Overview & Reviews

Suppose you're a business owner drawn to the form and function of a utility van like the Sprinter, but you operate in confined urban settings or just don't need its full-size capacity and full-size price tag. With the relatively compact and affordable Ford Transit Connect, your search could be over. This Euro-derived cargo (or passenger) van offers impressive functionality in a maneuverable and fuel-efficient package.

A scaled-down alternative to traditional full-size work vans, the Ford Transit Connect features a car-based architecture and an economical four-cylinder engine. Its payload and towing capacities are pretty meager compared to a regular van, but in return the Transit Connect should woo commercial buyers with its affordable price, maneuverable size and remarkably practical interior.

Current Ford Transit Connect
Redesigned for 2014, the latest Ford Transit Connect compact commercial van is available in two different wheelbases. Compared to the previous-generation Transit Connect, the smaller one is 6.7 inches shorter in length while the larger one is 9.1 inches longer. Both of the new versions, however, are nearly 7 inches shorter in height compared to the first-gen Transit Connect, which means taller folks won't have it as easy moving around inside as they did with the older van.

Besides the different wheelbases, the Transit Connect is offered in cargo van or passenger-oriented wagon body styles. Trim levels are comprised of base XL, midlevel XLT and, for the wagon only, the plush Titanium. All the cargo vans can be had in short- or long-wheelbase form. The XL and Titanium wagons are long-wheelbase only and seat seven; the XLT wagon can be had in either short- or long-wheelbase versions and as such seats five or seven, respectively.

Standard power is provided by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four with 178 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque is optional on select variants. Both engines send power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is quite good, as EPA estimated combined fuel economy ranges from 23-25 mpg.

Standard feature highlights of the XL cargo van include air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power front windows and door locks and a two-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack. The XL wagon has second- and third-row seats, a center console and power second-row windows. The XLT cargo van adds body-color bumpers, foglights, heated power mirrors, cloth upholstery, a 4.2-inch multifunction display, cruise control and a CD player. The XLT wagon features rear privacy glass, a rearview camera and rear climate controls. The Titanium wagon adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, power-folding mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, heated front seats, four speakers and Ford's voice-controlled Sync system.

Major options include a compressed natural gas engine prep package, front and rear parking sensors, a towing package, a fixed panoramic sunroof, a roof rack, the MyFord Touch electronics interface (includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a navigation system) and the Crew Chief telematics system designed for fleet operators.

While we've yet to spend any time behind the wheel of the latest Ford Transit Connect, we know enough to suggest that the standard 2.5-liter engine will likely prove adequate for most buyers' needs. We also expect this small van to possess relatively nimble handling, especially in short-wheelbase form. Check back for additional driving impressions as they become available.

Used Ford Transit Connect Models
The first-generation Ford Transit Connect was produced from 2010 through 2013. The front-wheel-drive compact commercial van was offered in two styles: Van (with or without side and rear glass) and Wagon. The former's rear compartment was strictly for cargo hauling, while the latter featured a bench seat for transporting passengers. Both came with dual sliding doors, though these could be deleted upon request. The trim levels (depending on year) consisted of XL and XLT for the Van, and XL, XLT and XLT Premium for the Wagon.

All models were powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 with 136 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimated fuel economy stood at a relatively frugal 23 mpg combined.

The Van XL came with the basics, such as 180-degree-opening rear doors, stability control, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a two-speaker stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. To that, the Wagon XL added a two-person bench seat. The Van XLT featured body-color bumpers, full power accessories, heated mirrors, cruise control, a cargo area 12-volt power point and a CD player. The Wagon XLT model further included a 60/40-split-folding three-passenger second-row bench seat. The Wagon XLT Premium also featured flip-open rear side windows, storage pockets in the rear doors and a four-speaker audio system.

Cargo vans could also be equipped with a tool tracking and inventory system, as well as customizable rear shelving for optimizing cargo management. Other options included rear parking sensors, 255-degree-opening rear doors, remote start and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

In reviews, we praised the first-generation Transit Connect's excellent cargo capacity and carlike maneuverability. The maximum payload is just 1,600 pounds, but the cargo area's 135 cubic feet of storage includes lots of useful vertical space. On the road, the Ford Transit Connect is extraordinarily agile for a work van, and its relatively compact footprint enables it to squeeze into spaces that full-size vans would have to pass up. The diminutive 2.0-liter engine struggles against the van's 3,500-pound curb weight, though the payoff is relatively impressive fuel economy.

Changes were minimal for this generation. The Wagon XL trim was only available the first model year, while the XLT Premium debuted for 2011. Most notably, stability control was made standard across the board for 2012; previously it was standard on the Wagon but optional on the Van.

User Reviews:

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  Nice low cost wheelchair van - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By lazybum - November 7 - 6:43 pm

  I am a physically challenge guy who uses a power w/c. Since Im 62" tall I require a vehicle with a lot of headroom. My faithful 92 E-150 had a raised roof but after 16 winter road salt seasons, it was getting all rusted out underneath. Not safe anymore. New w/c vans cost $50K+. I was able to put a Bruan lift in a new Trancon for just under $30K total, and Ford sent me a rebate for $1,200. I get 23 mpg in mixed driving with the A/C on and thats what the Trancon is all about. The headroom is perfect for me. My main gripe is the rear springs are very stiff. Going over some interstate overpasses at 70 mph even with the 330 lb w/c lift in the back is brutal rough, but hay, its a work truck.

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  Huge improvement from last years Model - 2014 Ford Transit Connect
  By okshaw - November 3 - 12:30 am

  This vehicle performs excellent in almost every category that I have thrown at it. We also own the exact same model in 2013 and by far this Van has better acceleration, load space, and the features for Sync are much easier to use then the previous versions. The van now drives like a car then a van and handles like a dream at all speeds. This vehicle is much more stylish then any previous version. The gas mileage on it is much better then the model from last year.

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  Plenty of power - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By mark - October 30 - 2:20 am

  Had mine about 1 mo. Use it for a/c service, it is a fine vehicle, if you do not need a full size van this is perfect, 25 m.p.g, plenty of power, easy to park, very easy to work out of the back of it. Easy to load units in and out the whole rear of the van opens up. All around excellent service van.

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  SWALLOWS CARGO SIPS THE FUEL - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By TIM - July 6 - 9:20 pm

  Great to drive large size Windows make it spacious. Great for parking in the city. Gets the job done!

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  Its a mini van - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Flo & Jayne - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I find its a perfect mini van for what I use it for, I am a disabled person in which I installed a lift back of the van I find the transit connect very comfortable in the front has all of space that I require for putting in my scooter with the lift that I had stalled in which Ford motor company helped paid part of the left . Most of my relatives and friends and family love the van. I did some minor improvements stall and fog lights and in an extra an amplifier and rear speakers and extra boost quality sound system is a perfect vehicle for my needs certainly gets great gas mileage wind I was breaking it in my girl friend and I were getting 24/33 MPG without air conditioner AC ON 23/26 Mpg

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  Perfect for small business operator - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Gary Stewart - November 20 - 12:40 am

  We bought this for our gourmet bakery distributorship business. We have put 25,000 miles on so far. It has been everything we hoped it would be. We get a huge amount of product in it, all the doors are easy to work from with the low floor, very comfortable to drive with great gas mileage. This was a key for us averaging almost a thousand miles a week. People constantly come up and ask about it. Were thinking about buying a second one. Why has no one else come out with this type of vehicle for a business operator?

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  Big PT - 2016 Ford Transit Connect
  By Backporch Music - June 9 - 10:07 pm

  After 5 PT Cruisers wasnt sure what would replace our long time preference when it was discontinued. Easy access with wide doors and right-height sitdown seats coupled with room for second limited ability passenger PLUS two Rollator walkers make the Transit Connect BETTER than the 20 different makes and models we checked. The seating arrangement for 3 or four is better for us than the limited (2) seating in out NV200. The easy fold or remove seats enable use of ALL space behind front seats with plenty of tie down locations. Gas mileage isnt impressive, but since we travel short distances, it is less consequential. Proximity alarms take getting used to and when the radio cuts out, it isnt obvious that its caused by the sensors because youre getting close (in the garage) even when its intentional. Like every new vehicle, there are so many bells and whistles that youll be discovering surprise capabilities until the day you trade for you next vehicle.

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  The Perfect in-between - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By The Mighty Quinn - July 9 - 3:46 am

  Just took delivery of my Connect got XLT van with 255 doors and traction option. All black, that model you have to get side and rear glass. Great paint, It looks great in black. Going to throw some custom wheels on it. Had a 1994 e 150 ford van for 16 years and 225k. So when it died I needed something to fit my needs. Would like a Sprinter but costly. The Connect is a great option for me. I have less space then I am use to but this truck will work. I find the engine to be fine. Who doesnt want more horsepower

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  Great when you want a small minivan - 2016 Ford Transit Connect
  By Chris N. - March 11 - 11:41 pm

  We bought this to replace our beloved Mazda MPV after 220k miles. The MPV was small, we wanted a similar sized minivan. We test drove about 20 minivans and similar hybrids, but when I got in this, I told my wife "this is it". The forward view is so wide it feels like driving a motor coach or bus. I love the open view and light. The little details like the notch mirrors are great... but needed as there is a bit of a blind spot on the passenger shoulder area. Overall it feels very open with high visibility. Storage space is great on the 3 row model. The fold flat seats take some getting used to, but offer a very flat large storage area. A bit smaller than our MPV, but large enough to haul most of the bigger stuff from the store like chairs and tvs. The worst downsides for me are 1. slow acceleration 2. AC takes forever to cool down 3. things will roll right out of the back unless you put the optional net in because there is no storage well 4. second row seats do not recline (oddly the third row does) 5. with the third row seats up there is very very little storage room behind those seats. 6. no volume controls on the left of the steering wheel which means I cant fully drive with only one hand there on the left 7. I always find the cruise control a little confusing. 8. microsoft sync system can be a bit buggy (ive had to power down the car a few times to get it to fully restart, its done "scheduled maintenance" where its updating lord knows what for 8 min and not working) 9. I dont like that you cant turn off the proximity alerts. Sometimes they get annoying; YES I KNOW IM NEAR THE WALL AT THE DRIVE THROUGH. 10. the steering is a bit loose, its not a car that you want to steer with your knee for even a second. That may sound like a lot of bad stuff, and those things ARE annoying, but overall, I still love the car. What it gets right, it really gets right. Its comfortable, flexible, and for the most part I love the controls and sound system. There are lots of little things like bag hooks and storage nooks that just make it a pleasure to use. My wife is short and I am tall, and it works for both of us quite well. Backup camera is amazing.

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  Could be a bit longer...(thats what she - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Great hauler - December 18 - 11:10 pm

  Ive had it for about two months now and it works well for what i need it for. Cargo could be a bit longer for sheet goods but i installed a roof rack and that will suffice. took it on a 1000 mile road trip through the hills of NC loaded and it did just as i thought it would at 27mpg. I like the 1 hour feature on the radio and Im getting used to the blue tooth. Stereo will be upgraded - speakers/amp. And i cant wait to do some decals. Swallows a whole bunch of stuff and is a decent ride for the money, front glass is great too.