Ford Transit van review
A great drive, impressive efficiency and loads of tech all help to keep the Transit legend alive
Our opinion on the Ford Transit
The full-size Ford Transit offers no-nonsense carrying ability and a huge breadth of body styles and payload capacities to suit nearly every business need. Front, rear and even four-wheel drive formats are available, and all are offered with efficient mild-hybrid diesels or all-electric power.
The Transit can't quite match some of the advanced safety and connectivity tech that's available on rivals such as the Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE, but it still offers car-like technology in the cab, a surprisingly entertaining drive and decent running costs, while Ford's countrywide chain of Transit Centres means there will be an outlet near you to help keep your business on the road.
About the Ford Transit
The Ford Transit van has become so established on British roads over the last 50 years, that like the brand ‘Hoover’ for vacuum cleaners, the name has slipped into common parlance as the generic term for white vans of a certain shape and size.
Ford is now working the hugely popular Transit name harder than ever. This van you see here is the fully-sized Ford Transit, but this family also includes the hugely-popular medium-sized Transit Custom, along with the more compact Transit Courier and Transit Connect. There’s also a bespoke electric addition; the Transit City.
Used - available now
You can buy the fully-sized Transit in a huge number of configurations including panel vans, tipper trucks, crew cabs, minibuses and chassis cabs. All told, and including wheelbase and roof height options, Ford reckons there are 450 different ways to order one. To get you started, you can specify your Transit van in three different load lengths (called L2, L3 and L4) plus two roof heights (H2 and H3). Front-, rear- and four-wheel drive options are available too, depending on the variant.
MPG and running costs
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We’ve no doubt that every business is keen to use as little fuel as possible, and the diesel Transit is well up to the task. The latest 2.0-litre EcoBlue engines offers a 13 per cent fuel economy improvement over the old 2.2-litre, and they feature a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. That means it uses AdBlue injections to get the Transit under the Euro 6 emissions standards. All diesel Transits have a 21-litre AdBlue tank which will last around 6,000 miles before a refill is needed.
Features like Ford’s Auto-Start-Stop, regenerative braking and a gear shift indicator contribute to that efficiency performance but so does the latest 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel found in all Transit models. The four-cylinder features an advanced combustion process with common-rail injectors operating at a pressure of 2,000 bar, capable of making up to six fuel injections into the cylinder per cycle. There’s also low inertia turbocharging technology taken from Ford’s acclaimed EcoBoost petrol engines, reduced internal friction, and a built-in exhaust gas recirculation system.
Ford claims a best fuel economy figure of 43.5mpg for the smallest front-wheel drive Transit models. If you opt for the mild-hybrid 128bhp engine option with its 48V starter/generator, you can expect an average mpg improvement of around three per cent, although under certain driving conditions where energy regeneration is maximised, that advantage could rise to as much as eight per cent. The best combined figures for the mild-hybrid range from 44.8mpg to 47.1mpg on the combined cycle, which could make a big difference over higher mileages.
The drive to cut running costs in this Transit isn’t limited to the engine bay. The high-mounted lights, all-round body protection and multi-piece rear bumper were designed to minimise the chance of damage and cut the cost of repair should any mishaps occur.
Insurance costs should be competitive, too, and Ford has done its bit to keep your loads and personal items safe. Remote central locking and anti-tamper shielded locks are standard, as are doors that lock as you drive off. There are two optional alarm systems, including a basic perimeter alarm and a more sophisticated Thatcham Category 1 system.
Electric range, battery life and charge time
There are very few physical differences between the diesel and electric Transits. However, the latter could potentially save you a small fortune in running costs.
While all-wheel drive isn’t an option here, the E-Transit does come with the choice of either a 68kWh Standard Range or 89kWh Enhanced Range battery pack. The smaller unit returns up to 196 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, while the bigger one bumps this up to 249 miles. These official numbers will vary depending on your chosen spec, though, and the E-Transit is available in a very wide variety of specifications, just like the diesel model.
Naturally, vehicle downtime isn’t ideal for any business, so both batteries are capable of taking on a DC rapid charge. However, the speeds vary depending on your chosen pack. The 68kWh unit can handle a rate of up to 115kW, and this means a 10 to 80 per cent top-up will take around 37 minutes. The 89kWh pack is faster at 180kW, and this means you’ll only face a 28-minute wait, despite this battery’s larger capacity.
If, like many EV drivers, you’re plugging in for a full zero to 100 per cent charge from a typical 7.4kW wallbox, you’ll need to wait for around nine hours for the 68kWh battery, rising to 12 hours for the 89kWh unit.
Load space and practicality
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The Transit range is vast. There are panel vans, chassis cabs, drop-side trucks and minibuses. The vans offer gross vehicle weights from 2.9 tonnes to 5.0 tonnes in the Transit Jumbo and load volumes from 9.6 cubic metres to 15.1 cubic metres. Some of the Transit’s rivals go up as far as 17 cubic metres, though, so that’s one area where the Ford falls slightly short.
While the diesel Transits are capable of carrying a payload of up to 2,357kg, depending on your chosen spec, the E-Transit can only handle a maximum of 1,586kg. If you’re carrying a particularly heavy load, you might be tempted by the Iveco Daily as this can take on up to 3,820kg. However, you’ll need to be careful as some specifications of this rival require a 7.5-tonne driving licence. If you’d prefer an electric van, the Renault Master E-Tech can carry up to 1,625kg, but this number applies to the four-tonne variant so you’ll also need the same enhanced licence.
Ford has worked to increase the usability of the Transit’s load area. Little features like the bright LED lighting and the tough plastic load floor covers that extend up the walls of the van help, as does the wide step cut into the rear bumper.
The load space is more uniformly shaped than in the previous Transit so getting larger items inside should be easier. The doors open wide and there’s a handy catch inside the rear doors that releases them to open the full 180 degrees. You can also specify a powered sliding loading door if required.
Reliability, safety and security
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Ford subjected this Transit to a rigorous testing programme that took in 680,000 miles of driving in the full range of conditions this global panel van is likely to encounter. Of that, 310,000 miles were undertaken in the hands of actual Transit customers who used the vehicle day to day and reported any issues. After all that, it certainly should be durable. Long term performance of the EcoBlue engines hasn't been confirmed outside of Ford's programme, of course.
It should be safe, too. Ford has fitted one of the most advanced ESC stability control systems ever seen on a van with a variety of add-on features specifically designed for commercial vehicles. There’s now side wind stabilisation to help deal with crosswinds and curve control technology that can brake individual wheels to keep the Transit under control if it detects the driver entering a corner too fast. Load adaptive roll stability control negates the destabilising effect of a heavy load in the back and trailer sway control helps keep a wayward trailer in check, while the Blind Spot Information System features an extended zone to cover trailers up to 10m.
You can also have intelligent adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition, as well as a suite of cameras and hands-free parking assistance aids.
Even more impressive is Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection. Available from the options list, it can detect and warn the driver of an impending collision, preparing the braking system in advance, then apply the brakes automatically if no action is taken by the driver.
In addition to that high-tech safety net, all Transits also get front, side and curtain airbags. Tyre pressure monitoring, lane-keeping assist, cornering headlights and a neat reversing camera that displays a colour image in the rear-view mirror are also available.
Driving and performance
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There are three engine power options available with the Transit, all derivatives of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue common-rail diesel engine. Then customers have the choice of front, rear or all-wheel-drive.
The range-topping 182bhp version delivers excellent performance and flexibility, aided by 415Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm. If you regularly approach your van’s payload capacity, this might be the engine to choose, but even if you don’t its flexibility and superior refinement still make it a highly desirable option.
That said, even the 168bhp variant worked brilliantly in 'Jumbo' H4 L3 form on our tests, and the Transit can easily keep up with the flow of traffic with this engine. It speaks volumes that this unit was fitted to the Transit first, before arriving in Ford's passenger cars.
The biggest selling Transit engine is the 128bhp unit that delivers its maximum 385Nm at 1,500rpm. It needs to be worked harder to shift a moderately laden Transit and there’s an increase in engine noise as a result but it should prove more than adequate for most users. The final power option offers 104hp and 360Nm of torque, it’s a little more noisy again (purely due to the extra revs required) but the Transit remains pleasantly smooth and free of vibration in the cab. This engine will be in its element around town but may struggle a little with larger loads on the open road.
Naturally, the electric E-Transit acts as a solution to the engine noise problem. Here, there are only two power outputs offered, but neither version is lacking in punch with either 181bhp or 265bhp and on tap. Both are powered by a rear-mounted motor that’s borrowed from the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and there’s 430Nm of torque on offer across the board.
As is often the big advantage with electric vehicles, the E-Transit is a near-silent operator. Both variants also have enough power to feel pretty brisk when moving away from a standstill, and this is particularly useful when tackling traffic lights and tricky junctions. Adjustable regenerative braking also features, but there’s no full one-pedal driving mode.
Every Transit is fitted with selectable drive modes, including Normal, Eco and Slippery - plus Tow/Haul on rear-wheel drive variants with a factory tow bar. These modulate throttle response and steering feel to suit relevant conditions.
The Transit’s suspension displays that well-oiled suppleness we’ve come to expect from Ford passenger cars. It irons out minor blemishes expertly and cushions the big jolts well too. The latest models have revised damper settings and the way the it eased over the bumps (with a 600kg load on board) during our test was very impressive for a large panel van.
The driver is presented with one of the jazziest steering wheels we’ve yet seen in a panel van. It’s small, tactile, features chrome inserts on the spokes and produces similarly polished responses from the Transit.
The revised electrically-assisted rack and pinion helm offers light weight, accurate work and a tight 11.9m turning circle. Together with the impressive forward visibility it all makes this a very easy van to drive, even in its larger guises. The dash-mounted gear shifter is a little notchy, but it slots positively into each ratio after the initial reluctance, and the revised suspension settings see the Transit resist body roll very well on faster roads.
Town driving, visibility and parking
Supple suspension and the very high driving position mean that the Transit is better around town than you might expect. It’s a big panel van, so certain tight city streets will be off-limits, and you will need to have your van’s dimensions in mind with regards to height and width restrictions.
Motorway driving and long-distance comfort
Refinement is generally a Transit strong point. The electric motors stay quiet at motorway cruising speeds, while all the diesel engines stay very much in the background below the 3,000rpm mark. It’s the wind noise that comes through most at motorway speeds and even this is hardly intrusive for a van of this class.
Cab interior and technology
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The Transit cab borrows heavily from Ford passenger cars in terms of design, with lots of familiar switchgear dropped in. In the interests of durability Ford has upped the toughness of the plastics and the result is a very solid-feeling environment that seems built to last.
Storage is pretty good, with lots of options for stowing small to mid-size items but the Transit may be found lacking in areas to plonk larger stuff. It’ll have to go in the bin concealed under the passenger seat.
More importantly, the driving position seemed very comfortable and roomy, while the passenger seat too seemed a good place to sit out a long journey.
The basic model comes with a single sliding side door, remote locking, halogen projector headlamps, a 4.2-inch display screen with DAB radio, Bluetooth and a height adjustable driver’s seat. Better is the mid-spec Trend, which add powered mirrors, front fog lights, full wheel covers, front and rear parking sensors and automatic wipers. Crucially the infotainment system is improved to an 8-inch touchscreen and you also get cruise control, a heated windscreen and a lockable glovebox. The Limited model is the top-spec version in the main range but we reckon Trend has all you really need.
Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo
The standard 4-inch central display screen that manages the infotainment functions is on the small side by modern standards, but things are much improved with the 8-inch touchscreen in Trend models and above. It runs the Ford SYNC 3 software system with Bluetooth included as standard, and you can integrate your smartphone with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
FordPass Connect gives you on-board wi-fi, live traffic info, vehicle status and remote locking via your Smartphone from any distance.
Buying and owning
There are so many variations of Ford Transit that the best buy will boil down to what your business requires. The diesels are better for longer trips and heavier loads, while the E-Transit is the superior option for those taking lots of shorter hops and aiming to slash their running costs.
We’d opt for the fancier Trend trim if you’re spending a lot of time in your van and would enjoy some extra creature comforts. However, if you’re going to use the Transit as a workhorse or buying it as part of a fleet, the base Leader will suffice and save you a few pounds in the process.
Ford Transit alternatives
Rivals for the venerable Ford Transit include the Citroen Relay, Mercedes Sprinter, Vauxhall Movano and Volkswagen Crafter. These are all good options and a lot will come down to price, but the Ford does have them mostly beaten when it comes to the driving experience.
Our favourite large panel van, though, is the Renault Master. This boldly-designed rival comes with a similarly huge amount of customisation options. Perhaps most crucially, though, its starting price is just that bit lower than the Transit’s. It’s a very appealing package, and one that was worthy of our 2026 Large Van of the Year award.
Ford Transit pictures
Key updates of the Ford Transit review
28 October 2026: Details about the Ford E-Transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
As with all Ford vans the Transit’s warranty runs to three years old or 60,000 miles from new, whichever comes first.
Van dimensions | |||
| Body style | Height | Width | Length |
| L2 H2 | 2,413-2,533mm | 2,059mm | 5,531mm |
| L2 H3 | 2,652-2,769mm | 2,059mm | 5,531mm |
| L3 H2 | 2,411-2,530mm | 2,059mm | 5,981mm |
| L3 H3 | 2,650-2,767mm | 2,059mm | 5,981mm |
| L4 H3 | 2,680-2,778mm | 2,059mm | 6,704mm |
Load area dimensions | ||||
| Body style | Height | Width | Length | Volume |
| Standard | 1,886-2,025mm | 1,784mm | 3,083-4,256mm | 9.3-14.1m3 |
| Double cab | 1,818-1,955mm | 1,784mm | 2,038-3,211mm | 5.5-9.8m3 |
