Fiat Ducato review (2025)

• Powerful engines
• Ride is firm
• Excellent nine-speed automatic

In 2022, the Fiat Ducato was updated with the same 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine as the rest of Stellantis’ large vans – that engine is still available. It’s a bit more refined than the old Fiat 2.3-litre diesel that used to be fitted to the Ducato, but it’s still not a patch on the Mercedes Sprinter or VW Crafter.

A bigger improvement is the nine-speed automatic gearbox. It makes the most of the engine’s power and shifts smoothly. But the Ducato shows its dated commercial vehicle nature with a stiff ride, poor soundproofing and awkward driving position.

Series 9 engines available from 2024

In the 2024 update, the choice of engines available in the Ducato was reduced to just two versions of the 2.2-litre Multijet3 diesel:

• 140hp / 350Nm 2.2-litre (380Nm with optional automatic gearbox)
• 180hp / 450Nm 2.2-litre

The 140hp engine gets an extra 30Nm of torque with the optional auto; the 180hp engine is now automatic only. Note that the 140hp/auto combination is not available in heavier Ducato Maxi models and the 180hp engine is only available in Maxi form. We‘ve driven the 140hp/auto extensively, finding it has plenty of get-up-and-go and produces very good fuel economy.

Series 8 engine available from 2022

In 2022, the old Fiat 2.3-litre engine was swapped for the latest 2.2-litre, four-cylinder Multijet3 diesel engine found in every other large Stellantis van, and an automatic gearbox is available on all but the entry-level option:

• 120hp / 320Nm 2.2-litre
• 140hp / 350Nm 2.2-litre (same torque with optional automatic gearbox)
• 160hp / 380Nm 2.2-litre (400Nm with optional automatic gearbox)
• 180hp / 400Nm 2.2-litre (450Nm with optional automatic gearbox)

All these engines are Euro 6D-Final compliant, while the weightier models have Heavy-Duty type approval. The engines are quite muscular but run out of puff fairly early in the rev range, so you’ll need to stir the standard six-speed manual gearbox to make good progress. The ‘box was improved for the Series 8, feeling lighter and more precise, though it’s still not as slick as a VW Crafter’s.

MY20 engines from mid-2019

In September 2019, tougher Euro 6D Temp emissions standards were introduced, forcing Fiat to make further changes to the Ducato’s engine line-up:

• 120hp / 320Nm 2.3-litre
• 140hp / 350Nm 2.3-litre
• 160hp / 380Nm 2.3-litre (400Nm with optional automatic gearbox)
• 180hp / 400Nm 2.3-litre (450Nm with optional automatic gearbox)

Power and torque went up at the lower end of the range, while the addition of an automatic option on the more potent engines allowed an increase in torque over the manuals, because of the auto’s greater strength.

The new regulations also required a high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system, which also necessitated the use of AdBlue. Not only do you need to keep the tank topped up, the system adds around 30kg to the Ducato’s weight, reducing payloads by a similar amount.

What’s the nine-speed automatic like?

Automatic vans get better with every new model, and the nine-speed auto available in the Ducato – which Fiat calls 9Speed – is up there with the best. Introduced in 2019, it replaced the rather clunky ComfortMatic robotised manual. It’s smooth, speedy and generally very pleasant to use, easily a match for the Iveco Daily and VW Crafter autos.

The only issue we have is that the torque converter can take quite a long time to lock up when doing hill starts, especially with a load on board. That means it takes longer for the van to get moving than you expect, which can lead to an abrupt, load-shifting getaway.

It’s worth noting that, with nine gears, the Ducato has more than many rivals that only have eight, but we don’t think the extra ratio makes a huge difference. However, all those gears mean the Ducato’s engine revs much lower at a given speed than the manual versions do, so the cab is quieter.

It’s not quite so hot on engine braking, but you can take manual control yourself. Just move the lever over and pull back to change up, push forward to change down. The button that switches between Normal, Power and Eco modes feels incredibly cheap and nasty.

While we doubt many delivery fleets will specify the auto because of its extra cost, it’s proving hugely popular in Ducato motorhomes. After all, if you drive an automatic car during the week, it must be rather irksome to find a six-speed manual in your £60,000-plus motorhome.

What’s the Ducato like to drive?

In the 2022 update, the Ducato gained electric power steering in place of the old hydraulically assisted rack. It’s a necessity for the advanced driver aids and we suspect it’ll be something of an acquired taste for some drivers.

The electric steering is very light and easy to twirl through the usefully tight turning circle. Parking’s a doddle, too, especially with the optional 360-degree surround-view system. But it also feels less precise and communicative, which isn’t especially reassuring at speed.

Some of the driver aids are quite intrusive. We habitually turned off the speed limit warning, for instance. Some, such as the lane keeping assist, can’t be turned off completely, but you can dial down the level of intervention.

The ride is uncomfortably firm and bouncy over all but the smoothest surfaces. That can translate to a rolling, slightly uncontrolled feeling in faster cornering, even within the context of a large van, unless you’re really smooth. Loading the rear helps, but not massively. Overall, the likes of the Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter are more comfortable and smoother, the Ford Transit is more enjoyable.

• Not the most spacious cab
• Plenty of storage space
• Gets quite noisy

The Fiat Ducato’s cabin hasn’t been a strong suit for many years, a consequence of its aging design. The latest updates don’t fix the problems but there are improvements, most notably to the on-board technology.

The infotainment setup is quite flashy for a van. The base model gets a very basic system but the top trim level (of two) gets a 10.0-inch central touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus wireless phone charging. The screen’s positioned in exactly the right place for keeping an eye on the sat nav, but it can be difficult to press the rather small icons.

The 7.0-inch digital instrument display is less impressive, but it’s still a very high-end feature for a commercial vehicle. All models come with air conditioning, while you can spec goodies such as a digital rear-view mirror, full LED headlights and an electric parking brake.

We particularly like the digital rear view mirror, which is really effective. And the electric parking brake that substitutes the handbrake found in just the right position by the driver’s seat to catch a leg as you get out.

What’s the Fiat Ducato’s driving position like?

The Ducato has a very short cab-to-body ratio, which is great for converters but not for tall drivers. If you’re over six foot, you’ll likely be pressed up against the bulkhead to get enough legroom, with the seat bolt upright.

It may not entirely suit shorter drivers, either. The steering wheel is angled very steeply and, despite reach and rake adjustment, and the seat’s tilt and height adjust, you may feel like the wheel is right under your chin. The driver’s armrest is a nice touch, and the door trim is pleasant enough to rest an elbow on.

Storage solutions

There’s no shortage of storage space in the Ducato. There are all sorts of trays, pockets and cupholders moulded into the door cards, cupholders and assorted slots at the base of the dashboard, and a huge tray above the glovebox – which itself is fairly useless.

There’s space beneath the passenger seats and the centre seat folds down to double as a laptop table. You can also have a clipboard/tablet holder that pops out of the top of the dashboard, although not with the biggest display screen.

Build quality

The Ducato’s interior plastics don’t look or feel high quality, and some of the buttons are really rather nasty. But it all feels pretty robust apart from some more delicate items such as the optional tablet holder. Yes, it’s a van, but the Mercedes Sprinter and MAN TGE feel luxurious in comparison and have a greater sense of longevity.

Creature comforts and infotainment

All Ducato models have Bluetooth and even the base model has a touchscreen infotainment system, albeit a 5.0-inch one without phone connectivity. The bigger 7.0- and 10.0-inch systems have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among a raft of features, including telematics. The system looks good but actually isn’t all that user-friendly, having lots of menus and small icons. There are multiple 12-volt and USB charging ports; some models also have wireless phone charging.

• Impressive real-world fuel economy
• Cost-saving design features
• Well-equipped after 2022 facelift

Being quite an old design means the Fiat Ducato is appreciably lighter than many of its rivals. That pays dividends not just in better payload, but better fuel economy as well.

Fiat Ducato MPG

According to the official WLTP figures, the Ducato can return fuel economy of 36.9-44.0mpg, depending on which combination of engine, gearbox, body and payload it has. That’s very competitive in this sector. In our test of the 140hp/auto model we achieved 38-40mpg over the course of 400-plus miles of urban and motorway driving.

Fiat Ducato service intervals

Fiat recommends service intervals for the Ducato of two years or 30,000 miles – whichever comes first. That’s among the longest intervals of any van on the market.

Fiat Ducato warranty

The Ducato comes with a two-year manufacturer warranty, plus a further 12 months’ coverage provided by the dealer network. You can also pay extra for an extended warranty that stretches cover to five years or 125,000 miles. The package also includes five years’ free servicing and roadside assistance.

What do you get as standard equipment?

All 2024 Ducatos come with the following:

• Air conditioning
• Rear parking sensors
• Electric windows
• 5.0-inch touchscreen display
• DAB radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Central locking
• Traffic sign recognition
• Lane keeping assist.

Upgrade to the Primo trim level and you also get the following:

• Automatic climate control
• Keyless entry and start
• 7.0-inch digital instrument panel
• City plus pack (blind spot assist, rear cross traffic alert, surround-view, digital rear view mirror)
• Premium cab pack (rear view camera, leather steering wheel, under-seat storage)
• Techno plus pack (10.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, wireless phone charger)

While it’s not unusual to find people complaining about the reliability of older Fiat Ducatos, this generation seems to have few recurring problems. Considering it’s been on sale in some form for two decades, there haven’t been many safety recalls, either.

There have been recalls affecting quite a lot of vehicles relate to an electronics issue that could stop the dashboard, airbags and ABS working, exhaust gas recirculation pipe failure, and intercooler pipe failure. Less widespread recalls include ones related to fuel line problems, camshaft failure and incorrect tyres being fitted.

These and any other issues subject to recalls should have been rectified by now. But, if you’re buying a used Ducato, it’s worth checking to see if there are any outstanding recalls against it. They’re listed on the MOT certificate of any vehicle more than three years old; check with a Fiat Professional dealer for younger vehicles.

• Class-leading active safety equipment
• Can drive semi-autonomously in traffic
• Standard safety kit limited to driver’s airbag

The Fiat Ducato was once one of the poorer large vans for safety, but it’s now among the very best. A raft of safety systems were added in 2022 that earned a Euro NCAP bronze rating; the latest version received a five-star rating when it was tested in 2025.

It’s worth noting Euro NCAP’s commercial vehicle assessments only cover the effectiveness of its active and passive safety systems. Unlike cars, NCAP doesn’t conduct crash tests on vans.

Safety features fitted to all the latest Ducatos include electronic stability control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness detection, and speed limit assist.

There are extra features with the Primo trim level, as well. The City plus pack adds blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, and the Visibility plus pack adds full LED headlights and cornering foglights.

There’s also the optional L2 autonomous driving pack which includes a system that can drive the van with limited intervention from the driver under certain circumstances in stop-start traffic and on motorways.

Fiat Ducato security

All Ducatos now come with remote central locking, an immobiliser, deadlocks and a perimeter alarm. Primo trim adds keyless entry and go.