2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon: She Said, She Said

While at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, Cars.com Family writers Carrie Kim, a mom of one, and BreAnn Ahara, a mom of three, checked out the Transit Connect Wagon and came away with differing opinions on whether it will work well for families.

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Carrie Kim: I know I’m definitely in the minority of most moms, but I’d rock a Ford Transit Connect Wagon. Seriously, I would. I’m not asking for one for Christmas or anything, but if I needed to transport people with a lot of stuff, I think it would work. And by work, I mean not only well, but comfortably and efficiently, too.

BreAnn Ahara: Yes, Carrie, you are definitely in the minority. I don’t understand where Ford is going with this wagon. As a minivan-loving mom who favors function over form, you couldn’t pay me to drive around in that thing. Wait. Scratch that, you probably could pay me … and considering that the only people up to this point that I’ve seen driving around in the Transit Connect are the local ADT reps, apparently that’s true for most.

BA: Ford wants to avoid calling its Transit Connect Wagon a “minivan,” but with two sliding doors and the ability to seat seven — I’m calling it like I see it: It’s a minivan, and a terrible one at that. While it may be smaller and more fuel efficient than a traditional minivan, it lacks the two key elements of why people buy minivans: the ability to carry people and cargo in a fuel-efficient manner.

In the 2013 Toyota Sienna, there’s 39.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind that third row. However, in the Transit Connect Wagon, there is only 19.8 cubic feet. Yes, there are seven seat belts in the wagon’s long-wheelbase version, but those seven people are all you’d be able to carry. Forget about hauling the soccer team’s gear or the family’s luggage for a road trip. What about a busy, errand-running mom of four? She’s probably going to bring along a large stroller and will still need some room for groceries in the cargo area of the Transit Connect Wagon. Not looking so versatile now, is it?

BA: I agree with Carrie that the ability to seat three car seats across a single row is vehicular gold, which I must note we have yet put this vehicle through our Car Seat Check. But even if that’s the case, you are left with a five-seat wagon that has a large cargo area. Sounds like every other wagon out there. Plus, there are more stylish options that I’d prefer over this “toaster on wheels.”

CK: While the Transit Connect Wagon might not have a mass appeal to most families, most families will agree that they value having options.

BA: One positive mark is that Ford is projecting the Transit Connect Wagon will get more than 30 mpg highway. The automaker also says it’s going to be much more cost effective than a traditional minivan. That’s not enough to snare me, though. Even if they were giving this thing away, I still wouldn’t drive it. The Transit Connect Wagon just doesn’t meet the needs of my large family. And it’s ugly.

Related
2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon: First Look
2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon: Up Close
More 2012 L.A. Auto Show Coverage