Vehicle Overview
The 2014 Ford Transit Connect wagon is a people-carrying version of Ford’s Transit Connect cargo van. The small Transit Connect wagon can carry up to seven occupants in three rows and has new conveniences similar to a minivan or crossover SUV.
A short-wheelbase model has room for five occupants in two rows, while the longer-wheelbase model has three rows and room for seven. The Transit Connect wagon features sliding doors like a minivan, has a payload capacity of up to 1,200 pounds and is powered by a choice of two engines offering up to an estimated 30 mpg on the highway.
New for 2014
The Transit Connect wagon is more than a cargo van with seats for 2014. An all-new interior and redesigned exterior give the wagon a less-commercial look compared to previous wagon versions. It now features some of the conveniences of a minivan or crossover, such as available navigation, advanced multimedia systems, big sunroofs and different trim levels. Newly available is a turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with estimated mileage up to 30 mpg on the highway.
Exterior
With a utilitarian box shape, the Transit Connect wagon still has the profile of a commercial vehicle with a tall roof to fit as much inside as possible. Seven-passenger models are about as long as a Toyota Highlander at 189.7 inches, while five-passenger models measure 173.9 inches, which is shorter than a Honda CR-V.
Available exterior features include rain-sensing wipers, heated washer jets, panoramic sunroof, and a choice of a rear liftgate or symmetrical hinged doors. Wheel choices are 16 or 17 inches, and the wagon can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Interior
Inside is where Ford makes the biggest transformation of the Transit Connect wagon. A fully-trimmed interior has carpet, available heated leather seats and other conveniences new to the Transit Connect wagon, which previously was similar a commercial van with seats mounted in the cargo area. The dashboard and other interior trimmings mirror what non-commercial family offerings from Ford.
In seven-passenger models, the second and third rows fold flat for an estimated 100-plus cubic feet of cargo volume, which is more than Ford’s own Flex at 83.2 cubic feet. Available interior options include MyFord Touch multimedia system with 6.5-inch touch-screen, voice-activated Sync multimedia system and navigation.
Under the Hood
The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Optional is a turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
The Transit Connect wagon features six standard airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows of seating, plus standard electronic stability system, antilock brakes and available MyKey system that can limit the vehicle speed and stereo volume for other drivers.
