The Ford Transit Connect is a small cargo van that can be configured with seating for up to seven passengers or outfitted for commercial use with infinite options for customization and upfitting. Rivals include the Ram ProMaster and ProMaster City vans.

What’s New for the 2023 Ford Transit Connect

The Ford Transit Connect carries over unchanged for 2023. It’s still available in regular and long-wheelbase versions, and in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Titanium. While XL and XLT models are available in cargo configurations, the Titanium is only available in passenger configuration. Ford also offers upfits directly from the factory so the Transit Connect can serve specific purposes, such as taxi or livery service or more specialized commercial applications.

Design

The Transit Connect is a simple yet modern-looking small van, particularly in base XL and XLT models, and it’s available in regular-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions. The top Titanium trim dresses up with HID front lighting and 16-inch alloy wheels in a choice of finishes. Commercial configurations typically have plain sides that make it easy to advertise the business while passenger versions swap out sheet metal in favor of windows, though buyers can also choose different side and rear door combinations, such as rear swing-out cargo doors or sliding side doors.

Powertrain

Ford offers the Transit Connect with two engines. The base engine is a 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 162 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. For more power, upgrade to the a 2.5-liter inline-four that is rated for 169 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard across the lineup, and depending on engine, the Transit Connect gets a six-speed or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Interior

The Ford Transit Connect seats seven in passenger configuration and is a blank cavas in cargo configuration. Standard features include air conditioning, power locks and windows, and cloth upholstery. Options include leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, as well as variations on the seating arrangement and configuration.

Technology

If you’re looking for tons of high-tech features, the Ford Transit Connect probably isn’t the right vehicle for you. It comes standard with a 4.2-inch LCD display, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, Ford offers the SYNC 3 infotainment system along with options such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless device charging.

Safety

The Ford Transit Connect includes some basic safety features, though the list isn’t comparable to what you’d find in a more mainstream family vehicle like a minivan. You’ll get forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Options include trailer sway control and the Ford CoPilot360 package of driver-assistance technology.

Pricing

As of this writing, Ford lists pricing for the 2023 Transit Connect van starting at $34,100 for the base XL Cargo Van and $35,600 for the base XL Passenger Wagon model. The XLT model starts at $37,715 and the Titanium trim starts at $39,800. The 2023 Ford Transit Connect passenger van is available now.