What is the top speed of the Ford Transit?
The basic answer is that internal-combustion Transits typically top out around 110–120 mph (177–193 km/h), while the electric e-Transit is limited to roughly 90–100 mph (145–161 km/h). Exact figures depend on engine, model year, weight, and market.
Below is a detailed breakdown of how top speed varies by powertrain, body style, and configuration, plus notes on speed limiting and real-world performance.
Speed ranges by powertrain
These figures reflect common, factory-tuned speeds for standard configurations and are not guaranteed; real-world speeds can vary with payload, road conditions, and available software limits.
- Internal-combustion Transit (diesel and petrol): typically 110–120 mph (177–193 km/h), depending on engine and gearing.
- Electric Ford e-Transit: top speed limited to roughly 90–100 mph (145–161 km/h) to balance range and safety.
These numbers provide a general sense of capability across the main powertrains. Actual top speed might differ by market, trim, and the presence of speed-limiting software.
Notes on speed limits and real-world performance
Ford and dealer documentation often cite a top speed cap to protect drivetrain components and comply with regulation. For example, gasoline/diesel Transits are typically governed to prevent excessive engine load at high speeds, while the e-Transit uses a software limiter to maximize range.
- The maximum speed for ICE Transits is often around 110–125 mph in European-market models, with variation by engine power and payload.
- The e-Transit’s top speed is commonly restricted to around 90–100 mph, influenced by battery capacity and thermal management constraints.
In practice, most operators will not approach these top speeds regularly, as payload, fuel efficiency, and safety considerations take precedence on commercial routes.
Regional variations and considerations
Regional tuning and market differences
Top-speed figures can vary by market due to regulatory limits, speed-limiter calibration, and body configurations that affect aerodynamics and mass. In some regions, speed governors are set lower to reduce wear on fleets and improve fuel economy.
For the most precise figure for a specific vehicle, consult the exact Ford brochure or the vehicle's built-in information, as top speed can differ between the US, Europe, and other regions and across model years.
Summary
The Ford Transit does not have a single universal top speed. ICE versions typically top out around 110–120 mph, while the electric e-Transit is limited to about 90–100 mph. The exact figure depends on engine, model year, weight, market-specific software, and body style. Check the official Ford specs for your specific configuration to confirm.
What is the top speed of a Ford Transit van?
The top speed of a Ford Transit varies depending on the model and configuration, but typical models have a governed top speed of about 105–110 mph (170–177 km/h), while some configurations, like the E-Transit, are limited to 75 mph (120 km/h). Race-focused versions, such as the SuperVan, can reach much higher speeds.
This video shows the Ford Transit SuperVan 4.2 reaching a very high speed: 39sTop GearYouTube · Dec 17, 2024
Standard and Electric models
- Ford Transit Connect: A top speed of approximately 108 mph (174 km/h) is cited for the 2.5L engine model, though some engines may have different limits.
- Ford Transit Custom: Some versions have been recorded at 105 mph (170 kph).
- Ford E-Transit: The electric version has a governed top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h).
High-performance and specialty models
- Ford Supervan: A project built for Ford, this version has a claimed top speed of 150 mph (240 km/h). The Supervan 4.2 has a much higher top speed, though it is designed for racing and not production.
Factors that influence top speed
- Engine: The engine size and type play a significant role in the vehicle's performance.
- Model: Different Transit models, such as the Connect and Custom, have different performance specifications.
- Speed limiter: Many models come with an electronic speed limiter that can be reprogrammed or disabled in some cases.
How fast can a Ford Transit go on an A road?
Speed limits for cars, vans and pick-up trucks:
| Car | Van | |
|---|---|---|
| Towns and Cities | 30mph | 30mph |
| National speed limit (A- or B-road) | 60mph | 50mph |
| Dual Carraigeway | 70mph | 60mph |
| Motorway | 70mph | 70mph |
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 2017 Ford Transit?
The Ford Transit Connect has a top speed of 109 miles per hour and is a great on gas mileage, providing 20 miles per hour for city driving and 28 miles per hour for highway driving. The vehicle also goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 10 seconds, making it easy to control the vehicle's speed.
