Introduction
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect is a compact van offered as a
commercial cargo van or as a passenger version called the Transit Connect Wagon. Ford says the 2014 Transit Connect is roomier inside than a
Mazda 5, gets better fuel economy than a
Toyota Sienna, and carries the same amount of payload as a pickup truck.
The new 2014 Transit Connect Wagon carries up to 7 passengers and is offered in XL, XLT and Titanium trim levels.
Exterior Features
Two versions of the 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon are available: a short-wheelbase model with 5-passenger seating, and a long-wheelbase model with 7-passenger seating. The Transit Connect includes sliding side entry doors and a choice between a rear liftgate or dual access doors that swing out to the sides.
Interior Features
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon is equipped with two rows of seats in short-wheelbase format, or three rows of seats in long-wheelbase format. The seats fold flat to create up to 100 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and the third-row seat slides fore and aft to maximize passenger space or cargo space as is necessary.
Depending on the trim level selected, the Transit Connect Wagon is equipped with vinyl, cloth or leather seats.
Optional Features
As this preview is written, Ford has not finalized standard and optional equipment lists for the three different versions of the Transit Connect Wagon. The automaker does, however, confirm that this new family van will include a reversing camera, child observation mirror, electric windshield defroster, and a full glass panoramic roof. Additionally, Transit Connect Wagon buyers will be able to choose a Sync smartphone pairing system with 9-1-1 Assist, MyFord Touch technology, and a navigation system with a 6.5-inch color touch screen.
Under the Hood
Ford plans to offer two different engines in the 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon. The standard engine will be a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. The upgrade engine will be a turbocharged, 1.6-liter, EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed automatic transmission will power the Transit Connect Wagon's front wheels.
Ford had not divulged horsepower and torque figures for these engines as this preview is written. In the
Fusion sedan, the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder generates 175 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 1.6-liter EcoBoost is rated to deliver 173 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.
Ford says the Transit Connect Wagon will get 30 mpg or better when cruising on the highway, and will return better city fuel economy than larger minivans. It will also provide a 1,200-pound payload capacity and a 2,000-pound towing capacity.
Safety
The new Ford Transit Connect Wagon will have 8 standard air bags, including dual front restraints, side-impact restraints for both the pelvis and body, and side-curtain air bags for all outboard seating positions.
Ford's MyKey programmable safety technology is standard, allowing the van's owner to program specific vehicle attributes such as seat belt usage warnings, speed warnings and limits, maximum volume limits, and more. The Transit Connect Wagon will also offer a reversing camera and Sync smartphone pairing with 9-1-1 Assist service. With 9-1-1 Assist, an emergency operator automatically reaches out to the vehicle's occupants after an air bag deployment as long as a paired phone is aboard the vehicle.
Technology
When the 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon goes on sale at the end of 2013, it will offer an optional MyFord Touch infotainment system, including a navigation system.
All Ford Model Ratings
