Ford offers two Transit Connect versions: the work-centered Cargo Van (with two front seats) and the multi-seat Passenger Wagon. Behind the front row, the Cargo Van has windowless side panels (glass is optional), while the Passenger Wagon features windows to accommodate the second and third rows of seats. The Cargo Van comes in the XL or XLT trim package with either a short or long wheelbase. The Passenger Wagon is configured only with the long wheelbase; it comes in a choice of three trims: XL, XLT, and Titanium.
All versions of the 2023 Transit Connect have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 162 horsepower. The powerplant is teamed with a front-wheel-drive setup and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA has estimated that the around-town fuel economy for either configuration is 24 mpg. On the highway, the Cargo Van is rated for 27 mpg, while the Passenger Wagon gets 28 mpg. The Transit Connect can tow up to 2,000 pounds when it’s properly equipped. In lieu of the additional seating found in the Passenger version, the Cargo Van offers up to 127 cubic feet of storage capacity and versatility for adding shelves and other custom upfits for business use.
The Cargo Van XL includes essential equipment to get the job done, such as dual-sliding side doors, 180-degree swing-out rear cargo doors, two front-row bucket seats upholstered in vinyl, rain-sensing windshield wipers, vinyl floor covering, and 16-inch steel wheels with covers. It’s relatively no-frills with manual climate control, a tilt/telescopic steering column, and remote keyless entry. The higher-priced XLT adds fog lights, fabric-upholstered seats, heated power side mirrors, carpeted flooring, and body-colored exterior trim and bumpers.
The Passenger Wagon caters to a different purpose with standard three-row seating for six and windows for the side panels and tailgate door. This family-friendly version of the Transit Connect trades the split back doors of the Cargo Van for a liftgate with fixed glass. An optional second-row bench seat for three increases passenger capacity to seven. In addition to everything listed for the Cargo Van XL, the Passenger Wagon XL comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, power second-row windows, rear-seat temperature controls, and carpeted flooring in the first and second rows. The upgrades from the XLT cargo version carry over to the XLT Passenger version, with the addition of a six-way power driver’s seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The Titanium trim brings luxury touches to the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon. Its standard equipment includes push-button start, leather upholstery, heated front seats, proximity keyless entry, LED fog lamps, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, power-folding heated power side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 16-inch aluminum wheels.
All Transit Connect versions are equipped with pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on the XLT and Platinum and available on the XL. Automatic high beams and cruise control are standard with the XLT and Platinum. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are optional on the XLT and Titanium versions of the Passenger Wagon. All Passenger Wagon trims come with rear parking sensors.
The infotainment arrangement in the Transit Connect XL includes a 4.2-inch LCD display, a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a USB port, front and rear 12-volt power points, and access to FordPass Connect for a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle services. The XLT and Titanium get the SYNC 3 system (this is optional on the base XL), where the upgrades include a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. Wireless device charging is optional for the XL and standard on the higher trims. Navigation is standard in the Titanium and available on the other trims.
