What type of automatic gearbox does a Ford Transit have?
The automatic gearbox on a Ford Transit varies by model year and market. In the current generation, the most common setup is an eight-speed automatic paired with the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel; older or regional configurations used six-speed automatics, and the all-electric E-Transit uses a single-speed transmission.
Overview of options by era and configuration
The Transit lineup has seen several automatic transmission designs over its lifetime. The following options represent what has been available on recent and current models, noting that exact specs depend on engine choice, year, and country.
- Eight-speed automatic transmission (8–speed) – the prevailing choice on many recent Transits, especially with the 2.0-l EcoBlue diesel; designed for smoother shifts and improved efficiency.
- Six-speed automatic transmission (6–speed) – used on older engine options and in certain markets earlier in the model cycle; still found on some trims where the 8-speed was not yet offered.
- Dual-clutch automated manual (PowerShift) – offered in select European configurations during transitional years, but less common in newer builds as Ford shifted toward conventional torque-converter automatics for many markets.
- Single-speed transmission for the all-electric E-Transit – a fixed-gear, single-speed reduction unit optimized for electric propulsion, replacing a multi-gear automatic in the electric variant.
In short, the exact gearbox varies by year, engine and market. If you want the precise specification for a specific van, check the vehicle’s documentation or Ford’s official spec sheet for that VIN.
Regional variations and notable notes
Transmission choices reflect regional preferences and regulatory requirements. Here are broad patterns you might encounter depending on where the vehicle was built or sold:
- Europe, Middle East, Africa – modern Transits commonly pair the EcoBlue diesel with an eight-speed automatic; some older Euro-spec models offered six-speed automatics or manuals, and PowerShift variants appeared briefly in certain trims during transition periods.
- North America – gasoline-powered Transits historically used a six-speed automatic; the diesel options and market-specific configurations have varied by model year and dealer specification.
- All-electric E-Transit – operates with a single-speed transmission or fixed-gear reduction setup, not a multi-speed automatic, reflecting its electric drivetrain design.
Because Ford markets can differ even within a generation, the best way to confirm your Transit’s gearbox is to review the build sheet, VIN-specific Ford spec lookup, or your owner’s manual and dealership documents.
How to verify the exact gearbox on your Transit
To confirm exactly which automatic gearbox your Transit has, check the following sources: the vehicle’s VIN in Ford’s official online spec database, the build sheet from the dealer, the owner’s manual, and the door jamb sticker or boot label that lists drivetrain details. If you’re shopping used, request the exact transmission type as listed on the VIN/vehicle history report to avoid surprises.
Summary
Ford Transit transmissions have evolved over time and vary by region. Today, eight-speed automatics are common with modern EcoBlue diesels, while older models may use six-speed automatics; the electric E-Transit uses a single-speed setup. Always verify the specific gearbox for a given vehicle through official documentation or a VIN-based spec lookup.
