Since its initial release, the Transit Connect van has evolved a bit of a split personality. On the one hand, the van line serves as a strictly commercial-duty vehicle, with good cargo space and decent urban maneuverability. On the other, the wagon line has evolved (thanks to some heavy interior redesign) into a family offering that bridges the gap between the mini- and full-sized van.
No matter what your need, the Transit Connect offers a compellingly priced workhorse with more choices and features than one would expect from such a utilitarian vehicle.
What's New for 2016
Changes to the 2016 Transit Connect are relatively minor but include new standard equipment and a few options. The flexible-fuel system is now standard on vans with the 2.5-liter inline-four engine. A pair of fold-flat bucket seats are now available in the second row of seating in place of the traditional three-person bench. Finally, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert is now optional on the XLT and Titanium models.
Choosing Your Ford Transit Connect
Before choosing your Transit Connect, you first need to define its primary purpose. Will it be for transporting groups of people, family commuting, and the like? If so, then the passenger wagon is likely the model for you. If you’re more apt to use your Transit Connect for commercial purposes, then the van is probably more your speed.
Each van style is offered with either a standard or extended wheelbase. Wagon wheelbases are determined by trim. All models are offered with rear liftgate, or rear symmetrical doors. Standard wheelbase can hold up to 106 cubic feet of cargo while the extended bodies bump the available space to 131 cubic feet.
Standard across all Transit Connect models is a 2.5-liter 160-horsepower engine that offers an estimated 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. A 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is available as an option on the short wheelbase models. It delivers 178 horsepower and an estimated fuel rating of 22/30 mpg. All Transit Connects are front wheel drive, and each engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
If you’re looking for a family vehicle, we really like the Wagon Titanium. It offers a lot of value at a significantly lower cost than a similarly equipped minivan, and the interior has also come a long way in terms of comfort.