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2019 Ford Transit Connect 2019 Ford Transit Connect

2019 Ford Transit Connect

The Ford Transit Connect is a small commercial van aimed largely at business owners and fleet operators. Also offered as a passenger-oriented van dubbed Transit Connect Wagon that can accommodate up to seven adults, the Transit Connect was born in Europe and brought over to the United States as part of the Blue Oval’s “One Ford” global strategy.

Recent changes

Ford updated the Transit Connect Wagon for the latest model year with a new-look design, an available turbodiesel engine, plus additional standard and optional technology features. 

Overview

The Transit Connect boasts a sleek look that falls in line with Ford’s Kinetic design language. Its front end is characterized by elongated headlights, a rippled hood and a hexagonal air dam, while the rear end gains vertical lights and twin doors that can open up to 270 degrees. Pronounced wheel arches on all four corners reveal a relatively wide track and make the van look bigger than it truly is.

Ford offers the Transit Connect in two wheelbase lengths. The short-wheelbase model stretches 173.9 inches long and 75.2 inches wide; the longer variant checks in at 189.7 inches long and 72.8 inches tall. Both models are 72.2 inches wide.

Life aboard

The Transit Connect boasts a car-like interior with a sculpted dashboard, vertical air vents and a raised center console dominated by the shift lever. The instrument cluster consists of four analog gauges, and the steering is commanded through a four-spoke wheel.

Ford's Bluetooth-based SYNC connectivity system allows smartphone users to place calls and stream music by using voice commands or steering wheel-mounted buttons. It can also read incoming texts aloud to help the driver keep his or her eyes on the road, and allows the use of Ford-approved apps like The Wall Street Journal news and Pandora radio.

Ford’s MyFord Touch infotainment system is available on select models at an extra cost. MyFord Touch builds on SYNC by letting users control everything from navigation to climate control to the sound system with voice commands. MyFord Touch also replaces conventional sound system knobs and buttons with a center-mounted 6.5-inch touchscreen and touch-sensitive controls in the center stack. Many consumers report that the system is a "love it or hate it" item, so those interested in the Transit Connect are advised to try before they buy. Alternatively, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility both come standard.

The long-wheelbase panel van can accommodate up to 130.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the front seats, a number that can grow to 151 by folding down the front passenger seat. The short-wheelbase van’s numbers check in at 105.9 and 126.9 cubic feet, respectively.

Properly equipped, the Transit Connect is capable of hauling up to 1,710 pounds and towing a maximum of 2,000 pounds.

Trim Level Breakdown

Ford offers the Transit Connect in XL and XLT trim levels.

XL models come standard with manual air conditioning, remote keyless entry, a 12-volt outlet in the center console, vinyl floor covering, an overhead storage compartment, an adjustable steering wheel, an AM/FM stereo with an input jack, a grey front bumper and 16-inch steel wheels with plastic hubcaps.

Stepping up to the XLT model adds cruise control, Ford’s MyKey system, carpet in lieu of the aforementioned vinyl, a premium center console, two map lights, vanity mirrors in the sun visors, a message center integrated into the instrument cluster, a CD player, power mirrors, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, a body-colored front bumper and alloy wheels.

The list of option includes all-weather floor mats, an electric rear-window defroster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a day/night rear-view mirror, a USB port, Ford’s SYNC connectivity system and active grille shutters. XLT buyers can also order a dual-zone climate control unit, a 6.5-inch touch screen and rain-sensing wipers.

Under the hood

The Transit Connect’s base engine is a 2.0-liter rated at 150 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. It spins the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Alternatively, buyers can order a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 171 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. Or, Ford also offers a turbodiesel, 1.5-liter four-cylinder, though it hasn't released additional technical specifications yet.

Occupant safety

All Transit Connects regardless of trim level come standard with dual front, side and curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The list of driving aids includes electronic emergency brake assist, hill-start assist and Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control.

Key competitors

The compact van segment in the United States is growing but it is still a rather small segment. The Transit Connect’s main rivals include the slightly larger Nissan NV200 and the Ram ProMaster City.

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