What size engine is in the Ford Econoline E250?
The Ford Econoline E-250 did not use a single engine size. Across its production run, most E-250 vans were equipped with either a 4.6-liter V8 or a 5.4-liter V8, with occasional heavier-duty or diesel options in certain years. Exact displacement depends on model year and configuration, so check the VIN or build sheet for a specific vehicle.
Gasoline engine options
Most E-250s relied on gasoline V8 power, with two primary sizes appearing plus less common larger variants in some configurations.
4.6-liter V8
The 4.6L V8 was a widely used option in many E-Series vans, including the E-250, offering a balance of power and efficiency for typical cargo or passenger duties. Displacement is 4.6 liters, with horsepower varying by year and tuning.
5.4-liter V8
The 5.4L V8 was another common option for the E-250, generally delivering more torque and pulling capability than the 4.6L in many configurations. Displacement is 5.4 liters, with horsepower ratings changing across model years.
6.8-liter V10 (less common on E-250)
Diesel options
Diesel powertrains were available in certain years and markets for fleet buyers, though not as common as the gasoline options.
7.3-liter IDI diesel
The 7.3L IDI (Indirect Injection) diesel was used in some E-Series vans, including certain E-250 configurations, during the late 1990s into the early 2000s. It’s a larger-displacement diesel known for durability in commercial work.
6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel
In the 2003–2007 window, Ford offered a 6.0L Power Stroke diesel in some E-Series vans, including limited E-250 configurations. It provided more torque for towing and heavy duty use, though availability varied by year and market.
What to verify when assessing an E-250
Because engine sizes vary by year and configuration, it’s important to confirm the exact engine on a given vehicle.
- Check the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or engine code plate to identify the exact displacement.
- Review the original window sticker/build sheet if available to confirm the factory engine.
- Ask for maintenance records that correspond to the engine type, especially if you suspect a diesel option.
Knowing the precise engine matters for fuel economy, maintenance costs, and towing capability, so verify before purchase or use.
Summary
In short, the Ford Econoline E-250’s engine size isn’t fixed. The most common gasoline options are 4.6 and 5.4 liters, with occasional 6.8 liters in heavier configurations. Diesel variants include 7.3 liters and, in some years, 6.0 liters. Always confirm the exact engine by checking the VIN or build documentation for a specific E-250.
What does the E in E-250 stand for?
E is the application symbol for Engineering steel & the next set of 3 digits gives the steel's minimum yield strength. So, E250 is an Engineering Steel standard / grade that has a minimum yield strength of 250 MPa.
What engine is in the Ford E250 van?
Powertrain
| Engine | Configuration | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Triton V8 | 4.6 L (281 cu in) SOHC 2V V8 | E-150 E-250 (2003–2014) |
| 5.4 L (330 cu in) SOHC 2V V8 | E-150, E-250, E-350 E-450 (2008–2016) | |
| Ford Triton V10 | 6.8 L (413 cu in) SOHC 2V V10 | E-350, E-450, E-550 |
| Ford Boss V8 | 6.2 L (379 cu in) SOHC 2V V8 | E-350, E-450 |
How many miles per gallon does a Ford E250 get?
The Ford E250's fuel economy varies by model year and engine, but it typically gets around 13-15 MPG combined, with highway ratings of about 17 MPG and city ratings around 12-13 MPG. For example, a 2013 model gets 13 MPG city and 17 MPG highway, while older models might be slightly different.
You can watch this video to see a demonstration of the Ford Econoline van's fuel economy: 57sNomadic VanAddictYouTube · Jul 13, 2022
- Combined: 13-15 MPG
- City: 12-13 MPG
- Highway: 17-18 MPG
- Factors that can affect MPG: Engine size, rear axle ratio, and whether the van is heavily loaded or used for towing can all impact real-world fuel economy.
What is the average lifespan of an E-250?
How Long Do Ford E-Series Last? E-series vans typically reach up to 300,000 miles before reaching points of critical breakdown–they are tanks! My van came with 170,000 miles on it and I'm now at 186,000 miles–still haven't run into any issues. The E-series includes the E150, E250, and E350.
