Commercial fleet customers will find a lot to like about the Transit Connect. But this vehicle has so many appealing assets that non-business drivers will like this cargo/people hauler. During a week-long test drive, the Transit Connect’s low step-in height made it very easy for passengers to enter and exit, and the sliding side doors require very little arm muscle to open/close. The vehicle’s lift-gate is also easy to close, thanks to a pull strap. (Transit Connect is available with a lift-gate, or cargo doors that swing-out 180 degrees.) From a safety standpoint, the vehicle has standard first row curtain airbags, driver/front passenger front and side airbags.

Transit Connect is available with either a 2.5-liter Duratec 4-cylinder that produces 169 horsepower and 171 pounds-feet of torque, or a 1.6-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder that releases 178 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Transit Connect is offered in either a short wheelbase (104.8 inches) or a long wheelbase (120.6 inches). Available options include a rearview camera, QuickClear electric windshield defrost, and panoramic fixed glass roof. The test driven Transit Connect Titanium long wheelbase wagon with 2.5-liter engine collects estimated mpg of 19 city/27 highway and carries a base MSRP of $29,300.