History/Overview
The Ford Transit Connect is a compact commercial van credited with introducing North America to a vehicle type that’s been popular in Europe for many years. Despite its city-friendly size, the Transit Connect boasts payload and towing capacities that challenge some small pickups.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2020, Ford has expanded the Transit Connect’s list of standard features. Automatic on/off headlights and rain-sensing wipers are now included across the range, and XLT trim now includes power-folding side mirrors, a feature that was previously optional.
Available Trims
Ford sells the Transit Connect in XL and XLT trim levels. Engine offerings are 2.0L and 2.5L four-cylinders, the latter being available only to fleet customers. 2.0L models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the 2.5L comes matched with a six-speed.
Standard Features
XL trim comes dressed in 16-inch steel wheels with covers, dual sliding side doors, black door handles and bumpers, side spotter mirrors, automatic headlights, tire pressure monitoring, forward collision detection with automatic braking, a 4.2-inch driver info display, Bluetooth, power windows, heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, air conditioning, two 12-volt power outlets, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way front passenger seat.
XLT trim adds fog lights, power-folding side mirrors, cruise control, a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, rain-sensing wipers, body-colour bumpers, and driver’s seat lumbar.
Key Options
Transit Connect extras include the Co-Pilot360 driver assist suite, which adds lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, a driver impairment monitor, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.
A trailer tow package adds towing necessities, along with a trailer sway control program for the van’s stability control system.
Fuel economy
Ford’s fuel consumption estimates for the Transit Connect are 9.8/8.8 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 2.0L/eight-speed combination, and 12.0/8.8 with the 2.5L and six-speed.
Competition
Ford was the North American trendsetter in this segment, but it’s not alone. The Transit Connect faces off against the Ram Promaster City and the Nissan NV200 compact van.
