by James Riswick, Automotive Editor
Quick Summary: The previous Ford Transit Connect was a tiny commercial van, but the all-new version has been completely redesigned to serve several purposes. There are 2 crucial additions: a new long-wheelbase model and a far more passenger-friendly wagon discussed right here that tends to make the 2014 Ford Transit Connect a viable minivan alternative for shoppers who want one thing less costly, smaller sized and/or a tiny different from conventional 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 and advertising 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 outcome is a Transit Connect that feels roomy inside, but is simpler to maneuver even though driving.
There are 2 available wheelbases: a 5-passenger normal Transit Connect that feels a lot more like a taxi than a loved ones vehicle and the lengthy-wheelbase 6-passenger model (LWB) a lot more akin to a minivan. We’;ll focus on the latter, as it is more probably to resonate with auto shoppers.
How Significantly Area Is There Inside?
Despite becoming smaller sized than the typical minivan, the 2014 Ford Transit Connect has room for adults in each of its 3 rows. In truth, the third row that each slides and reclines for extra comfort and cargo room is a much much better spot for adults than the back bench of a Dodge Grand Caravan. The tall, squared-off roof line, huge rear side windows and offered panoramic glass roof also produce a sense of openness that no other minivan can match. Claustrophobics, your individuals carrier has arrived.
The second-row bench provides enough legroom, but there are no sliding and reclining adjustments, and the seat itself does not offer you the comfort offered by the captain’;s chairs identified in most minivans. It is more akin to the backseat of a family sedan, albeit with enough headroom for Abe Lincoln to maintain his hat on.
Both rear rows fold flat to provide 104.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. This falls about 40 cubic feet brief 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 biggest crossovers on sale. Nevertheless, the tall, boxy roof of the Transit Connect makes all that space vastly a lot more helpful than those automobiles.
How Else Does It Differ From Standard Minivans?
Whilst the Transit Connect may possibly seat 6, our prime-rated Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna handle 7 So can the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander crossovers. The versatility of the Ford’;s seats is the bigger differentiating point, nevertheless.
The sliding third-row seats (essentially 2 captain’;s chairs) could be a novel feature, but the fixed second row is undoubtedly much less accommodating. The transformation from people carrier to cargo hauler is also a lot more difficult than most minivans.
Lowering and raising those third-row seats demands you to stroll from the tailgate to the sliding doors to flip the seat bottoms over and the seatbacks down. Carrying out the same in other minivans is considerably easier. Lowering the second row also calls for some thought and muscle, but it’;s easier to do than with Chrysler’;s Stow ‘n Go seats. A single need to completely take away the second-row seats in an Odyssey or Sienna.
What is the Rest of the Interior Like?
Apart from its Popemobile windshield and acre of dashboard, the Transit Connect could just as effortlessly be a Ford Escape or C-Max from the driver or front passenger seat. The intriguing, quasi-futuristic design is practically identical, with climate controls under 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 largely been corrected with application updates, and MyFord Touch is now less difficult to use than several other interfaces. The very same can not be said, nonetheless, about the common stereo interface that consists of a modest central screen controlled by a lot of buttons.
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect does differ from its fellow Fords in the materials employed. The dash may possibly appear similar, but it really is hard and slightly glossy rather than a soft, rubbery surface.
This kind of plastic carries all through the cabin, but it really is certainly not objectionable — just not up to Ford’;s present best-notch requirements. The most critical factor is that the Transit Connect doesn’;t feel like a cargo van with some seats added.
What Safety Features and Crash Protection Does It Supply?
The Transit Connect comes standard with stability and traction handle, 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 3 rows. This is typical for minivans, but Ford stands out with the regular MyKey function 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 5-star overall crash rating, with 4 stars for frontal protection and 5 for side protection.
What Engines and Transmissions Are Obtainable?
Every single Transit Connect comes regular with a 2.5-liter 4-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 far better than the V6-powered Honda Odyssey (22 mpg combined). At the very same time, although, the smaller sized Mazda 5 van manages only 24 mpg.
Component of the explanation is that the engine has to function tough to move the Transit Connect’;s estimated base curb weight of 3,979 pounds. In spite of a regular 6-speed automatic transmission that is eager to downshift, acceleration is on the slow side as well. Ford didn’;t provide -60 estimates but some thing in the ballpark of 10 seconds appears about proper.
There is a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine accessible that produces 178 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque although returning 25 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway), but you can only get that in the brief-wheelbase Transit Connect. When asked why the bigger, heavier lengthy-wheelbase model didn’;t get the more effective engine, Ford’;s reps could not supply a definitive purpose.
What’;s It Like to Drive?
Even if the Transit Connect lacks the get-up-and-go of V6-powered conventional minivans, it is nonetheless much far better to drive, with sharper handling and an general feel that makes you overlook about the apartment’;s worth of space over your shoulder. If you live in the city or regularly travel on tight rural roads, the Transit Connect will feel like an athlete compared to an Odyssey or Sienna.
The steering in certain is worthy of praise, supplying the exact same sort of just-correct effort and impressive road really feel located in other Ford automobiles. That’;s not specifically surprising, though, as the Transit Connect is primarily based on the identical platform as the Ford Focus, Escape and C-Max models.
On the other hand, its ride is considerably firmer and indicative of a smaller sized, sportier automobile. That’;ll be just fine for those transitioning from some thing like a Concentrate, but existing minivan drivers could find the suspension does not give the sort of suppleness and isolation they’;ve come to expect.
How Considerably Does It Price?
“We know what we are and what we are not,” stated Minyang Jiang, Ford’;s brand manager for the Transit Connect. “We’;re not a $ 40,000 individuals mover.”
She was referring to the price of traditional minivans, which increasingly are hard to hold below the $ 40,000 pricing threshold. Indeed, there are versions of the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey that push the large 5-Oh when loaded up with issues like adaptive cruise control, rear-seat entertainment systems and even a vacuum cleaner. You cannot get such luxuries on the Transit Connect, but there’;s nonetheless an ample quantity of equipment available at a price that considerably 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 handful of far more creature comforts and access to alternatives. These include dual-zone climate handle with rear controls and vents in every single row, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver seat and the Sync voice manage method for phones and media players.
All of these possibilities come integrated 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 about $ 32,000. Normal minivans at that cost are typically sparsely equipped, while similarly equipped ones are indeed about $ 40,000.
What Are Its Closest Competitors?
Dodge Grand Caravan: Despite the fact that the Grand Caravan is not one particular of our leading advised vans, its less expensive trims line up closely in price tag to the Transit Connect. It does offer you a lot more power and larger-end features than the Ford, but it’;s significantly much less efficient and has a significantly less comfortable third row.
Ford Flex: This, too, costs a lot more than the Transit Connect, but if you happen to be hunting for a loved ones hauler with much more character than the average mom-mobile, the Flex has constantly been one of our favorites.
Honda Odyssey: It could be far more expensive, but the Honda Odyssey remains 1 of our top recommended minivans thanks to its versatile interior, refined ride and fairly engaging driving dynamics.
Mazda 5: This is one more alternative to minivans. It’;s significantly smaller sized, with only 6 seats and significantly significantly less cargo space. On the other hand, its size also makes it the sports car of minivans and its price tag undercuts even the Transit Connect by about $ 4,000.
Why Need to You Consider Twice About this Auto?
Considerably like stepping down from a midsize car and into a compact a single, the Transit Connect’;s less costly price comes with less space, speed and general refinement (especially in terms of ride good quality).
The common engine is rather weak and barely more effective than stronger, V6-powered competitors, even though the upgrade engine is curiously only obtainable on the smaller, 5-passenger model. The fixed second-row seat may also be a turn-off, as is the third row’;s complicated folding procedure.
Why Ought to You Contemplate This Car?
The same compact vehicle metaphor rings accurate as a potential pro. If you’;re willing to sacrifice a little bit of capability, versatility and seating capacity in exchange for a reduced price tag and sharper driving dynamics, the 2014 Ford Transit Connect is a worthy alternative. Families on a tighter spending budget or these loath to drive a cumbersome minivan need to undoubtedly contemplate it.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
