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- Highs Easy to drive, roomy cabin, highly configurable.
- Lows Weak acceleration, cabin lacks refinement of rivals, bumpy ride over rough surfaces.
- Verdict The Transit Connect is a versatile small van that provides a unique alternative to SUVs or minivans for hauling cargo or shuttling passengers.
Overview
Available as a cargo van or passenger-hauling model, the Ford Transit Connect is a versatile little workhorse ideal for zipping around urban centers that would make larger vans feel a size too big. Powered by a four-cylinder engine, the front-wheel drive Transit Connect is fuel efficient and has handling that makes it easy to place on the road or squeeze into tight parking spots. Acceleration is meager, however, and hard plastics throughout the cabin remind you this is a vehicle engineered to get jobs done, plain and simple.
What's New for 2018?
The Transit Connect receives only minor changes related to available trims and options. By and large, the 2018 model is the same as the previous model year.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- XL: $24,335
- XLT: $25,860
- Titanium: $29,650
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every Transit Connect comes with a 169-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that sends power to the front wheels courtesy of a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine provides modest acceleration, but at least it goes easy on your fuel budget. Because of its small size and tidy steering, this Ford is a breeze to drive in city centers. On the highway the Transit Connect is generally comfortable, though the suspension gets unsettled and bouncy when traversing rough and cratered sections of road.
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
Because cargo space is king, at least when discussing the Transit Connect in cargo-van format, it’s important to note there’s a total of 103.9 or 128.6 cubic feet of storage volume behind the front seats, depending on the chosen wheelbase. Moving to the Transit Connect passenger van, the short- or long-wheelbase variants offer seating for anywhere from five to seven, depending on configuration. This isn’t a luxurious cabin by any stretch of the imagination, but it feels like it will stand up to rigorous use. The base XL trim is quite basic, with features like vinyl seats, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, and keyless entry. The XLT adds such items as cruise control, cloth upholstery, carpeting, and power seats, while the top-of-the-line Titanium model comes outfitted with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A two-speaker AM/FM stereo and one auxiliary port are all that comes in the base Transit Connect. Thankfully, a Ford Sync 3 infotainment system is available and brings along navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio. While the 6.5-inch touchscreen isn’t expansive, features like pinch-to-zoom navigation make it user friendly and easy to control while driving.
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.
