2013 Ford Transit Connect XLT

The Transit Connect will be replaced by an all-new vehicle next year. Consequently, it receives no changes of substance for 2013.

The Transit Connect is a purpose-built vehicle aimed at small-business owners, but its appeal goes beyond that of just a commercial vehicle. Offering 130 cubic feet of cargo volume accessed by wide-opening rear doors, the Transit Connect is easy to load because of its low floor and high roof. Available as a two-seat cargo van or a four- or five-seat wagon with a fold-down second row, the Transit Connect is a versatile vehicle that can be adapted to several commercial uses. The 136-hp four-cylinder is matched to a four-speed automatic and prizes fuel economy over performance. Options include Crew Chief, an onboard device that tracks location, fuel economy, and idle time, plus vehicle diagnostics and maintenance capabilities. Although the Transit Connect is primarily used as a commercial vehicle, an XLT wagon with seating for five is available. It is a good option for people who want to haul people and yet still need the versatility and cargo capacity of a van. A limited-production Transit Connect Electric is available only to fleet customers. Look for an all-new Transit Connect next year. It will likely ride on the same platform that underpins the global Escape and Focus models. It will still use four-cylinder power, but the current engine will likely go away, to be replaced by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost and a 2.5-liter normally aspirated unit.