2021 Ford Transit Connect Review

Name: 2021 Ford Transit Connect
Brand: Ford

Price Range: $11,495 - $26,998

Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XLT w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB Cargo Minivan Exterior

Below Average

7.0

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2021 Transit Connect is Ford's small cargo and passenger van. It lacks engine power, and it's not especially comfortable, so it's not a real alternative to regular family minivans (even if its lower price is tempting). But it drives surprisingly well, with tight handling and a small footprint that make it ideal in cities. If you often move people or goods across town, it makes sense.

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Average price: $17,338

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Appraise My Ford Transit Connect

Ford Transit Connect model years

Ford Transit Connect for Sale

Pros

Extremely practical yet compact
Comprehensive suite of optional driver assistance technology
Available in a variety of configurations

Cons

Engines don't have an overabundance of power
Not as passenger-friendly as a minivan or as utilitarian as some rival cargo vans

What's new

The lane-keeping system is now bundled with adaptive cruise control
Compressed natural gas/propane conversion capability available with 2.5-liter engine
Taxi prep package no longer available
Part of the second Transit Connect generation introduced for 2014

Overview

by the Edmunds Experts

4/27/2020

The 2021 Ford Transit Connect may be for you if you're looking for a small cargo or passenger van. Compared to Ford's full-size Transit van, the Transit Connect is less expensive, easier to park and more fuel-efficient. It's similar in concept to rival vans such as the Mercedes-Benz Metris and the Ram ProMaster City.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

27 listings

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2021 Ford Transit Connect
Cargo Van XL Cargo Minivan w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB
$16,999
good price
$2,843 below market
- 72,601 miles
- 2 Seats, 24 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- 44 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Trip Computer
Close
Located in Fredericksburg, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (24 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: NM0LS7E28M1489982
Stock: 489982
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Stock photo^**
2021 Ford Transit Connect
Wagon XL Passenger Minivan w/Rear Liftgate LWB
$14,999
good price
$3,086 below market
- 90,821 miles
- 6 Seats, 24 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- 195 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Parking sensors
Close
Located in Old Bridge, NJ
2021 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon XL Van 4D Versatility, passenger comfort, and everyday practicality come together in this dependable 2021 Fo...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (24 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: NM0GE9E28M1484513
Stock: OL484513
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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The cargo van configuration seats two people, while the passenger configuration seats up to seven. There's a decent amount of customization available too, from wheelbase length to an available prep package that converts the Transit Connect to run on compressed natural gas. Ford also packs a lot of technology features into the Transit Connect. You don't really have to give up features just because you want something small, especially in the loaded Titanium model.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Below Average

7.0

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Ford Transit Connect on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Transit Connect drive? Manage your expectations and the Transit Connect actually has a lot going for it. It maneuvers well thanks to its light steering and small size. It's easy to thread through dense urban traffic and park in tight spaces. The gas and brake pedals operate smoothly, the transmission shifts quickly and, despite the tall profile, the Transit Connect handles turns and corners without much body roll. (Caveat: We only tested the van with an empty load.)

The downside? The van is woefully slow to accelerate. It took a leisurely 10.6 seconds to reach 60 mph in our testing. The Ford has enough zip to dash between city stoplights but gets winded quickly. Highway merging and passing require planning.

Comfort

7/10

How comfortable is the Transit Connect? The Transit Connect's front seats are comfortable enough, but the rear seats are stiff and lack support. The ride is fairly smooth overall thanks to small wheels and tires with plenty of sidewall, but it firms up as more passengers and cargo come aboard. Even with its tall profile and expansive windshield, the van is surprisingly quiet. You'll still get wind hum rushing over the glass and noise from the road, but neither is at an obnoxious or fatiguing level.

The van's primary controls are simple to discern and operate. It takes a while to heat and cool the large cabin, but the climate system works well once at speed. The seat heaters offer five levels of intensity, though none is particularly warm.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? There's nothing fancy about the van's interior. It's all function over form. The controls are easy to manipulate, even when wearing gloves. The default seating position is rather high, but you can compensate if you like with the adjustable steering wheel and seat. Visibility is excellent thanks to big, tall windows and small blind spots.

There's plenty of headroom, and it's easy to step in and out of the Transit Connect thanks to tall and wide door openings. Accessing the third row is similarly easy. Removing the rear seats makes for voluminous cargo utility. But as a six-passenger van, the Transit Connect isn't especially roomy. Limited rear legroom in the immovable second row makes it less people-friendly than a regular minivan.

Technology

7/10

How’s the tech? You won't find cutting-edge technology abundant in the Transit Connect, even if the top-level Titanium trim can connect your smartphone and offers handy voice controls. But Ford's Sync 3 is helpful for drivers who need basic hands-free phone, navigation and device charging capabilities.

The menus are easy to navigate and the voice controls are sophisticated, offering an easy way to issue commands with a minimum of distraction. Sync 3 also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but it's only available on the Titanium trim. There's only one USB port, although you could use one of the 12-volt ports to power a USB charger if you wanted. The four-speaker stereo won't impress anyone either, but it does the job.

Storage

5.5/10

How’s the storage? We tested a six-seat Transit Connect, which leads to comparisons with mainstream minivans and contributes to the Ford's lower score here. There's considerably less cargo space, for example, with just 15 cubic feet available behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 104 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. (Most competitors offer 30-plus and 140-plus cubic feet, respectively.) And there's not much small-item storage.

The Ford lags behind its Mercedes and Ram rivals with a 1,620-pound payload capacity, and its 2,000-pound towing maximum is only average. Child safety seat installation is problematic. You'll be able to install a safety seat in the second row, but the seats don't slide, and the car seat anchors are hard to access.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Transit Connect long-wheelbase model (LWB) is rated at 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway) by the EPA. That's right on average for this small segment, and during our time with the van, we found that our test vehicle met or exceeded its ratings. On our highway-heavy 116-mile evaluation route, the Connect achieved 25.1 mpg. That's less than the EPA highway rating, but our route is more than just highway. Overall, after mixing in more city driving, we averaged 22.5, which is on target with its estimates.

Value

7/10

Is the Transit Connect a good value? Equipping the Transit Connect as a passenger van costs more than most vehicles in its class. You might question what you're paying extra for, as interior quality is disappointing. The dash feels plastic and hollow, the leather upholstery is stiff and unforgiving, and the cabin generally pales in comparison to the interiors of competitors such as the Mercedes Metris (which costs about the same as a Titanium-level Transit Connect). The Ford's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty is average, and its five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is fairly generous.

Wildcard

7.5/10

What you get from the Transit Connect depends on how you'll use it. You could use it as a three-row family hauler, but why? A similarly priced, lightly used minivan is better suited to family life. But the Transit Connect might be the ticket if you often ferry customers or colleagues for short distances, or if you need to get the band to gigs or your starting five to the tournament. It can even power your business if you're willing to take a few rows out.

With driving manners similar to Ford's Escape SUV, minus the punchy engine, the Transit Connect doesn't feel as large or ungainly as most of today's vans do. That's a good thing on tight roads, but it won't be as fun on long drives.

2021 Ford Transit Connect trim level differences

The 2021 Ford Transit Connect is available in both cargo and passenger configurations in three trim levels: XL, XLT and Titanium. Two four-cylinder gas engines are available: a 2.0-liter (162 horsepower, 144 lb-ft) and a 2.5-liter (169 hp, 177 lb-ft), though the latter is only available to fleet customers. Compare the 2021 Ford Transit Connect trim levels in-depth.

Which Transit Connect trim does Edmunds recommend?

The base XL model offers a lot of versatility for the money, but we suggest stepping up to the midlevel XLT. It brings more standard features, such as the Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assist tech, and opens up the number of optional features you can choose from.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$213/mo

$200/mo

Avg. Compact Minivan

Calculate my fuel costs

See Edmunds pricing data

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Reliability

The 2021 Ford Transit Connect has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #3 out of 24 among Commercial Vans. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3 out of 5 stars3/5Average

#3 out of 24 among Commercial Vans

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$740/yr

vs. $851/yr
for Average Commercial Van

Frequency

1.78x/yr

vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van

Severity

14.8%

vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van

Recalls

4 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 25V442000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 25S72
Manufactured from:: 2019-04-25 to
Number of vehicles affected:: 200061
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Defect Consequence:: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Recall Number:: 22V413000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 22S43
Number of vehicles affected:: 2925968
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Defect Consequence:: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Recall Number:: 21V592000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 21C18
Number of vehicles affected:: 42493
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Transit and 2021 Transit Connect vehicles. The front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect Consequence:: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt assembly, and replace the assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 30, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C18.

Recall Number:: 21V376000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 21S24
Number of vehicles affected:: 192080
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Defect Consequence:: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, causing the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the underhood shifter cable bushing, and add a protective cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 29, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S24.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Ford Transit Connect Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.5

29 reviews

5(38%)

4(21%)

3(10%)

2(14%)

1(17%)

See all 29 reviews of the Ford Transit Connect

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Transmission issues again

LL, 11/14/2020

2019 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XLT 4dr Minivan w/Rear Liftgate SWB (2.0L 4cyl 8A)

This started out as a great van but after a couple a months the van would hesitate going in reverse. Than during a scheduled oil change they found a leaking transmission seal. had dealer replace it now the van has stop working altogether so dealer is replacing the transmission. Its just a year old and has spent almost 7 weeks in shop for transmission issues

Great Little Van with some imperfections

DV Synthetic Lubricants , 09/04/2019

2018 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XL 4dr Minivan w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I have owned this van LWB XLCargo for 15 months and 26k. Overall I like this van. I use it as a delivery vehicle to deliver oil and make sales call to my customers. Not that I'm not happy with this van but I wish I would have purchased an XLT model. I've added a backup camera. Tinted the windows. Love the tinted glass. I'll list the things that Ford SHOULD have improved upon first. LOW …

Our Party Wagon!

Brian Mac, 02/27/2019

2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon XLT 4dr Minivan w/Rear Liftgate LWB (2.0L 4cyl 8A)

Our family of 4 had a big Super Duty Diesel truck (to pull a 5th wheel) and a little Toyota Corolla. With a 15 year old in the house, we were going to need a third vehicle and we had decided on a mini van. We were constantly borrowing our parents vans. Everyone we know were buying Toyota Highlanders as they did not want to go the mini van route, but a van is so much more practical … and comfortable especially when using the third row. Most SUV's third rows are not really usable except for little kids. Anyway, I looked at every van out there, both new and used, but one day when getting my big truck serviced, I rode in a Transit Connect which the dealership was using as their shuttle vehicle. I was very impressed! Long story...short, after considering buying a used van (probably a former rental), I started looking at used Transit Connects, but I fell in love with the 2019 models with the center screen that looks like a little iPad! I ended up working out a deal with the dealer where I traded in my Super Duty for a Transit Connect and a half ton truck (a 2 for 1 trade since I still need a truck)! Anyway, we LOVE this little vehicle! We opted for the 6 seat version since that is mostly what we need it for and it is so much more convenient to getting into the rear seats. As for the seats, there is a ton of room in this thing. The third row is very comfortable for adults...the only complaint would be that your knees sit a little bit high in the third row which could get uncomfortable on a long trip. However, you can straiten out you legs if needed due to the open middle. Some random thoughts on this purchase: Love driving this as a daily driver, almost like a little sports car! Plenty of power in the little 4 banger for daily use, but you do realize it is a 4 cylinder when you have 6 or 7 in the thing, but most of the time, I do not carry that many passengers, so I can live with it. I would not buy this for fuel economy reasons...it is not that much better than a 6 cylinder full size mini van. This vehicle is fun, zippy, easy to park, but very spacious inside when we need it. I am installing a hitch receiver on the back to be able to attach a bike rack. Thinking about getting a roof rack, as ours did not come with the factory rack or the side rails. Love the color (Magnetic Gray) and have receive lots of comments and complements on it, but I may order black wheels to replace the silver factory ones. Surprises I did not realize the XLT model came with: rain sensing wipers...pretty cool. Also, remote start through Ford Connect. I install remote starts in all of the vehicles we buy unless they come from the factory and I was having trouble finding an after market one for the 2019, then the dealer showed that you just use your phone and can start it from anywhere! Final comment is Apple Car play is awesome...had it in my Super Duty and love it, just plug your iPhone in to the USB port and you have all sorts of apps available through the vehicle! I will update if I have any reliability or quality issues, but first impression is GREAT! Ford should really market these more, but I was happy to get a great deal as they really discounted it since they do not sell a lot of them and do not plan to trade or sell it any time soon.

Sidestep a minivan with this Euro-inspired Van!

Joe B., 01/10/2019

2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon Titanium LWB 4dr Minivan (2.0L 4cyl 8A)

An amazing family hauler without the sticker shock of the Honda Odyssey. And while this lacks the souped up amenities of other traditional minis like backrow screens, it’s a highly versitle car with dual sliding doors and rear bucket seats that get the job done. Titanium line comes with some impressive safety features like lane assist, blind spot monitors, and frontal crash assist/auto …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect, so we've included reviews for other years of the Transit Connect since its last redesign.

2021 Transit Connect Features & Specs

Trim:

Cargo Van XL

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$24,665
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$213/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	104.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Transit Connect models:

Pedestrian Detection: Detects pedestrians in your path and triggers a forward collision warning. Can automatically brake if necessary.
Side Wind Stabilization: Helps correct for strong crosswinds to keep the vehicle going in its intended direction.
Automatic Emergency Braking: Helps to prevent or mitigate an accident by automatically applying the brakes when an obstacle is detected.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

2021 Ford Transit Connect Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2021 Ford Transit Connect trim level differences

Which Transit Connect trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Ford Transit Connect Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 Transit Connect Features & Specs

Safety