Is a transit 350 rwd?
Yes. In the United States, the Ford Transit 350 is offered primarily as a rear-wheel-drive van, with an optional all-wheel-drive variant; there is no front-wheel-drive option in current U.S. models.
Drivetrain options for the Transit 350
In the U.S. market, two drivetrain configurations are commonly offered for the Transit 350 family: rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): The standard configuration for most Transit 350 vans, delivering solid payload capacity and familiar handling characteristics for cargo and passenger setups.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): An optional setup on many wheelbases and body styles, providing enhanced traction in adverse weather or poor road conditions, with potential trade-offs in payload capacity and fuel economy.
Conclusion: Front-wheel drive is not offered on U.S.-spec Transit 350 models. Availability of AWD depends on wheelbase, roof height, and powertrain pairing, so buyers should verify the exact configuration for a given build.
What this means for buyers
For shoppers and operators, the key takeaway is that the Transit 350 is designed to accommodate two practical drivelines. If you work in slick or snow-prone environments, AWD can be a meaningful upgrade; if payload and efficiency are paramount, a standard RWD configuration is typically sufficient.
Markets and model-year variations
United States specifics
In the U.S., the Transit 350 is predominantly RWD, with AWD available as an option on many configurations. There is no factory-issued FWD option for current Transit 350 builds sold here.
Europe and other markets
In European and other international markets, driveline offerings can differ. Some regions may provide different combinations, including variations of AWD or even alternative front-drive setups depending on the local model lineup and engine options. Always check the local spec sheet or VIN for the exact drivetrain.
How to verify the drivetrain on a specific vehicle
The most reliable way to confirm whether a particular Transit 350 is RWD or AWD is to check the vehicle’s VIN and window sticker. Dealers can decode the VIN to reveal the drivetrain, wheelbase, and trim, while the window sticker lists the standard and optional features for that build.
Summary
The Ford Transit 350 in the United States is normally rear-wheel-drive, with AWD offered as an option on many configurations. There is no front-wheel-drive option in the current U.S. lineup. When shopping, confirm the exact drivetrain via the VIN or dealer documentation, and be mindful that market variations exist outside the United States.
