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What kind of engine does a Ford Transit van have?

The Ford Transit uses several powertrains rather than a single engine, with options spanning gasoline, diesel, and electric variants depending on year and market. This article explains the current engine landscape for the Transit globally.

North American engine options

In the United States and Canada, the Transit lineup has featured a mix of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, with Ford also offering an all-electric variant in recent years. Availability can vary by model year and trim level.

3.5L EcoBoost V6 gasoline turbocharged engine

3.2L Power Stroke inline-5 turbo diesel engine (availability varies by year and configuration)

E-Transit electric powertrain (fully electric; battery options and range vary by configuration)

In North America, the most common gasoline option in newer Transits is the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, with a diesel alternative offered in some markets and trims. The all-electric E-Transit is available in multiple regions, aligning with Ford's electrification push for commercial fleets.

European and other markets engine options

Across Europe and other regions, diesel power is the dominant choice for the Transit, complemented by occasional petrol options and the growing availability of electric versions. The exact engine lineup can depend on the country, model year, and regulatory requirements.

2.0L EcoBlue diesel engines (various power outputs for different payloads and configurations)

2.0L EcoBoost petrol engine (where offered in select markets)

E-Transit electric powertrain (fully electric; battery options and range vary by configuration)

In Europe, the Transit lineup is primarily built around the 2.0L EcoBlue diesel family, with the electric E-Transit increasingly common in fleets. Petrol options, when available, are limited to specific markets or configurations.

Electric variant: the E-Transit

The E-Transit represents Ford’s all-electric option for the Transit family. It uses an electric motor and battery pack rather than an internal combustion engine. Range and payload capacity depend on the chosen battery size and configuration, and Ford has positioned the E-Transit as a practical option for urban and suburban fleets seeking zero-emission operation.

Summary

The Ford Transit does not rely on a single engine. It offers multiple powertrains, including turbocharged gasoline, turbodiesel, and fully electric options, with regional and model-year variations. If you’re shopping for a Transit, check the exact engine and configuration for your market and VIN, as options change with updates, emissions rules, and fleet requirements.

Does the Ford Transit come with a V8?

To gain more performance, buyers can pick a 310-hp EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine. A 10-speed automatic transmission ushers engine production to the rear wheels or all the wheels with AWD. Ford doesn't offer a V8 or a diesel for the Transit.

What engines do Ford Transit vans have?

The Ford Transit Passenger Van can be powered by either a 3.5L PFDi V6 or EcoBoost® V6 engine.

How many miles per gallon does a Ford Transit V6 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

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.