrid powertrain, this full-size van can reach up to 43.5 mpg. 



What is the gas mileage on a Ford Transit 350?


The Ford Transit 350 MPG varies significantly, with estimated ranges of 14-18 MPG for city/highway driving and real-world figures often landing between 13-17 MPG depending on the specific model, configuration (like AWD), and driving conditions. Heavier loads and AWD can decrease MPG, while driving at consistent, lower speeds can improve it. 
Estimated vs. real-world MPG

  • Estimated: Some models have official EPA estimates around 14 city / 18 highway MPG. 
  • Real-world: Owners report a wide range. A reasonable average for mixed driving is often cited between 13 and 17 MPG. 

Factors that influence MPG
  • Load and configuration: The 350 is often used for heavier jobs, so carrying a full load will result in lower MPG. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) option is a common factor that also decreases efficiency. 
  • Engine: The engine choice, such as the Ecoboost V6, affects performance and fuel economy. 
  • Driving conditions:
    • City driving: More frequent starts and stops can lead to lower MPG, with instantaneous readings dropping significantly during acceleration. 
    • Highway driving: Maintaining a steady speed, especially around 55-60 mph, can yield better results, sometimes exceeding 20 MPG, while driving faster will decrease MPG. 

This video demonstrates the difference in fuel efficiency between the Ford Transit AWD and Mercedes Sprinter AWD: 57sGone Mobile VansYouTube · Jul 17, 2025


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.