Used 2019 Ford Transit Connect

The 2019 Ford Transit Connect is perfect for families and florists. Or even florists with families. Because it’s a compact van and available in either panel-van guise with 128.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, or as a passenger wagon with seating for up to seven. It’s not just those who sell sweet peas who can find the Transit Connect useful, it can lend itself to many applications. And it’s good at what it does, with a ready maneuverability and useful fuel economy. This model year sees substantial improvements (more details below). The 2019 Transit Connect comes with a regular wheelbase length or a longer wheelbase, yet it can still fit in the average residential garage. The Cargo version comes in XL and XLT trims; the Wagon comes in XL, XLT and Titanium trims. Buyers have a choice of side-hinged double rear doors or a tailgate.

From the driver’s seat, the front-drive 2019 Transit Connect compact van feels like a car. It will buzz around city streets with ease, helped by a tight turning circle. A standard 4G LTE modem brings the ability to keep in touch with the office and traffic conditions via Wi-Fi (for up to 10 devices). And the improved front seats should help keep fatigue at bay. Fuel economy is another highlight. As a complement to several larger commercial vehicles, or a downsized alternative, the Transit Connect could be ideal. Maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds; the more powerful (and more expensive) Mercedes-Benz Metris van can handle 5,000 pounds. The Ford’s commercial payload capacity is 1,620 pounds. Again, the Metris comes out tops with 2,502 pounds (cargo) or 1,874 pounds (passenger). The passenger version isn’t quite as cozy and feature-rich as minivans like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, but it will tackle the school run just as effectively.

Just as the new Transit Connect drives like a car, its cabin feels like a crossover SUV’s — the wagon version in particular. The version with the short wheelbase (SWB) has five seats in the usual 2-row manner, while the long-wheelbase (LWD) variant sports a third row. The seats in the back rows can flip, fold or even be removed, so this passenger version still offers a lot of cargo/people flexibility. However, the top Titanium trim has a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row (optional in the XLT), reducing the occupant count to six. Cargo versions have two front seats. Behind them, SWB models offer 103.9 cubic feet of storage area; LWB versions have 128.6.

Minor tweaks to the nose notwithstanding, the 2019 Transit Connect looks a lot like a van with a car’s front end. Which isn’t necessarily a negative judgment. It brings a little style, which is then followed by a boxy body that provides all that cargo space and/or headroom enjoyed by those within. A short-wheelbase Transit Connect is 173.9 inches long; long-wheelbase versions measure 189.7 inches. Choose a version with split rear doors and they will open up to 180 degrees to take a fork-lifted 48-inch pallet.

FORD TELEMATICS
Keep a virtual eye on the workforce with this system: It tracks vehicle location, speed and idling time, and could therefore help improve efficiency. It might also keep a virtual eye on teenage drivers.

SYNC 3
Ford keeps improving its Sync 3 infotainment system. It’s now reached the point where it’s one of the easiest to use. The 6.5-inch touch screen even allows for phone-style navigation gestures like pinch-and-swipe, while Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is standard in all but the lowest trim level.

The most basic version, the 2019 Ford Transit Connect cargo van in XL trim, makes do with things like vinyl upholstery, air conditioning, manually adjustable (6-way) driver’s seat, tilt/telescope steering wheel, AM/FM/auxiliary audio input, two speakers, cargo-area light, rear parking sensors, and the new safety features mentioned above. We’d recommend going up to at least XLT for the cloth upholstery.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the well-regarded Sync 3 infotainment system are optional in the XL, standard in the top two trims. Other extras include new high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, wireless device charging, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. A 2019 Transit Connect wagon in Titanium trim comes with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, panoramic moonroof and a self-dimming rearview mirror. Cargo models can be configured to accommodate a variety of commercial/delivery requirements.

The 2019 Transit Connect receives new drivetrains, both of which feature automatic stop/start to save a little fuel while idling. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline unit making 162 horsepower, delivering better city mileage than its predecessor. There were no official fuel-consumption estimates when writing this review, but Ford is aiming for 30 mpg on the highway. Fleet buyers may also choose a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that can run on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG, aka propane). A new 8-speed automatic transmission is linked to the gasoline engine, and front-wheel drive is the only configuration.

2.0-liter inline-4
162 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
144 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/27 mpg (cargo van), 24/29 mpg (passenger wagon)

2.5-liter inline-4
169 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
171 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (cargo van), 20/26 mpg (passenger wagon)