2023 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon

Ford's range of Transit vans aren't only designed to carry cargo; they also transport people. That's the primary focus of the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon, and with its easy maneuverability and highly versatile interior, it does exactly what it says on the tin. The Passenger Wagon is exclusively available in a long-wheelbase format and is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 162 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque. The power might not be impressive, but this passenger wagon comes with plenty of options and space. A quick review of the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon's competitors will reveal that they are few are far between; the Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van is the one to go for, but it will cost you. The Ram ProMaster City Wagon is also an option, but that is only available in a crew-cab configuration with seating for five. And those are essentially the only realistic options left in the dying small-van market in the US. Does the aging Ford do enough to emerge victorious in a race of three?

Elevated pricing for the Ford Transit Connect, at least compared to its direct rivals, hasn't stopped it from being popular. The entry-level XL is priced at $35,600, a hefty increase over last year's model and virtually the same as what the flagship Titanium cost in 2022. The other trims have increased by similar amounts. The mid-tier XLT asks for $37,715, but it is more customizable than the base model. Getting behind the wheel of the top-of-the-range Titanium will cost you $39,800. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Ford's $1,895 destination fee.

The Ram ProMaster City Wagon used to be cheaper than the Ford, but a huge price increase for 2023 sees it start at a far higher $33,075 in the USA - up by nearly $7,000.

The 2023 Transit Connect Passenger Wagon is based on a car platform, which gives it a fleet-footed feeling that doesn't match up with its van-like appearance and makes it drive better than many traditional minivans and SUVs. That being said, the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon is still a tall and large vehicle. Push it too hard in the corners, and you'll be met with understeer and body roll. This van remains composed on the highway, but heavy crosswinds can unsettle it. The ride is also rather firm and can become choppy on rough surfaces, although it settles down somewhat with a load on board. We did find that the engine tended to whine under heavy load, adding to the noise levels. And this will happen often as you push the little 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine hard to make headway, especially if you throw headwinds and hills into the mix.

The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon straddles the line between commercial and private vehicles and is aimed at people who want to transport people and stuff at an affordable price with the least amount of fuss. If you look at it this way, the Ford Transit Connect makes sense. The exterior is attractive enough, but the interior is rather humdrum and is obviously engineered to get the job done. The same can be said for what's under the hood: the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter engine has little power and struggles with a load on board - but it eventually gets the job done. We like the fact that this car offers a good balance of passenger and cargo space, and we appreciate the advanced safety and infotainment systems. We do, however, wish that it had more power. The Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon will never be as comfortable as traditional minivans or as practical as a commercial cargo van, but it does both jobs reasonably well. The ProMaster City is a five-seater crew cab and rather agricultural to live with and the Metris is the best product in this class - but a lot more expensive than the Transit Connect. The Ford is still the value choice, even if it's not the best van.

The XLT is the trim we would recommend from the range, as it gets Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a power driver's seat. It also gets advanced safety features like blind-spot assist and rear cross-traffic alert. If you're going to be using it as a family hauler, then the Trailer Tow Package may be worth it to help you haul trailers (so you don't have to fold down rear seats for extra cargo capacity). This trim can also be upgraded with leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver's seat.