2018 Ford Transit Connect

Originally penned down in Europe and the design extracted from the Ford Focus, this is the second generation of Ford Transit Connect. Small business owners will gladly buy this van to ferry cargo and numerous other endeavors. With decent power, nimble handling, and more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space this a true utility vehicle at its core.

Starting at $22,405 the Ford Transit Connect Cargo is backed with 2.5 L I4 engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is no other choice of a powertrain within this one. The engine churns out 169 hp of power and 171 pound-feet of torque.

The boxy design might be a roadblock in comfortable handling, but the Ford Transit Connect is an exception for the lot. The shorter wheelbase and aplomb steering gives it a hatch like drivability. Overall, it is a decent van which serves its purpose. Still, there are options which can deliver the same. Other utility vehicles like Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan, Nissan NV200 S Minivan, Ram ProMaster City tradesman cargo are its direct rivals.

Ford Transit Connect is the younger brother of the Ford Transit van. It might be short in power, but its precisely build for the likes of commercial and regular use. However, the audience of cargo connects XL and XLT trim is limited to business users only. Where the XL trim is priced at $22,405 the XLT is valued at $23,515. Both trims share a similar engine and hauling capacity, but the difference lies in the detail. The XLT is equipped with all the features on the XL with a addition of fog lights, cloth upholstery, cruise control, driver lumbar adjustment and more

Trim	XL	XLT
MSRP	$22,405	$23,515
Key   Features	16-inch steel wheels, gray grille/bumpers/side moldings  Keyless entry, air-conditioning Vinyl upholstery and floor coverings Built-in cargo tie-down hooks An overhead storage shelf A fold-flat front passenger seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power front windows, power door locks A two-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio input jack	Body-color bumpers Fog lights  Power-adjustable heated mirrors, rear privacy glass Cloth upholstery, carpeted floor coverings Driver lumbar adjustment, a passenger vanity mirror A multifunction display Cruise control and a CD player

We Recommend 

We Recommend you to buy the XLT trim. It will open doors for some extra features like body-colored bumpers, power adjustable heated mirrors, driver lumbar adjustability and more, at the same time it will not take a toll on your pocket as well.

It's a van called a wagon that drives like a car - Caranddriver

Now that the optional 1.6 L turbocharged engine is out of the scene, the only engine options left is the 2.5 L I4. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, together is power plant pumps out 169 hp of power and 171 pound-feet of torque. Like any other minivans in the market, this power is transferred to the front wheels of the van. The 4-cylinder engine doesn't share the push and go attitude but it's enough to maneuver this hauler with great agility.

Models	Ford Transit Connect Cargo XL	2017 Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan	Nissan NV200S Minivan	Ram ProMaster City tradesman cargo
MSRP	$23,010	$28,950	$21,330	$23,495
Engine	2.5L l4	2.0L l4	2.0L l4	2.4L l4
Transmission	6-speed automatic	CVT automatic	CVT automatic	9-speed automatic
Horsepower	169 hp @ 6000 rpm	208 hp @ 5500 rpm	131 hp @ 5200 rpm	178 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	171 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	258 ft-lbs. @ 1250 rpm	139 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	174 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

To be honest the Ford Transit Connect isn't the biggest or the most powerful minivan on the market. Its major money-spinning factor is its drivability and easy to maneuver demeanor. With its 208 horsepower, the Mercedes Benz Metris is a bit of an oddball for the class but the strongest one. The Ram Promaster is the next best followed by the Transit, making the Nissan NV 200 the least powered minivan in the class.

Acceleration

The 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine is a familiar face for the class, but the Ford Transit Connect made the full use of it. This van is capable of attaining a 60 mph acceleration in 8.9 seconds, which fairly serves the class. Even the quarter mile run shows an impressive 16.6 second of quarter mile performance. So, loading your cargo and dashing off to the destination will be a quick ride, however, the 7.7 tons/yr of CO2 emission is the downside of this minivan.

Models	Ford Transit Connect Cargo XL	2017 Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan	Nissan NV200   S Minivan	Ram ProMaster City tradesman cargo
0-60 MPH	8.9	7.9	10.0	9.3
Quarter mile	16.6	N/A	17.6	17.6
Engine	2.5L	2.0L	2.0L	2.4L
Emission   (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.7	8.0	7.1	7.4

The Ford Transit Connect's 8.9-second performance is the best in the lot today, topped with arguably the best driving dynamics you get your ideal van. The Ram ProMaster City Tradesman and the NV 200 S minivan roughly depict the same 10-second acceleration, which reaps for the 17.6 quarter mile run too. However, the Transit Connect Cargo dominated then again with its 16.6 second quarter mile run.

Ride and Handling

 

“Our recorded 50-to-70-mph time of 7.0 seconds means drivers are going to have to second-guess every attempt to pass other cars in traffic.” – Car and Driver

It might be a minivan but the transits gusto is more like an athlete on a sprint. The smaller wheelbase is its winning formula, you can easily toss this van in the corners. The steering feel is light and easy to maneuver. As the icing on the cake its as long as a midsize sedan, so parking this easier than any rival minivan.

Braking

Don't let the small size fool your senses, the Ford Transit Connect is quite a heavy van. Its 3,505 pounds heavy, still it competes well under the industry braking norms. Other much lighter minivans took more time to halt, with an exception to Mercedes Metris. Overall, Ford Transit performance can be considered an ideal number for other minivans to reach.

Model	Ford Transit Connect Cargo XL	2017 Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan	Nissan NV200S Minivan	Ram ProMaster City tradesman cargo
Brake Front (in.)	N/A	11.8	11.1	12.0
Brake Rear (in.)	N/A	11.0	9.0	10.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3,505	4,222	3,260	3,512
60-0 MPH (ft.)	126	119	137	N/A

In a neck to neck comparison, the Mercedes Metris displayed its impressive braking prowess with a 119 feet braking distance. The Ford Transit was the second to halt followed by Nissan Nv's 137 feet distance.

 

As much Ford claims it to be a peoples car the commercial users are the major benefactors of this Transit Connect. Though it comes with a sweet price your saving on this car multiples with the higher mileage numbers. In a city, this minivan can produce 20 mpg of city mileage which is not that impressive but waits till you hit the highway. The Transit Connect delivers an impressive 27 mpg of highway mileage.

Model	Ford Transit Connect Cargo XL	2017 Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan	Nissan NV200S Minivan	Ram ProMaster City tradesman cargo
MPG (city)	20	21	24	21
MPG (highway)	27	24	26	28
MPG (combined)	23	25	25	24

The Ford Transit Connect is a decent utility vehicle and any buyer will benefit from what it has to deliver, however, in terms of efficiency the market has witnessed better. Surprisingly, Transits 23 mpg of city mileage is the least of what this lot brings to the table. Metris, Nissan NV 200, and Ram ProMaster City are slightly better than the Transit.

With a dashboard and door panels similar to Ford’s Escape SUV, the interior of the new 2018 Transit Connect is more carlike than you might expect - Kbb.com

Seating and Comfort

The 2017 Ford Transit Minivan is all about cargo hauling which it does with ease. The interior is not as lavish as the Mercedes Metris but it does share a resemblance with Ford Fiesta. The makers focus more on its drivability than penning down a decent cabin. It feels like you are driving a hatch with a few more inches of headroom. Overall, the van features a decent 46.8 inches of headroom and 41.5 inches of legroom which serves the class well.

Model	Ford Transit Connect Cargo XL	2017 Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan	Nissan NV200S Minivan	Ram ProMaster City tradesman cargo
Passenger capacity	2	2	2	2
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	46.8/57.6/41.5	39.6/62.2/35.8	41.7/54.1/42.6	46.0/59.3/40.8

The Ford Transit Connect might be a smaller minivan, but there are no cuts on comfort or spaciousness. The 2 people sitting in the van will gain a comfortable cabin with well-supported seats. Compared to the Mercedes Metris the Transit highly spacious and stands right into the industry norms. Other cars like the Nissan NV 200 and the Ram ProMaster Tradesman cargo follow the same norm to deliver as parallel standards of comfort.

Infotainment

The Ford transit connect features the new Ford Sync 3 infotainment. The system is easy to use with limited features necessary for a minivan. You get a standard navigation, and phone integration features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This year's set up is new and responsive, with a smartphone like a mystic. The interior is largely dominated by buttons with a miniature screen.

Cargo volume

No matter how nice a cargo van looks or drives, its sole objective is to accommodate things and deliver a cost-effective ride. Practicality is the only thing which makes any van a sweet deal, however, the Ford Transit is a little weak on this area. Its 103.9 cubic feet of cargo volume is nice but its nowhere near to what the rivals have to offer.

Model	Ford Transit Connect Cargo XL	2017 Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan	Nissan NV200S Minivan	Ram ProMaster City tradesman cargo
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	103.9	186.0	122.7	131.7

As mentioned earlier the Mercedes Metris is the largest minivan in the lot, its 186 cubic inches of boot space has set up a standard which other minivans struggle to reach. Other vans like Nissan NV 200 and Ram ProMaster city as feature a fair cargo space which far exceeds the Transit as well.

Towing Capacity

The test of towing capacity is another thing every good minivan needs to ace. The Ford Transit Connect can trailer up to 2000 pounds which is inspiring but nothing near to what competition offers. Where the Ram ProMaster City Tradesman shows a parallel power the Mercedes Benz Metris can trailer a notable 5,000 pounds.

Model	Ford Transit Connect Cargo XL	2017 Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan	Nissan NV200S Minivan	Ram ProMaster City tradesman cargo
Towing Capacity (lbs.)	2000	5,000	N/A	2000

Sure, it’s still boxy and slab-sided, but the front end is similar to many Ford passenger cars with a Ford Fusion-esque grille and headlights that look lifted from a Ford Fiesta subcompact - Kbb.com

Dimensions and Weight

Ford knew its offbeat design wasn't working, hopefully, they realized it early and replaced it with a much stylish boxy look. The design lives on till now, its sharp and elegant looks mated with the practical perspective, added the much needed modish in the minivan territory. Its 173.9-inch length matches a midsize sedan but its 72.5 inches of height and similar width brims the car with minivan practicality. The shorter wheelbase enhances maneuverability which is also its best suit.

Model	Ford Transit Connect Cargo XL	2017 Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan	Nissan NV200S Minivan	Ram ProMaster City tradesman cargo
Curb weight (lbs.)	3,505	4,222	3,260	3,512
Length(in)	173.9	202.4	186.3	187.5
Width(in)	72.2	75.9	68.1	72.1
Height(in)	72.5	75.2	73.7	74.0
Ground clearance (in)	6.0	4.3	6.5	5.1
Wheelbase (in)	104.8	115.2	115.2	122.4
Track width (in) F/R	61.4/61.7	N/A	60.0/59.8	N/A

The Ford transit is the shortest minivan in the market today, which might also question its spaciousness and hauling capability too. Rivals like the Nissan NV 200 and Ram ProMaster are mechanical twins of each other, heavily built featuring higher dimensions and weight. Mercedes Metris is the biggest and the better-looking minivan in this lot.

 

Exterior Features

Some of the exterior features include:

• Dual sliding side doors
• Gray grille and upper grille bar, gray body side moldings, and black door handles and headlamp bezels
• Easy Fuel capless fuel filler
• Halogen headlamps
• Mirrors – Side view with integrated blind spot mirrors
• Rear cargo doors, 180° swing-out Rear gate with fixed glass and rear-window defroster
• Variable- intermittent windshield wipers and rear wiper with wash feature

The IIHS Rating crash test rating was not available for the 2017 Ford Transit Connect Cargo, but NHTSA gave this van it's approval with a 5-star rating. This van holds its own at every level according to the NHTSA rating. However, Ford was generous enough to back the car with active safety features like

NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	4 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	4 star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	4 star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 star
Side Barrier Rating	5 star
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5 star
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5 star
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	5 star

Safety Features 

• Six standard airbags, including dual-stage front air bags, side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain air bags for side-impact and rollover protection
• Four-wheel antilock brake system and electronic brake-force distribution are standard
• Electronic stability control system is standard

Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan Vs Ford Transit Connect

The Mercedes was absent from minivan lineup from quite some time, but the with they secured their position as a prime player. the most spacious and powerful minivan till now, however, its priced the highest as well. With the Ford Transit Connect, you get a practical van at an economical price. But still, the Metris features a smaller cabin than the Transit Connect.

Overall, if money is not an issue you are better off with the Mercedes Benz Metris Minivan.

Nissan NV200 S Minivan Vs Ford Transit Connect

Nissan NV200 is the cheapest minivan in town, you get a decent cabin and hauling capacity on this van. For a long time, Metris has been an economical cargo vehicle perfect for your business endeavors, and it continues to do so. Going neck to neck with the Ford Transit Connect, the NV is bigger in size and adds extra practicality. On the other hand, the Ford Transit Connect generates more power and is more agile to drive.

If you are not a fan of the usual minivan handling, you will surely fall for the Ford Transit Connect, its hatch like handling adds a new flavor to the minivan design, which makes it a better choice.

Ram ProMaster City tradesman cargo Vs Ford Transit Connect

This one is another strong addition to the minivan class. The Ram ProMaster City Tradesman comes with a lot of power and nimble handling, something the Transit knows a bit about. Both feature parallel cargo hauling, efficiency, and trailering capacity. Still, there is always a difference, the Ford Transit Connect features a smaller cargo volume and is a tad less in power.

Since both are similarly priced your choice of the van will largely depend on your choice of brand and features.

The 2017 Ford Transit Connect Cargo XL is a decent minivan which gets the job done. Its fair fuel economy and towing capacity make it a lucrative deal. However, the below average cargo capacity might send the business buyer to another showroom. The prime money feature on the Transit is its nimble handling, which makes it better than any minivan in town.