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30 September 2025 (updated) Ford Transit Custom engines
Since its launch in 2012, the Ford Transit Custom has established itself as one of the most successful vans in the one-tonne segment, offering a sophisticated Ford Transit Custom engine range across two generations. The technological evolution from proven diesel engines to modern hybrid and electric powertrains reflects Ford's transformation in the commercial vehicle industry.
Ford Transit Custom Generation I (2012-2023)
The first Ford Transit Custom generation was characterized by robust, but technically still conventional diesel engines, which were designed for tough everyday van use. With proper maintenance, mileage regularly reached 400,000 to 500,000 kilometers, with major repairs typically occurring between 200,000 and 300,000 kilometers. This generation was characterized by frequent maintenance intervals for timing belts, turbochargers and injection systems. The absolute top-of-the-range engine was the 2.0 TDCi with 170 hp (from 2016), which optimally combined power, reliability and moderate fuel consumption values. Technical highlights were the gradual introduction of common-rail injection and variable turbochargers, while early models still struggled with problems with exhaust gas recirculation and the particulate filter. In a market comparison, the Ford Transit Custom positioned itself between the smaller VW Caddy and the larger Mercedes Sprinter as the ideal compromise for tradesmen and delivery services.
Ford Transit Custom diesel engines: Generation I (2012-2023)
The Ford Transit Custom diesel range was based entirely on the tried-and-tested 2.0-liter TDCi engine (Duratorq), which was offered in various power levels. Initially, 100 hp, 125 hp and 155 hp were available, later variants with 105 hp, 130 hp and 170 hp were added. The Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi with 125 hp developed into the most reliable engine of the entire generation - especially the variants produced from 2016 onwards with revised turbocharger geometry and optimized exhaust gas recirculation proved to be very durable. These Ford Transit Custom TDCi engines already met the Euro 6 standard and offered an excellent combination of performance, consumption and reliability. The early 155 hp variants (2012-2015), on the other hand, were problematic, frequently exhibiting turbocharger damage and problems with the high-pressure pump. The Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi with 170 hp (from 2016) was considered a compromise between performance and reliability, but was prone to increased oil consumption and premature wear of the injection valves during intensive use.
| Ford Transit Custom engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDCi | 100-105 HP | 6.8-7.2 l/100km | Sluggish, little torque | Average |
| 2.0 TDCi | 125-130 HP | 6.5-7.0 l/100km | Very robust from 2016 | Very good |
| 2.0 TDCi | 155 HP | 7.0-7.5 l/100km | Turbocharger, high-pressure pump (until 2015) | Moderate |
| 2.0 TDCi | 170 HP | 7.2-7.8 l/100km | Oil consumption, injection valves | Good |
Ford Transit Custom Generation II (2023-today)
The second Ford Transit Custom generation marks a revolutionary shift towards electrification and represents Ford's vision for the future of commercial vehicles. For the first time, plug-in hybrid and pure electric drives are available in addition to the proven diesel engines, opening up completely new application possibilities. The mileage expectations of the diesel engines remain at 350,000 to 450,000 kilometers, whereby the new EcoBlue units have become even more efficient thanks to modern technologies such as mild hybridization and optimized combustion. The absolute highlight is the 2.0 EcoBlue mHEV with 170 hp, which uses 48-volt mild hybrid technology to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. Technical innovations include fully digital instrumentation, over-the-air updates and intelligent charging management systems for the electrified variants. In a market comparison, Ford is setting new standards with electrification, while competitors such as the Mercedes eSprinter and VW e-Crafter are still struggling with range problems.
Ford Transit Custom diesel engines: Generation II (2023-today)
The second-generation Ford Transit Custom diesel range is based on the modern 2.0-liter EcoBlue engine, which is offered in various power levels from 110 hp to 185 hp. All Ford Transit Custom EcoBlue engines feature modern common-rail injection with up to 2,500 bar injection pressure, variable turbocharger geometry and SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection. The Ford Transit Custom 2.0 EcoBlue with 130 hp has established itself as the most balanced engine of this generation - it offers sufficient power for most purposes with low fuel consumption of just 6.2-6.8 liters per 100 km. Particularly noteworthy is the new mHEV (mild hybrid) variant with 170 hp, which uses a 48-volt belt starter generator to reduce fuel consumption by up to 8% while improving running smoothness. The most powerful variant with 185 hp is aimed at users with high towing loads, but is already showing the first signs of the typical problems of heavily loaded diesel engines, such as increased soot particle filter wear.
Ford Transit Custom Plug-in Hybrid: Generation II (2023-today)
The Ford Transit Custom PHEV combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a system output of 233 hp. This Ford Transit Custom hybrid technology enables a purely electric range of up to 57 kilometers, which is completely sufficient for inner-city deliveries. The Ford Transit Custom PHEV proves to be particularly suitable for fleet operators in low emission zones, but shows weaknesses in the maximum payload and the reduced load volume due to the battery positioning. The system complexity leads to higher maintenance costs, while the fuel savings for pure highway driving are minimal.
Ford Transit Custom electric drive: Generation II (2023-today)
The Ford E-Transit Custom offers two battery sizes with 64 kWh and 74 kWh, which enable ranges of up to 380 kilometers. With 135 kW (184 hp) of power and 415 Nm of torque from the first revolution, the Ford E-Transit Custom outperforms most diesel variants in terms of acceleration. The charging speed of up to 125 kW DC enables charging from 15% to 80% in just 41 minutes. However, the high acquisition costs, the reduced payload due to the battery weight and the still inadequate charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles are problematic.
| Ford Transit Custom engine | Power output | Consumption/Range | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 EcoBlue | 110-130 HP | 6.2-6.8 l/100km | No series problems so far | Very good |
| 2.0 EcoBlue mHEV | 170 HP | 5.8-6.4 l/100km | More complex technology | Good |
| 2.0 EcoBlue | 185 HP | 7.0-7.5 l/100km | Soot particle filter wear | Good |
| 2.5 PHEV | 233 HP | 1.2 l/100km + electricity | Reduced payload, complex | Average |
| Electric | 184 HP | 380 km range | High costs, charging infrastructure | Good |
Conclusion: The best Ford Transit Custom engines of all generations
The development of Ford Transit Custom engines shows a clear trend towards electrification, while the proven diesel engines have been continuously optimized. While the first generation still struggled with classic diesel problems, the second generation offers fully developed and reliable drives for every application. The new mild hybrid technology and the electric variants open up completely new possibilities for environmentally conscious fleet operators.
- Best Ford Transit Custom diesel engine:
The Ford Transit Custom 2.0 EcoBlue with 130 hp (Generation II) offers the optimum balance of performance, consumption and reliability for most purposes.
- Best Ford Transit Custom hybrid engine:
The Ford Transit Custom 2.0 EcoBlue mHEV with 170 hp combines proven diesel technology with modern 48-volt hybridization for maximum efficiency.
- Best Ford Transit Custom electric motor:
The Ford E-Transit Custom with 74 kWh battery and 380 km range sets new standards for zero-emission commercial vehicles in urban use.
For maintenance and spare parts for all Ford Transit Custom generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery for professional fleet operators and private users.
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