About the Ford Transit Connect

Vans are the ideal vehicle for many people, as they offer a great deal of enclosed storage, and many bring strong towing and payload capacities. That said, not everyone needs the biggest and baddest van around, which is where the smaller, more affordable Ford Transit Connect comes in. It’s a compact van with front-wheel drive (FWD) that’s been on sale in other parts of the world since 2003, though it didn’t come to the U.S. until 2009. The new Ford Transit Connect is available in several countries, and it’s the best-selling model in its class in the U.S. Even so, Ford is discontinuing the van after the 2023 model year and has not announced its plans for a next-generation Transit Connect.

Though smaller than the standard Transit, the Connect is still available with several upfits, which are upgrades that bring equipment and storage capabilities for specific professions, such as electricians and plumbers. It can also be outfitted with seats, and Ford offers robust telematics functions that allow data collection, monitoring, and tracking of the van in fleet situations.

What are the advantages of the Ford Transit Connect?

The Transit Connect offers fantastic utility and space in a relatively compact package. It feels livelier than expected and the vast number of configuration options make it an ideal vehicle for work and play.

What is the best Ford Transit Connect model year?

2022 is a great year for the Transit Connect. Ford ditched the naturally aspirated engine in favor of the much more powerful and capable turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

What are the disadvantages of the Ford Transit Connect?

The Transit Connect’s ride is too busy in most situations, and the van can feel bouncy on rough pavement. Though it’s a work vehicle, the interior features too many cheap materials than it should, and the Transit Connect could use more power, even with the turbocharged drivetrain.

Comparison: Is the Ford Transit Connect better than the Toyota Sienna?

The Toyota Sienna is a minivan designed for use as a family vehicle and does not offer the flexible, rugged interior that the Ford does. The Transit Connect can be configured as a people carrier, but it’s not on the Sienna’s level in terms of comfort or daily usability for families. At the same time, the Sienna can carry a good amount of cargo, but it’s not as useful as a work vehicle.

How much cargo space does the Ford Transit Connect have?

With no seats in the way, the Transit Connect offers up to 127.4 cubic feet of space in its long-wheelbase configuration. With third-row seating the long-wheelbase model offers 24.9 cubic feet.

Is the Ford Transit Connect a reliable car?

The Transit Connect is expected to have “just-average” reliability. At the same time, its average annual repair costs reach nearly $1,000, making it an expensive vehicle to own and maintain.