The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon is a van with seating for up to seven, but don't think of it along the lines of the typical family minivan. The Transit Connect is more utilitarian and intended more for business use, such as shuttling clients to the airport. It doesn't have the kind of creature comforts you'd find in a Honda Odyssey, but there are plenty of third-party upfitters that could customize the interior to your specifications.
If you have the need for a Transit Connect Passenger Wagon, we suggest you act quickly since it's set to be discontinued at the end of the 2023 model year. Your choices in the class are also few, with the Mercedes-Benz Metris following Transit Connect out to pasture and the Ram ProMaster City's discontinuation last year. So far, it's not clear if there will be a replacement from Ford. For 2023, the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon lineup has also been narrowed. The previous 2.5-liter engine has been dropped, along with Flex Fuel and natural gas options.
If you're deciding between the Mercedes-Benz Metris and the Transit Connect, there are advantages and drawbacks to both. The Metris is more powerful, can seat up to eight passengers and is nicer on the inside. The Transit Connect, on the other hand, is cheaper to purchase and operate. Either will adequately fulfill duties as a business shuttle, but if you're looking for a more typical family minivan, check out the Honda Odyssey or Kia Carnival.
Which Transit Connect Passenger Wagon does Edmunds recommend?
It's not often that we recommend a top trim, but the Titanium gets our vote since it significantly improves the overall impression of the Transit Connect. Upgrades include leather upholstery, alloy wheels, premium audio and a native navigation system.
The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon is available in three trims: XL, XLT and Titanium. All are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (162 horsepower, 144 lb-ft). An eight-speed automatic transmission drives the front wheels. The Transit Connect also has dual sliding side doors and either a rear liftgate or rear cargo doors that open 180 degrees. Second- and third-row bucket seating allows for six-passenger seating, though a second-row bench seat is optional to boost seating capacity to seven. Standard feature highlights include: