2023 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van Review

The writing, as they say, is on the wall. Ford will reportedly discontinue the Transit Connect Cargo van after the 2023 model year. Most rivals have already fled the segment, and Ford is restricting powertrain choices this year. That suggests the end is nigh.

While the automaker hasn't officially confirmed the Transit Connect's impending death, the small commercial van market is shrinking fast. Chevrolet, Nissan and Ram have discontinued their entries, and Mercedes-Benz has decided to drop the Metris model at the end of 2023. So if you want a smaller and more affordable brand-new cargo van for business or #vanlife, don't wait too long to get it.

For what is likely its last year on the U.S. market, the Transit Connect Cargo comes in two different lengths with two different rear door configurations, each powered by a 162-horsepower four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. In long-wheelbase format, it can hold up to 127.4 cubic feet of cargo behind the front seats and carry as much as 1,550 pounds of payload. With the optional towing package, the maximum trailer rating is 2,000 pounds. These figures pale in comparison to those of the turbocharged Mercedes Metris, but the Ford also costs thousands less.

As long as these shortcomings won't impact your needs for a cargo van and you want a small van instead of a large one, the Transit Connect makes sense. Besides, other than the Mercedes, it is now the only game in town.