What kind of engine does a Ford Transit have?

There isn’t a single engine that powers every Ford Transit. Depending on the year, market, and model, Transits can be equipped with gasoline or diesel powerplants, with hybrid options available in some regions. This article explains the current engine families by market and what they mean for performance and efficiency.

Engine options by market

The Ford Transit lineup is sold worldwide, and engine choices vary by region and generation. The following snapshot reflects the general options available in major markets as of 2024–2025. Always confirm with a local dealer for your exact year and spec.

• Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and the United Kingdom: 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engines are the mainstay, available in single-turbo and bi-turbo configurations, with multiple power outputs. Some versions offer 48V mild-hybrid (mHEV) assistance to improve efficiency, and transmissions include manual and automatic options depending on the spec.


• North America (United States and Canada): A gasoline-focused lineup centered on the turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, paired with a contemporary automatic transmission. This configuration is designed to balance power with the needs of urban and highway van duty.


• Other global markets: Engine offerings can include additional EcoBlue diesel variants or regional gasoline options, depending on local emissions standards and market demand. Availability is year- and country-dependent.

In short, the Transit’s engine lineup is regionally customized to meet demand, efficiency, and regulatory requirements. Always check the specific engine and configuration for your model year and market.

Diesel vs. gasoline considerations for the Transit

Performance, efficiency, and maintenance

• Diesel engines (EcoBlue) typically deliver higher torque, which helps with heavy loads and highway towing, and can offer favorable fuel economy on longer trips.


• Gasoline engines (EcoBoost) generally provide stronger torque at lower rpms and can be easier to service in markets where diesel maintenance infrastructure is less common; they may have lower upfront costs in some regions.


• Hybrid or mild-hybrid variants (where offered) aim to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, particularly in urban driving, but may add initial cost and complexity.


• Overall maintenance costs, fuel pricing, and availability of service for each engine type can affect total cost of ownership and should be weighed against your typical routes and payload needs.

The choice between diesel and gasoline for a Ford Transit often hinges on driving patterns (city vs. highway, daily mileage), payload requirements, fuel prices, and local emissions standards. A dealer can help map out total cost of ownership for your fleet based on your operation.

Summary

The Ford Transit does not have a single engine; its powerplants vary by generation and market. In Europe and many other regions, the EcoBlue 2.0-liter diesel family is dominant (with single-turbo, bi-turbo, and mild-hybrid options). In the United States and Canada, the Transit is typically powered by a gasoline-oriented lineup, led by the turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Engine availability depends on model year and local regulations, so consult a local dealer for the exact configuration that applies to your vehicle.

What engines do Ford Transits have?

The Ford Transit is available with two main gasoline engine options: a 275-horsepower, 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 and a more powerful 310-horsepower, 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. For a modern, all-electric option, Ford offers the E-Transit, which provides up to 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Ford Transit's engines: 56sTCcustomsYouTube · Feb 13, 2020
Gasoline engines

• 3.5L PFDI V6: A naturally aspirated V6 producing 275 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: A turbocharged V6 that generates 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. 

All-electric

• E-Transit: An all-electric option with up to 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. 

Other options and notes

• Transmission: Both gasoline engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 
• Diesel: While some older or used models may have diesel options (like the 3.2L Power Stroke I-5), they are not standard in the newest gas models. 
• Ford Transit Connect: The smaller Transit Connect offers different engine options, such as a 2.5L inline-4 engine. 

What Ford Transit engine is most reliable?

Which Transit Custom Engine Is Best? The 3.2L Duratorq TDCi engine, often referred to as the Puma engine, is highly regarded for its reliability and robust power.

How many miles per gallon does a Ford Transit V-6 get?

A 2020 Transit 350 High-Roof 4x4 with the turbocharged V-6 only returned a combined 13 mpg in our hands, although it did manage 16 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test. A similar rear-wheel-drive model with the same engine did slightly better in our highway test at 17 mpg.

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating. 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates 

• 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures. 
• 5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues. 
• 3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks. 

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

• 1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. 
• 1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures. 
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans. 

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025