The Transit Connect minivan is a reliable hauler with plenty of features that keep it ahead of the game. With an infotainment system from the future - at least in minivan standards - and a comfortable seating cabin with padded seats and cloth upholstery, the Ford is better as a fleet vehicle if you're planning to spend all day at the wheel.
Starting at $25,295, the Fusion-like minivan comes with a 2.0L inline-4 gasoline engine as well as a new 1.5L turbo-diesel engine with more torque, and a CNG 2.5L engine which gets you great fuel economy. In terms of handling the Ford is one of the best, with amazing body control and handling at highway speeds.
Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection as standard
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$24100
bodystyle
4dr Cargo Van
passenger capacity
2
drivetrain
FWD
engine type
displacement
122 cu.in.
horsepower
162 hp @ 6200 rpm
torque
144 lbs.-ft @ 4500 rpm
transmission
8-speed shiftable automatic
chassis
frame type
Unibody
suspension front
front independent suspension
suspension rear
Semi-independent rear torsion beam suspension w/anti-roll bar
brake rotors (f/r)
61.4/61.7
dimensions
wheelbase
104.8 in.
length
174.2 in.
width
72.2 in.
height
72 in.
curb weight
3581 lbs.
ground clearance
6 in.
capacity
passenger volume
38.2 cu ft.
cargo volume
123.2 cu ft.
towing capacity
2000 lbs.
payload capacity
1130 lbs.
performance
zero to 60 mph
10 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
24/25/27 mpg
highway range
426.6 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
3 yr. / 36000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
powertrain warranty
60 months. / 60000
corrosion warranty
5 yr. / unlimited
roadside assistance
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Dark Blue
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
In the cargo hauler segment, there's not much competition to deal with. The Nissan NV200 lacks power to really be any worth, the Ram ProMaster gets a better engine, but still has the infotainment from the 90s, the Mercedes Metris is way too expensive for a work van and GMC Savana has been due for an update for a long time. Let's see if the Ford is the best minivan for you.
2020 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van Front Three-quarter View
2020 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van Rear Three-quarter View
6.0/10 Features
7.0/10 Engine and Performance
7.0/10 Fuel Economy
6.0/10 Interior
5.0/10 Exterior
4.0/10 Safety
2020 Ford Transit Connect Features
6.0/10
Unlike the Passenger minivan, the Cargo does not get a premium Titanium trim level. The base trim is the XL starting at $24,100 which comes with rudimentary features that you'd need from a fleet vehicle to the XLT trim at $26,045 which gets added functionality through more tech rich features like multi-function displays and dual-zone temperature control.
Trim
Transit Connect Cargo XL
Transit Connect Cargo XLT
MSRP
$24,100
$26,045
Key Features
QuickClear Electric Windshield Defroster - Includes Heated Washer Jets and Power Adjust, Heated Exterior Mirrors
Front-Row Manual Climate Control
Front-Row Manual Climate Control
Dual-Zone Front Auto Temperature Control
Remote Keyless-Entry with 2 Key Fobs
Remote Keyless-Entry with 2 Key Fobs
4-Spoke Steering Wheel
Premium Carpeted Floor Mats
Rear Cargo Area Light LED
4.2" LCD Multi-function display with steering wheel controls
AM/FM Stereo with audio input jack
AM/FM Stereo, single-CD player, and audio input jack
Power Adjust, Heated Exterior Mirrors with Manual Fold Black
SYNC 3with rearview camera - includes AM/FM Stereo, single-CD player, HD Radio,SiriusXM satellite radio, SYNC with USB, 6.5" LCD touch screen with Navigation
Daytime Running Lamps
Front Fog Lamps
We Recommend
If you're planning to spend more than a significant portion of your day behind the wheel the XLT trim is highly recommended, because basic features like Climate control and an infotainment screen are much needed in a modern day minivan.
2020 Ford Transit Connect Engine and Performance
7.0/10
Known for generally responsive handling and nicely weighted steering, and for a small van, the Transit Connect delivers those qualities. - Edmunds
With a tiny 2.0L inline-4 engine that makes 162 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, the Ford Transit Connect is a heavy-duty fleet vehicle. However, the headlining the release of the 2020 Transit Connect, is the new 1.5L turbo diesel engine - the only diesel engine available in the minivan segment. Aside from that, the Ford is also available with a 2.5L inline-4 which runs on Compressed Natural Gas. The front wheel drive minivan is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Models
Ford Transit Connect cargo van XL
Mercedes Metris Cargo van
Nissan NV200 Compact cargo S minivan
Ram Promaster City Tradesman cargo minivan
Chevrolet City Express LS minivan
MSRP
$25,295
$26,570
$23,245
$25,740
$23,850
Engine
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
2.4L i4
2.0L i4
Transmission
8 Speed automatic
7 Speed automatic
Continuously variable-speed automatic
9 Speed automatic
Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower
162 hp@ 6500rpm
208 hp@ 5500rpm
131 hp@ 5600rpm
178 hp@ 6400rpm
131 hp@ 5200rpm
Torque
144 ft-lbs@ 4500rpm
258 ft-lbs@ 1250rpm
139 ft-lbs@ 4800rpm
174 ft-lbs@ 3800rpm
139 ft-lbs@ 4900rpm
Comparatively, the minivans like Nissan NV200 and the GMC Savana are severely underpowered for the task at hand, while the Ram ProMaster City Tradesman is a powerful minivan sporting a 178 hp and 174 lb-ft 2.4L inline-4 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
Acceleration
Minivans aren't great at accelerating considering the hefty weight they carry and their low horsepower engines, however, the Ford Transit minivan takes a little more than 10 seconds in the sprint to 60 miles an hour, pretty impressive considering the sheer amount of weight it needs to haul.
Models
Mercedes Metris Cargo van
Ford Transit Connect cargo van XL
Nissan NV200 S minivan
Ram Promaster City Tradesman cargo minivan
Chevrolet City Express LS minivan
0-60 MPH
7.9 seconds*
10.1
10
N/A
N/A
Quarter mile
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Engine
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
2.4L i4
2.0L i4
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
8.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
In comparison, the powerful Ram ProMaster City Tradesman is the fastest one through the 60 mph sprint while the Nissan NV200 with its tiny engine barely manages to hit 60. The Acceleration figures won't matter much if your intention for these minivans is to use them as fleet vehicles, but it helps as you pull away from stop signs or intersections.
Ride and Handling
You can't expect a minivan to handle poise and grace like a Porsche, however, the Ford Transit Connect does a pretty good job eating up bumps and undulations like breakfast. On the downside, the soft suspension lacks the rigidity needed to tackle tight corners at high speeds as well as swift acceleration or braking, leading to body roll.
Despite the compliant suspension, it fails to isolate the cabin from stray jerks and vibrations. As a fleet vehicle, the Ford is a very effective hauler with great city driving as well as highway cruising. Maneuvering the massive minivan is quite a feat in cramped parking lots and crowded city streets.
Braking
The Ford comes with 12.1-inch both at the back and the front, it may not be the best, but it gets the job done. Continuous usage through the day doesn't cause any brake fade and upon emergency braking, the Transit connect handles the weight transfer quite effectively.
Model
Mercedes Metris Cargo van
Ford Transit Connect cargo van XL
Nissan NV200 S minivan
Ram Promaster City Tradesman cargo minivan
Chevrolet City Express LS minivan
Brake Front (in.)
11.8
12.1
N/A
12
N/A
Brake Rear (in.)
11
12.1
N/A
10
N/A
Curb Weight (lbs.)
4222
3650
3273
3509
3260
60-0 MPH (ft.)
119*
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
In contrast, Nissan NV cargo has the biggest brakes at 14.2 inches in the front and 14.4 inches at the rear. It is also the heaviest at 5,817 pounds almost 1,000 pounds heavier than Ford Transit cargo van and 600 pounds heavier than Chevrolet and GMC.
2020 Ford Transit Connect Fuel Economy
7.0/10
The Transit Connect is among the most efficient vehicles of the lot. It can cover 24 miles for a gallon of fuel within city limits. If you go cruising on the highway, the number elevates to 27 Miles per gallon as there are fewer mechanical intrusions and thus, the mileage increases. With a combined mileage of 25 MPG, the Transit Connect stands out of the lot with the best figures here.
Models
Ford Transit Connect cargo van XL
Mercedes Metris Cargo van
Nissan NV200 S minivan
Ram Promaster City Tradesman cargo minivan
Chevrolet City Express LS minivan
MPG (city)
24
21
24
21
24
MPG (Highway)
27
24
26
28
26
MPG (Combined)
25
22
25
24
25
All the vehicles are almost equally matched here. However, if observed with a keen eye, it's the Ford that takes the crown for offering the best mileage here, be it city or highways. That said, the NV200 and the Chevy offer the same mileage, essentially because they are twins with just different badges. However, both of them stay slightly behind the Transit.
2020 Ford Transit Connect Interior
6.0/10
The quality of the front cabin matches that of a modern compact car, though the van origins show through in a few of the hard plastics and extra-tough fittings, especially in the rear seats of the passenger versions. - Car and Driver
Seating and Comfort
The front cockpit and passenger seat comes with cloth upholstery and extra padding for a comfortable ride throughout the day. Getting in and out of the van as well as all-round visibility is excellent, thanks to the wide entrances, huge front windshield and ergonomic seating position.
Model
Mercedes Metris Cargo van
Ford Transit Connect cargo van XL
Nissan NV200 S minivan
Ram Promaster City Tradesman cargo minivan
Chevrolet City Express LS minivan
Passenger capacity
2
2
2
2
2
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
39.6/NA/35.8
46.9/57.7/41.5
41.7/54.1/42.6
46.0/59.3/40.8
41.7/54.1/42.6
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
-
-
-
-
-
The Ford and the Mercedes are the most spacious minivans of the lot with plenty of legroom as well as shoulder room for the occupants, meanwhile the Nissan NV200 Compact feels significantly cramped in comparison to the Ford Transit Connect.
Cargo Capacity
Despite the massive size, the Ford does not have the best cargo capacity in the segment. With the sole objective of hauling cargo, the Ford lacks the practicality you might find in larger minivans like the Ram ProMaster.
Model
Mercedes Metris Cargo van
Ford Transit Connect cargo van XL
Nissan NV200 S minivan
Ram Promaster City Tradesman cargo minivan
Chevrolet City Express LS minivan
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
183
103.9
122.7
131.7
`122.7
Infotainment System
The Ford's cabin is decked out with a whole host of creature comforts and updated technology like the Sync 3 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system is easy to use and intuitive. This year Ford has made the system even more responsive and added standard features like navigation, phone connectivity, and WiFi hotspot.
Interior Features
Some of the key highlights of the 2020 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van are:
4-Spoke Steering Wheel
Driver sun visor and passenger sun visor
Front Dome lighting
Front Row Full-Width Overhead Storage Shelf with Grab Handles
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
Six-way Manual Driver Seat and 4-way Manual Passenger Seat
Front-Row Manual Climate Control
Rear Cargo Area Light - Halogen
2020 Ford Transit Connect Exterior
5.0/10
Ford's designers have done a good job with what is essentially a large box with a car-like front end, and we think it strikes the right balance between function and flair. - Car Connection
Design and Dimensions
The Ford's design is a departure form the common boxy designs of bread and butter minivans like the GMC Savana or the awkward designs of the Nissan NV200 and the Ram ProMaster. The Ford Transit Connect gets pleasing aesthetics in the front fascia from the Ford Fusion. The car-like minivan is also available in a long-wheelbase version, for added practicality and cargo space.
Model
Mercedes Metris Cargo van
Ford Transit Connect cargo van XL
Nissan NV200 S minivan
Ram Promaster City Tradesman cargo minivan
Chevrolet City Express LS minivan
Curb weight (lbs.)
4222
3650
3273
3509
3260
Length(in)
202.4
173.9
186.3
187.1
186.3
Width(in)
75.9
72.2
68.1
72.1
68.1
Height(in)
75.2
72.6
73.7
74.2
73.7
Ground clearance (in)
4.4
6.0
6.1
5.2
6.1
Wheelbase (in)
126
104.8
115.2
122.4
115.2
Track width (in) F/R
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
The Ford minivan is the shortest van of the lot, while the Nissan NV200 is the narrowest minivan, which aids maneuverability in tight spots. All minivans have quite good ground clearance, while the Ram sits low to the ground and also towers the highest among the competition.
Exterior Features
180° Swing-Out Rear Cargo Doors
Automatic Headlamps with Wiper-Activated Headlamps and Follow-Me-Home Feature
Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs)
Integrated Spotter Mirrors
Rain-Sensing Front Wipers
Dual Sliding Side Doors
Windshield Wipers - Front Variable Intermittent Front Wipers
Manual Adjust Exterior Mirrors with Manual Fold – Black
2020 Ford Transit Connect Safety
4.0/10
Advancetrac w/Roll Stability Control Electronic Stability...
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Rear Parking Sensors
Forward Collision Warning
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Rear Child Safety Locks
Safety Canopy System Curtain 1st, 2nd And 3rd Row Airbags
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Height...
Back-Up Camera
2020 Ford Transit Connect Competition
2020 Ford Transit Connect vs Mercedes-Benz Metris
The Mercedes Metris is larger than a common minivan but not up to full size van standards. Compared to the Ford Transit Connect, the Metris is a much more expensive option, but for that price, you get a better drivetrain, bigger cargo bay and more facilities in the cabin. At a tighter budget the Ford is a perfectly viable alternative with a smaller hauling capacity.
2020 Ford Transit Connect vs Ram ProMaster City Tradesman
The Ram ProMaster is the toughest rival the Ford Transit Connect faces, it comes with more power and a larger cargo bay the basic necessities of an effective hauler. However, Ford makes up for that with a better cabin and high-tech infotainment. Ram also lacks a diesel engine which Ford introduced for 2020. The turbodiesel adds punchy torque to the lower rvs and increases the payload capacity significantly, making it a better choice for you.
2020 Ford Transit Connect vs Chevrolet City Express
The Chevrolet City Express is essentially a Nissan NV200 with the front grille replaced with a Chevy badge. As underpowered as the Nissan, the City Express with the 131 hp engine stays true to its name, it works well in the city but fails to deliver on highways. The interiors are much better in the Ford Transit Connect and the infotainments feel from different decades. Ford is the obvious choice between the two.
2020 Ford Transit Connect Final Verdict
The Ford Transit Connect is a dependable minivan with comfortable interiors and a tech-rich cabin. However, in terms of practicality i.e. cargo capacity, the Ford lags behind the rival minivans. Apart from that, the Ford is a very modern and powerful minivan which can handle any obstacle you throw at it. The prime highlight of the Transit is the amazing ride quality and handling in the city.