What are the Ford Transit wheel bases?
The Ford Transit offers three primary wheelbase lengths—short, medium, and long—with exact numbers varying by market and year.
In more detail, the Transit lineup is configured differently depending on the region. European and global models commonly use three wheelbase lengths to balance payload and interior space, while North American versions typically provide three distinct wheelbases to fit cargo and passenger needs. Below are the typical options you’ll encounter in these regions today.
Regional wheelbase options
Europe and global Transit configurations
The following lengths are representative of European-market Transits and widely used global variants. Exact figures depend on the generation and roof height.
- Short wheelbase (SWB): about 3,300 mm (130 inches)
- Medium wheelbase (MWB): about 3,750–3,800 mm (147–149 inches)
- Long wheelbase (LWB): about 4,200–4,400 mm (165–173 inches)
These figures can change with roof height (low, medium, high) and body style, as well as updates in new generations.
North American specifications
In the U.S. and Canada, the Transit cargo van has typically been offered in three wheelbases that balance interior space and maneuverability. The commonly cited lengths are:
- Short wheelbase: 118 inches (about 3,000 mm)
- Medium wheelbase: 130 inches (about 3,300 mm)
- Long wheelbase: 148 inches (about 3,760 mm)
Again, exact numbers can vary by year, trim, and roof height. Some markets may have additional variants or minor dimensional changes across generations.
How wheelbase choice affects use
A longer wheelbase generally provides more cargo or passenger space and a steadier ride, but at the cost of a larger turning radius. Shorter wheelbases offer tighter turning and better urban maneuverability but less interior space. Roof height also affects overall length and payload capacity in upfit configurations.
When selecting a Transit, check the current Ford spec sheets or talk to a dealer for the precise wheelbase options available in your year, market, and configuration.
Summary
Ford Transit wheelbases are designed to fit a broad range of uses—from compact urban deliveries to full-size cargo and passenger upfits. The three primary options—short, medium, and long—are the most common, with variations by market and generation.
