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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  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.

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  WOW a GREAT Vehicle Transit Connect - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Donna - December 1 - 4:43 pm

  I recently purchased a 2010 Transit Connect XLT and I absolutely Love it. It am using it as a vehicle for my handicapped husband. He enters it easily, because it is low to the ground, then I put the wheelchair in the back and off we go. Tons of head room and tons and tons of space in the back. Having the second row of seats is nice just fold them front and there is more space. It is an attention getter. People love it. The gas mileage is 25 mpg. around town. The head room, the big open windshield, side glass and rear glass in the back doors(which swing out of the way)are excellent features. I hope people realize what a great family vehicle this can be. Love it. Love it. Love it.

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  Nice Ride - 2015 Ford Transit Connect
  By appliancetech - July 6 - 3:12 pm

  I bought my little van the end of March and am anxious to see how it does with my work .. So far it has been a great van , very comfortable, easy to navigate turns ... Navigation takes some time to get use to but over all could not ask for anything better

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  focusish - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By butugly - June 21 - 7:16 pm

  Great multi purpose vehicle. Perfect for the streets of Boston, parks like a sub compact car. Very happy with handling, was expecting worse. Have had 5 200 lbs. men on a half hour drive without complaints. Soon to go on a 1500 mile golf trip with 3 men.

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  A professional drivers opinion. - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By Driver57 - March 2 - 4:26 am

  As part of my job I drive a Ford Transit Connect. Overall, I like the vehicle, the handling is respectable even at highway speeds, and interior cargo space truly is impressive. Ive driven this vehicle in all weather conditions and at all times of day. While I am overall impressed with the vehicle, however, it does have a glaring safety concern. The standard side view mirrors are inadequate for the vehicle. It desperately needs the full sized mirrors found on larger vans. Even looking over your right shoulder to check the blind spot it is possible to hide a mid-sized car in the Transits blind spot.

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  Mini Van Make Over - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By JackSpranto - January 17 - 9:50 am

  I and my coworker test-drove this vehicles because our company tried to purchase 2 of them to replace our current Ford 250s. We are afraid that this vehicle may not handle in the winter season because the chassis is way too low than what we expected. The cargo space is too little after you install the cabins, is very hard to get in from side doors.

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  Work Van- Not very nice, I would hate it if I had paid for it! - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By dalebass3 - January 3 - 9:14 pm

  Wheel bearings went out at 50,000! All but one hubcap has come off. Power windows have stopped working. Driver side door does not unlock with the key fob. Fuel tank is tiny, I need to fill up every other day. Ride is so loud I cant even use the blue tooth. Overall this car has a lot of issues. It is free for me to drive so that makes up for it some, but if I had paid my own money for this I would be mad.

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  Good for most - 2010 Ford Transit Connect
  By kdriver - September 19 - 5:40 am

  Have for one month. Good mileage, fun to drive and gets looked at everywhere I go. Needs more options for non commercial owners, like lifts and tie downs for handicapped persons, ramps that fold into and out of truck. More storage for driver and more in back.

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  So far, so good! - 2017 Ford Transit Connect
  By Mike - June 16 - 11:21 pm

  Cabin is comfortable, fairly roomy for a smaller vehicle, but not much in the way of storage compartments. Handling is nimble, very compliant. This vehicle is "peppy" enough around town and actually fun to drive - but not a lot of "giddy up" when merging onto the highway. Ford annoyingly chose to leave out a way to switch off interior cargo LEDs.