The Ford Transit Connect shares its platform with the Focus and is available in XL, XLT and Titanium trims. A 2.0L 4-cylinder engine provides the oomph, but for those who want a little more frugality, a 1.5L turbodiesel is offered. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Transit Connect wagon features large rear windows and rear seats for hauling passengers. It can be had in both short- and long-wheelbase versions, with long-wheelbase wagons available with third row seating, making them roomy enough for up to seven passengers. Other utility options include the choice between a rear liftgate or rear symmetrical opening doors.
Interior options are also plentiful and run anywhere from basic vinyl upholstery all the way up to panoramic sunroofs and complex in-car entertainment systems, complete with Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera.
The XL Wagon is only available in a long base and comes with 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, built-in cargo tie-down hooks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power front windows, power door locks, rear parking sensors, driver lumbar adjustment, second- and third-row seats, two rear speakers for the stereo, rear climate controls and power second-row windows. Standard features also include automatic headlights, a rearview camera, and advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning.
The XLT Wagon comes in short- or long-wheelbase styles, and adds roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 6-way power driver seat, a conversation mirror, and a thicker acoustic windshield, four front speakers for the sound system and voice controls.
While XL and XLT wagon trims echo their cargo van counterparts, the top-level Titanium trim adds a considerable dose of luxury to the Transit Connect lineup. The Titanium edition's interior is upholstered in leather, while the stereo makes use of Ford's Sync system. Add in 16-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cornering fog lights, power-folding mirrors, chrome exterior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with navigation and the SYNC 3 infotainment interface and you've got luxury to spare.
All Transit Connect vans feature front and side airbags for the first row as well as side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Cargo Capacity And Flexibility
Fuel-efficient Powertrain
Car-like Handling
Maneuverability And Parking Ease
For 2020, the Ford Transit Connect receives standard automatic headlights and a rearview camera, as well as safety features like automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning.
The Ford Transit Connect is a small passenger wagon that makes the most of its size to haul up to seven passengers. Ideal for small urban businesses or for families who want a solid alternative to the traditional minivan, the Transit Connect starts at around $25,000, about the price of a compact car. In addition to its low price of entry, the Transit Connect promises to be inexpensive to run as well with a combined city and highway fuel rating of 22 mpg.
The Transit Connect is also extremely configurable, offering a choice of interior appointments and wheelbases.