Fiat Ducato review (2022)

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

As of 2022, the Fiat Ducato shares its engine range with its sister vans from Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall, a 2.2-litre diesel in four power outputs. These are more refined – slightly – than the 2.3-litre engines they replace, though they’re not a patch on the Mercedes Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter in this regard.

Otherwise, the Ducato rather shows its commercial colours with a stiff ride, poor soundproofing and an awkward driving position.

Engines at launch in 2011

This generation of Ducato launched with the following choice of MultiJet turbodiesel engines:

• 110hp / 300Nm 2.3-litre
• 130hp / 320Nm 2.3-litre
• 150hp / 350Nm 2.3-litre
• 177hp / 400Nm 3.0-litre

All were rated to Euro 5+ emissions regulations.

At the time we described them as ‘pulling well while remaining quiet and refined’, but the large van segment has moved on quite a bit since then, and though there’s no arguing with the performance, we’d no longer agree about them being quiet or refined.

On the other hand, it probably is less noisy inside than a Renault Master.

First Euro 6 engines from mid-2016

Ahead of the introduction of the first round of Euro 6 emissions regulations in September 2016, Fiat revised the Ducato’s engine line up as follows:

• 115hp / 290Nm 2.0-litre
• 130hp / 230Nm 2.3-litre
• 150hp / 380Nm 2.3-litre
• 177hp / 400Nm 2.3-litre

As you can see, this update added an entry-level 2.0-litre engine – which claimed class-leading fuel economy of 47.9mpg at the time – with more power compared with the low-end 2.3 it replaced, but slightly less torque.

It also saw the 3.0-litre engine replaced with a 2.3 that matches its power and torque output (albeit across a narrower band of revs), but with better fuel economy and lower emissions.

It’s worth noting that these Ducatos meet their Euro 6 standard without using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology – meaning they don’t require AdBlue, in turn helping them to achieve class-leading payload ratings.

They were the only large vans to avoid SCR at this time.

MY20 engines from mid-2019

In September 2019, the Euro 6 emissions regulations got tougher as they moved to the Euro 6D Temp standard. This forced 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, while the addition of a new fully-automatic gearbox option on the more potent engines gave Fiat the flexibility to increase torque where this is fitted (due to the additional strength of the new transmission).

However, the new regulations required high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), so Fiat’s previous use of low-pressure EGR to control emissions is no longer available, forcing the firm to adopt SCR technology just like everyone else.

This not only means you now have to keep an AdBlue tank topped up in order for the Ducato’s engines to function, the addition of this tank and other changes causes kerbweights to increase by about 30kg – and so saw some payload ratings fall by a similar amount.

Fiat Ducato Series 8: engines available in 2022

For 2022, the Ducato swapped out its 2.3-litre engines for a selection of 2.2-litre units shared with its sister vans. They retain exactly the same power and torque figures as the old 2.3s, but offer greater efficiency – plus, Fiat’s now offering the nine-speed automatic transmission as an option on all but the entry-level engine.

• 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)

An ‘eco’ pack can be added to any of these, further increasing efficiency. Fiat claims the new engines are up to 7% more efficient than their predecessors, helped by a 15kg weight loss.

All engines are Euro 6D-Final compliant, and the weightier offerings in the range have Heavy-Duty type approval.

The engines are powerful though run out of puff quite low down in the rev range. You’ll need to stir the standard six-speed manual gearbox plenty to make good progress. This has been improved for the Series 8 Model, feeling lighter and more precise, though it’s still not as slick as the manual you get in a Volkswagen Crafter.

What’s the nine-speed automatic like?

Automatic vans are becoming better with every new model introduced, and the nine-speed auto available for the Ducato is up there with the best.

Replacing an older six-speed ‘ComfortMatic’ robotised manual in the 2019 Ducato update, this gearbox – officially labelled 9Speed – is smooth, speedy and untroublesome, and easily the match of the Iveco Daily or Volkswagen Crafter’s automatic gearboxes. These rivals are also eight-speed, though the Mercedes Sprinter does match the Ducato with nine - though the extra ratio doesn't really make much difference.

What all those gears do offer over the six-speed manual is that they allow the engine to turn over at much fewer revs per minute (rpm), it also helps make the Ducato quieter at speed.

It’s not quite so hot on engine braking, although that may improve with more time to get used to the number of gears, and at least the manual control works like a racing car – pull the lever back to change up, push the lever forward to change down – which is more intuitive than the alternative.

The worst bit about it is the button that switches between Normal, Power and Eco driving modes, which feels incredibly cheap and nasty.

While we doubt many delivery fleets will take advantage of this it’s a huge boon to the Ducato’s motorhome conversions. After all, if you drive a luxury automatic car during the week, it must be a rude awakening to find a six-speed manual in your £60,000+ motorhome…

What’s the Ducato like to drive?

As part of the 2022 update, the Ducato now comes with electric power steering, replacing the old hydraulically-assisted rack. This is a necessity to allow the advanced driver aids to function, and we suspect it’ll be something of an acquired taste.

The electric steering is very light and easy, making it a doddle to twirl around in tight town centres and improving the ease of parking. But it feels more flighty and less precise than the older, heavier rack, and is less reassuring at speed.

There is at least a nice tight turning circle for such a large vehicle, and despite some visibility issues caused by the divided side windows, the Ducato is easy enough to manoeuvre around city streets, even highly competitive Italian ones.

The ride is uncomfortable over all but the smoothest surfaces, proving both firm and bouncy – something that loading the rear reduces but doesn’t completely eliminate. This translates into a rolling, slightly uncontrolled feel to faster cornering, even within the context of it being a large van.

• Biggest touchscreen available on any van
• Plenty of storage space
• Not the most spacious cab

The Ducato’s cab hasn’t been its strong point for a number of years, a consequence of its aging design. The 2022 updates don’t fix it entirely but they are extensive, and endow the Ducato with plenty of new tech.

The infotainment setup is especially flashy for a van. Models one up from the base spec get a 7.0-inch central screen which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a wireless charging pad, while the clear screen’s ideally positioned for use as a sat-nav.

Top spec Business Edition vans upgrade this to a 10.0-inch display, which is the biggest infotainment screen you’ll find in a van. It works well and is a huge improvement on the clunky setups of the Ducato’s predecessors.

The 7.0-inch digital dashboard is less impressive, but it’s still a very high-end feature for a commercial vehicle.

All models also come with air-conditioning, while you can spec goodies like a digital rear-view mirror, full LED headlights and an electric parking brake.

What’s the Ducato’s driving position like?

The Ducato has a very short cab-to-body ratio, which is great for converters but not such good news for tall drivers. If you’re six foot or above you’ll likely be pressed right up against the bulkhead to make room for your legs, with a very upright seatback.

Shorter drivers don’t have it all good either – the steering wheel is angled like a bus, so it’s a stretch to reach the outer edge. The wheel does adjust for rake and reach, and the seat can be tilted or raised and lowered. A driver’s armrest is a nice touch, too, and the door trim’s not too sharp to rest your other elbow on either.

Storage solutions

The Ducato isn’t short on storage space, with large bins below the centre console, large door pockets, an overhead shelf and covered dash-top cubbies as well.

There is space beneath the dual passenger seat, too; this also includes a fold-down centre back section that doubles as a desk.

The top of the centre console can be optioned with a pop-up clipboard, which has been repurposed as a phone / tablet holder in later versions. This isn't available with the largest infotainment screen.

Build quality

The Ducato’s plastics neither look nor feel especially high quality, while some of the buttons are actually quite nasty to the touch. The locking lever for the optional tablet holder seems a bit fragile for long-term use, too.

Yes, it’s a van – but rivals give you more luxurious surroundings, with a greater sense of longevity.

> The Parkers guide to campervans

Creature comforts and infotainment

Currently, all models get Bluetooth connectivity and even the base model now has a touchscreen infotainment system.

It's a tiny 5.0-inch unit, however, and not the easiest thing to use. It's also not compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which you'll find on models with the 7.0-inch or 10.0-inch units instead.

Where fitted, phone connectivity is wireless, so there's no need for trailing cables about the cabin. There's a wireless phone charger to properly facilitate this, and it's ideally placed in a deep storage cubby where your phone will be really secure and you won't be tempted to look at it. Other charging solutions include a couple of USB ports and 12V sockets.

• Impressive on-paper fuel economy
• Cost-saving design features
• Well-equipped after 2022 facelift

The Ducato being based on such an old design means one good thing – it doesn’t weigh very much. Not only does that pay dividends in payload but it improves running costs.

Fiat Ducato mpg

In terms of the 2022 van, we’ve only driven one variant so far and Fiat hasn’t revealed full economy figures for the entire range yet.

However, the 140hp model in its popular 35 LH2 form claims to return up to 34mpg on the WLTP cycle.

During testing we actually bested this – albeit with an empty van – returning around 35mpg according to the trip computer.

An Eco pack adds stop/start technology as well as a smart alternator and electronically controlled fuel pump, all of which should boost economy a little more.

Fiat Ducato service intervals

Service intervals are set at two years or every 30,000 miles, whichever is sooner.

This is one of the longest service intervals of any van.

Fiat Ducato warranty

The Ducato comes with a two-year manufacturer warranty, plus a further 12 months’ cover provided by the retail network.

However, in July 2019, Fiat launched a new '555 campaign', boosting the warranty coverage to five years or 125,000 miles (whichever comes sooner). This has been extended to all versions of the Ducato from the 2022 facelift.

The package also includes five years' servicing and roadside assistance as well.

Money-saving design features

Fiat enhanced a number of key components during the 2014 facelift, including brakes, clutches, front suspension, hinges and seals – all in an effort to help them last longer.

The fundamental design of the van is intended to help keep costs down, too, with features such as three-piece bumpers from 2014 (so you can replace just the damaged section; on all but top spec Sportivo models these are unpainted, too) and high-set lights placed above the usual points of contact for minor bumps.

The lights themselves are supposed to be easy to remove and replace, ditto for the bulbs inside them.

The 2014 update also improved bonnet access, reducing servicing time.

What do you get as standard equipment?

Ducatos haven't traditionally offered loads of standard equipment but the 2022 facelift improved matters, giving desirable items like a driver's airbag, touchscreen infotainment and autonomous emergency braking to all models.

Entry-level standard versions of the 2022 Ducato come with all of the following:

• 5.0-inch screen with DAB, Bluetooth and USB connection
• Radio controls on the steering wheel
• Driver's seat with armrest and lumbar support
• Dual passenger seat
• Fixed steel bulkhead
• Electric, heated door mirrors
• Heated diesel fuel filter
• 15-inch steel wheels with full-size spare
• Dead locks
• Lane departure warning system
• Advanced emergency braking
• Electronic stability control
• Driver's airbag
• Speed limiter

Upgrade to the Ducato Tecnico specification and you also get:

• 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus voice control button on steering wheel
• Wireless phone charging
• Manual air-conditioning
• Electric parking brake
• Techno dashboard
• Keyless entry and start
• Rear View Camera

You can also upgrade this to automatic climate control, at which point the van is labelled a Tecnico Plus.

At the top of the new Ducato range is the Business Edition, which adds:

• 10.0-inch touchscreen with sat-nav
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• Electric-folding heated electric door mirrors

While it’s not unusual to find people complaining about older Fiat Ducatos, this generation seems to have few common faults.

And, considering it’s been on sale since 2011, there haven’t been many safety recalls either.

More widespread issues include an electronics problem that potentially stopped the dashboard, the airbags and the ABS from working, a potential EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) pipe failure and a possible intercooler pipe failure.

Recalls affecting fewer vehicles include some fuel line problems, camshaft failure and a situation where some versions were fitted with the wrong tyres.

All these issues should have been repaired at no charge as part of the recall process, but if you’re buying used it’s probably worth checking that nothing’s been missed.

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

In one fell swoop with its update for 2022, the Fiat Ducato has gone from one of the poorer large vans on the market in terms of safety equipment to the class leader.

All models now come with autonomous emergency braking and a lane-departure warning system. Opt for a model with an automatic gearbox and you can option properly car-like features, including adaptive cruise control with lane centering. This system allows the Ducato to maintain a constant distance from the car in front and stay in the centre of its lane all by itself.

This makes the Ducato the first van available with what’s known as ‘Level 2 autonomy’. That means that while the van can ‘drive’ itself in specific circumstances, the human behind the wheel must always pay attention and if they do take their hands off the wheel they’ll be periodically reminded to put them back.

So not quite the robo-van of the future – but these are features that could be a real boon to those with long journeys on their route. They’d also make fantastic additions to a luxury motorhome, many of which are based on the Ducato as a base vehicle. See also the addition of an electronic rear-view mirror, which displays a camera feed from the back of the van.

Cross-wind assist, a useful touch in high-sided vehicles, is also available, as is Trailer Stability Control. Not a big fan of parking? The Ducato can be had with Active Park Assist that’s actually capable of parallel parking the vehicle for you.

On a more basic level, all versions of the Ducato do come with electronic stability control, but this was only made standard in 2014 so look carefully if buying used.

Euro NCAP Bronze award

The Fiat Ducato has received a Bronze rating from Euro NCAP, as part of the crash-test body's campaign to name the best and worst vans for safety, launched in December 2020. Given the huge upgrade to safety equipment with the 2022 update, this probably isn't hugely relevant any more.

Fiat Ducato security

All models get deadlocks as standard. The Tecnico trim adds an alarm system.