more about this model
Quick Summary: The previous Ford Transit Connect was a small commercial van, but the all-new version has been completely redesigned to serve multiple purposes. There are two key additions: a new long-wheelbase model and a more passenger-friendly wagon discussed here that makes the 2014 Ford Transit Connect a viable minivan alternative for shoppers who want something less expensive, smaller and/or a little different from traditional minivans.
What Is It?
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect is a different sort of minivan to the point that Ford calls the passenger version a "wagon" and created the hashtag "#unminivan" for its marketing efforts. The Transit Connect wagon is smaller in most dimensions compared to most minivans except for its height, which stands 4 inches taller than a Honda Odyssey. The result is a Transit Connect that feels roomy inside, yet is easier to maneuver while driving.
There are two available wheelbases: a five-passenger regular Transit Connect that feels more like a taxi than a family vehicle and the long-wheelbase seven-passenger model (LWB) more akin to a minivan. We'll focus on the latter, as it's more likely to resonate with car shoppers.
How Much Room Is There Inside?
Despite being smaller than the average minivan, the 2014 Ford Transit Connect has room for adults in each of its three rows. In fact, the third row that both slides and reclines for additional comfort and cargo room is a much better place for adults than the back bench of a Dodge Grand Caravan. The tall, squared-off roof line, huge rear side windows and available panoramic glass roof also create a sense of openness that no other minivan can match. Claustrophobics, your people carrier has arrived.
The second-row bench offers sufficient legroom, but there are no sliding and reclining adjustments, and the seat itself doesn't offer the comfort provided by the captain's chairs found in most minivans. It's more akin to the backseat of a family sedan, albeit with enough headroom for Abe Lincoln to keep his hat on.
Both rear rows fold flat to provide 104.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. This falls about 40 cubic feet short of most minivans, but is on par with the Nissan Quest and GM's Chevrolet Traverse, which along with its GMC and Buick siblings, are the largest crossovers on sale. However, the tall, boxy roof of the Transit Connect makes all that space vastly more useful than those vehicles.
How Else Does It Differ From Traditional Minivans?
While the Transit Connect may seat seven, our top-rated Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna manage eight. So can the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander crossovers. The versatility of the Ford's seats is the bigger differentiating point, however.
The sliding third-row seats (basically two captain's chairs) may be a novel feature, but the fixed second row is certainly less accommodating. The transformation from people carrier to cargo hauler is also more complicated than most minivans.
Lowering and raising those third-row seats requires you to walk from the tailgate to the sliding doors to flip the seat bottoms over and the seatbacks down. Doing the same in other minivans is much simpler. Lowering the second row also requires some thought and muscle, but it's easier to do than with Chrysler's Stow 'n Go seats. One must completely remove the second-row seats in an Odyssey or Sienna.
What's the Rest of the Interior Like?
Apart from its Popemobile windshield and acre of dashboard, the Transit Connect could just as easily be a Ford Escape or C-Max from the driver or front passenger seat. The interesting, quasi-futuristic design is virtually identical, with climate controls below clearly separated from the infotainment controls above.
The optional MyFord Touch system has received its fair share of complaints for its usability and electronic glitches, but these have mostly been corrected with software updates, and MyFord Touch is now easier to use than several other interfaces. The same can't be said, however, about the standard stereo interface that consists of a small central screen controlled by many buttons.
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect does differ from its fellow Fords in the materials used. The dash may look similar, but it's hard and slightly glossy rather than a soft, rubbery surface.
This type of plastic carries throughout the cabin, but it's certainly not objectionable — just not up to Ford's current top-notch standards. The most important thing is that the Transit Connect doesn't feel like a cargo van with some seats added.
What Safety Features and Crash Protection Does It Offer?
The Transit Connect comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), integrated blind spot mirrors, side airbags mounted in the front seats and side curtain airbags that cover the windows in all three rows. This is typical for minivans, but Ford stands out with the standard MyKey feature that can limit top speed (for teenage drivers or valets) or radio volume. A rearview camera and parking sensors are optional.
The government has awarded the Transit Connect a five-star overall crash rating, with four stars for frontal protection and five for side protection.
What Engines and Transmissions Are Available?
Every Transit Connect comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 169 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy stands at 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 highway), which sounds decent, but is in fact barely better than the V6-powered Honda Odyssey (22 mpg combined). At the same time, though, the smaller Mazda 5 van manages only 24 mpg.
Part of the reason is that the engine has to work hard to move the Transit Connect's estimated base curb weight of 3,979 pounds. Despite a standard six-speed automatic transmission that's eager to downshift, acceleration is on the slow side as well. Ford didn't provide 0-60 estimates but something in the ballpark of 10 seconds seems about right.
There is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine available that produces 178 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque while returning 25 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway), but you can only get that in the short-wheelbase Transit Connect. When asked why the bigger, heavier long-wheelbase model didn't get the more powerful engine, Ford's reps could not provide a definitive reason.
What's It Like to Drive?
Even if the Transit Connect lacks the get-up-and-go of V6-powered traditional minivans, it's still much better to drive, with sharper handling and an overall feel that makes you forget about the apartment's worth of space over your shoulder. If you live in the city or frequently travel on tight rural roads, the Transit Connect will feel like an athlete compared to an Odyssey or Sienna.
The steering in particular is worthy of praise, offering the same sort of just-right effort and impressive road feel found in other Ford vehicles. That's not exactly surprising, though, as the Transit Connect is based on the same platform as the Ford Focus, Escape and C-Max models.
On the other hand, its ride is much firmer and indicative of a smaller, sportier vehicle. That'll be just fine for those transitioning from something like a Focus, but current minivan drivers may find the suspension does not provide the sort of suppleness and isolation they've come to expect.
How Much Does It Cost?
"We know what we are and what we aren't," said Minyang Jiang, Ford's brand manager for the Transit Connect. "We're not a $40,000 people mover."
She was referring to the cost of traditional minivans, which increasingly are difficult to keep under the $40,000 pricing threshold. Indeed, there are versions of the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey that push the big Five-Oh when loaded up with things like adaptive cruise control, rear-seat entertainment systems and even a vacuum cleaner. You can't get such luxuries on the Transit Connect, but there's still an ample amount of equipment available at a price that significantly undercuts the big boys.
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect LWB starts at $25,000 for the base XL model, but the $26,525 XLT brings with it a few more creature comforts and access to options. These include dual-zone climate control with rear controls and vents in each row, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver seat and the Sync voice control system for phones and media players.
All of those options come included on the top-of-the-line Titanium model that starts at $29,000. Add leather seats, the panoramic glass roof, the MyFord Touch interface and navigation and the Titanium tops out at around $32,000. Regular minivans at that price are usually sparsely equipped, while similarly equipped ones are indeed about $40,000.
What Are Its Closest Competitors?
Dodge Grand Caravan: Although the Grand Caravan isn't one of our top recommended vans, its cheaper trims line up closely in price to the Transit Connect. It does offer more power and higher-end features than the Ford, but it's considerably less efficient and has a less comfortable third row.
Ford Flex: This, too, costs more than the Transit Connect, but if you're looking for a family hauler with more personality than the average mom-mobile, the Flex has always been one of our favorites.
Honda Odyssey: It may be more expensive, but the Honda Odyssey remains one of our top recommended minivans thanks to its versatile interior, refined ride and relatively engaging driving dynamics.
Mazda 5: This is another alternative to minivans. It's considerably smaller, with only six seats and significantly less cargo space. On the other hand, its size also makes it the sports car of minivans and its price undercuts even the Transit Connect by about $4,000.
Why Should You Think Twice About this Car?
Much like stepping down from a midsize car and into a compact one, the Transit Connect's cheaper price comes with less space, speed and general refinement (especially in terms of ride quality).
The standard engine is rather weak and barely more efficient than stronger, V6-powered competitors, while the upgrade engine is curiously only available on the smaller, five-passenger model. The fixed second-row seat may also be a turn-off, as is the third row's complex folding procedure.
Why Should You Consider This Car?
The same compact car metaphor rings true as a potential pro. If you're willing to sacrifice a little bit of capability, versatility and seating capacity in exchange for a lower price and sharper driving dynamics, the 2014 Ford Transit Connect is a worthy alternative. Families on a tighter budget or those loath to drive a cumbersome minivan should definitely consider it.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
Used 2014 Ford Transit Connect listings and inventory:
Shop Edmunds' used car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million pre-owned vehicles to find a cheap used and certified pre-owned (CPO) 2014 Ford Transit Connects for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 94 used and CPO 2014 Transit Connects listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 9,446 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of used car, SUV, or truck you're interested in and then select a vehicle from our massive database to find cheap pre-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the used 2014 Ford Transit Connect. Then select Edmunds' special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 300 on a used or CPO 2014 Transit Connect available from one of 2,630 dealerships in your area.
What's a good price on a used 2014 Ford Transit Connect ?
Save up to $300 on one of 16 used 2014 Ford Transit Connects for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $9446 as of Apr 25, 2018, based on data from 15 dealers and 42 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 3 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 2014 Ford Transit Connect trim styles:
The used 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon XLT w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB is priced around $15999 with average odometer reading of 17358 miles.
The used 2014 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XLT w/Rear 180 Degree Doors SWB is priced around $15000 with average odometer reading of 22111 miles.
The used 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon XLT w/Rear Liftgate LWB is priced around $16599 with average odometer reading of 53231 miles.
The used 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon Titanium LWB is priced around $17518 with average odometer reading of 42572 miles.
The used 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon XLT w/Rear 180 Degree Doors SWB is priced around $16927 with average odometer reading of 42803 miles.
The used 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon XLT w/Rear Liftgate SWB is priced around $17688 with average odometer reading of 7570 miles.
The used 2014 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XLT w/Rear Liftgate LWB is priced around $9446 with average odometer reading of 151067 miles.
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What options are available on the 2014 Ford Transit Connect?
Available Ford Transit Connect 2014 Submodel Types: Minivan
Available Ford Transit Connect 2014 Trims: Cargo Van XLT w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB, Cargo Van XL w/Rear 180 Degree Doors SWB, Cargo Van XL, Cargo Van XLT, Cargo Van XL w/Rear Liftgate LWB, Wagon XL w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB, Cargo Van XL w/ Rear Liftgate LWB, Wagon Titanium LWB, Wagon XLT, Cargo Van XL w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB, Wagon XL w/Rear Liftgate LWB, Wagon XLT w/Rear 180 Degree Doors SWB, Cargo Van XL w/Rear Liftgate SWB, Cargo Van XLT w/Rear 180 Degree Doors SWB, Cargo Van XLT w/Rear Liftgate LWB, Wagon Titanium SWB, Wagon XLT Premium, Wagon XLT w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB, Wagon XLT w/Rear Liftgate LWB, Wagon XLT w/Rear Liftgate SWB
Exterior Colors: Silver Metallic, Frozen White Clearcoat, Magnetic Metallic, Shadow Black, Frozen White, Panther Black Metallic, Dark Blue, Guard Metallic, Panther Black Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Blue Clearcoat, Deep Impact Blue Metallic, Midnight Sky, Noisette Metallic, Race Red, Tectonic Silver Metallic, Torch Red, Winter Blue Metallic
Interior Colors: Pewter vinyl, Dark Grey cloth, Charcoal Black cloth, Medium Stone leather, Medium Stone cloth
Popular Features: Trip Computer, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Aux Audio Inputs, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Back-up camera, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Parking sensors, Third-row seating, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Power Driver Seat, Bluetooth, Navigation, USB Inputs, Auto Climate Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Alarm, Remote Start, Sunroof/Moonroof, Towing Hitch, Upgraded Engine
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Used 2014 Ford Transit Connect Overview
The used 2014 Ford Transit Connect is offered in the following submodels: Minivan. Available styles include Cargo Van XL w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), Cargo Van XLT w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl 6A), and Wagon XLT w/Rear Liftgate LWB 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl 6A). Pre-owned Transit Connect models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The used 2014 Transit Connect comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.
