When did Ford switch to the 10-speed transmission?
Ford switched to a 10-speed automatic starting with the 2017 model year, debuting in the Ford F-150 and marking a shift that would ripple through the brand's lineup.
The 10-speed, known internally as the 10R80 for rear-drive applications, was designed to improve acceleration, towing capability, and fuel efficiency. Ford began rolling it out across trucks and SUVs, with cars gradually joining in the following years and the transmission remaining a staple in Ford's modern lineup today.
Timeline of adoption
Here's a concise look at when Ford first introduced the 10-speed and how the rollout progressed across major models.
- 2017 model year: First deployments of the 10-speed automatic (10R80) in the Ford F-150, marking the brand's official switch from older six- and eight-speed designs.
- 2018 model year: Expansion to more large vehicles and beginnings of availability in additional models, including the Mustang’s automatic options.
- 2019–2020 model years: Broader adoption across a wider portion of Ford's lineup, with continued calibration improvements and expanded availability in Lincoln models as well.
The timeline reflects Ford's strategic move to more gears in pursuit of better performance and efficiency, particularly for high-torque applications in trucks and SUVs.
Current lineup spotlight
The 10-speed is now widely used across Ford's range, with emphasis on high-torque and performance platforms. Availability varies by year and market, but the gearbox is commonly found in these segments:
- Full-size pickups (e.g., F-150 variants)
- Full-size SUVs (e.g., Expedition, Navigator)
- Performance models with automatic transmission (e.g., Mustang variants)
In the years since its introduction, Ford has continued to refine the 10-speed calibration to balance power delivery with efficiency across different engines and body styles.
Summary: Ford's switch to the 10-speed automatic started in 2017 with the F-150 and gradually rolled out across its trucks, SUVs, and certain cars, becoming a core part of the brand's drivetrain strategy through the 2020s.
