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- Highs Highly customizable, surprisingly agile around town, economical.
- Lows Interior is lacking in refinement, tepid acceleration, bumpy roads get this Ford bouncing.
- Verdict The Ford Transit Connect straddles the line between cargo-hauling workhorse and quirky alternative to an SUV or minivan.
Overview
The 2017 Ford Transit Connect is available as both a cargo van and a passenger wagon with seating for up to seven people. Each comes with a choice of standard or long-wheelbase, and power is provided by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 169 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic. Performance isn’t exactly sparkling, though the Transit Connect is nimble in city driving, and the ride is stable when the road surface isn’t littered with bumps and potholes. As a tool to get people or cargo from Point A to Point B, the Transit Connect makes a compelling case for itself.
What's New for 2017?
New for the 2017 model year is the availability of Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system on higher trim levels. The Transit Connect passenger model in Titanium trim is now offered in the short-wheelbase format, too. Previously it could only be ordered in three-row, long-wheelbase configuration.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- XL: $24,005
- XLT: $25,530
- Titanium: $29,320
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every version of the Transit Connect is motivated by a 169-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. If you’re looking for something fleet of foot, the Transit Connect might not be the best choice. The engine provides acceptable acceleration, as long as your expectations are kept in check. If you want a Ford performance model, travel much lighter and consider the Mustang. On the road, the Transit Connect has direct steering that makes its easy to drive in crowded urban areas. The ride is mostly behaved, until you encounter rough and bumpy roads that can unsettle the suspension and get passengers and/or cargo bouncing around the cabin.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The cargo versions are noticeably more spartan, though the Transit Connect feels nicely put together and built to last no matter which model you choose. With the cargo-hauling variant, depending on the chosen wheelbase, you get either 103.9 or 128.6 cubic feet of volume behind the two front seats. The passenger-toting Transit Connect in short-wheelbase configuration accommodates five people, with the long-wheelbase model offering room for six or seven onboard. The difference comes down to whether a second-row bench or dual captain’s chairs are chosen. Considering it’s meant primarily for hard work, we can forgive the lack of soft-touch surfaces and wood-grain finishes. What you get instead is lots of rigid plastic, though the tall windows make the passenger model spacious and airy feeling. The Transit Connect Titanium passenger variant can be outfitted with niceties like heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and an available panoramic glass roof.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The standard Transit Connect cargo model comes with very little in the way of tech features. What you’ll find is an AM/FM stereo with two speakers and one auxiliary port. That’s not to say you can’t add connectivity items onto this Ford wagon, of course. Newly available Sync 3 delivers clear menus and is easy to use, plus it includes a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, USB ports, and a four-speaker audio system with satellite radio.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Ford Transit Connect’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.