2018 Ford Transit Connect Review
Price Range: $8,900 - $25,998





+417
Edmunds' Expert Review

by Peter Gareffa
Staff Writer
Peter digs deep to help provide shoppers with the information they need to make wise car-buying decisions and keep informed about the auto industry.
Pros
- Offers many configurations
- Two available body styles and lengths
- Comfortable seating
Cons
- Unimpressive performance and fuel economy
- Wagon's second-row seating doesn't slide or recline
What’s new
The 2018 Ford Transit Connect receives only minor changes in the availability of its standard and optional features.
Vehicle overview
Commercial van buyers who operate in confined urban areas or carry smaller loads should find the 2018 Ford Transit Connect to be an affordable, practical alternative to a full-size van. It doesn't have the room, payload and towing capacity of the larger models, but its four-cylinder engine and car-based platform make it more economical to operate and easier to maneuver.
For sale near Summit, NJ
37 listings
- 118,303 miles
- Frame damage reported, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- G Motors Old Bridge (19 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Stability Control
- Aux Audio Inputs
Close
Located in Old Bridge, NJ
Looking for a reliable work van with outstanding versatility and practicality? The 2018 Ford Transit Connect Cargo XL Van 4D offers a perfect blend of...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: Yes
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: NM0LS7E74J1371743
Stock: OL371743
Certified Pre-Owned: No- $20,595fair price$31 above market
- 31,387 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, government vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- Miller Hyundai (126 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Upgraded Engine
- Stability Control
- Aux Audio Inputs
Close
Located in Vestal, NY
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: NM0LS6E77J1373206
Stock: A108985
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-18-2025
The Transit Connect is available in two body styles, three trim levels, two wheelbases, and with a number of options that make it easy to customize for the job at hand. The short-wheelbase passenger wagon can seat up to five, while the long-wheelbase model can accommodate up to seven. The highest trim level is comfortably outfitted with such features as leather seats, dual-zone climate control with separate rear climate controls, and a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation.
In addition to economy, utility and practicality, this Euro-derived van features a relatively stylish design that's a cut above some of its boxier competitors. And the cabin provides a comfortable environment, with decently supportive seats and a modern, well-organized dashboard. Shoppers looking for a small people-hauler or a work van that delivers many of the capabilities of a larger vehicle should consider taking a test drive in a 2018 Ford Transit Connect.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
With its four-cylinder engine and car-based platform, the 2018 Ford Transit Connect will suit buyers in the market for an affordable work or passenger van that's easier to handle and more economical than a traditional full-size model.
Trim tested
Edmunds has only limited experience with the Ford Transit Connect. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.
Driving
Although the 2018 Ford Transit Connect lacks the get-up-and-go of many V6-powered competitors, it feels much lighter and a lot more agile around town. These characteristics are equally useful for large families and for delivery drivers needing to get in and out of tight spaces.
Comfort
The Transit Connect's ride can be bumpy over rough roads, and suspension-transmitted noises tend to make their way into the cabin. As a result, shoppers transitioning from a traditional minivan may find that the suspension doesn't quite provide the suppleness and isolation they've come to expect.
Seat comfort
The Transit Connect wagon makes a good family vehicle, with generous space for up to seven passengers. And both short- and long-wheelbase cargo vans are available to meet your needs. The quality of the interior materials is below that of many Ford products but is still pretty nice for its class.
Utility
If you need to haul cargo, the short-wheelbase cargo van offers 103.9 cubic feet behind the front seats, while the long-wheelbase models boast 128.6 cubic feet. Cargo room in the short-wheelbase wagons is reduced to a maximum of 77.1 cubic feet, and the long-wheelbase models offer 104.2 cubic feet.
Technology
The available Ford Sync 3 infotainment system is quick to respond to user inputs and feels much like a smartphone, with pinch-to-zoom and swiping gestures. Less user-friendly is the standard stereo interface, which consists of a small central screen controlled by many buttons.
Which Transit Connect does Edmunds recommend?
The base XL trim will do if you're shopping for a Transit Connect on a budget. But for only a modest price jump, we'd recommend the XLT. Stepping up to the higher trim level adds a number of comfort and convenience features that make for a more pleasant driving experience, and both are available in short- and long-wheelbase versions to suit your needs.
Compare 2018 Ford Transit Connect trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2018 Ford Transit Connect models
The 2018 Ford Transit Connect is a compact minivan offered in Cargo Van and Wagon body styles, each with two different wheelbases. Three trim levels are available: XL, XLT and the wagon-only Titanium. The XLT and Titanium wagons seat five or seven, depending on which wheelbase you select, while seven-passenger seating is standard on the XL. All versions have dual sliding rear doors and give you a choice between swing-out back cargo doors or an overhead liftgate. (The Titanium trim only comes with the liftgate.)
There's only one engine available in the Transit Connect: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 169 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Base standard equipment on the XL Cargo Van includes 16-inch steel wheels, gray grille/bumpers/side moldings, keyless entry, air conditioning, vinyl upholstery and floor coverings, built-in cargo tie-down hooks, an overhead storage shelf, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power front windows, power door locks and a two-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio input jack. The XL Wagon version comes with the same standard equipment but adds rear parking sensors, driver lumbar adjustment, second- and third-row seats, two rear speakers for the stereo, rear climate controls and power second-row windows.
Stepping up to the XLT Cargo Van gets you body-color bumpers, foglights, power-adjustable heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, cloth upholstery, carpeted floor coverings, driver lumbar adjustment, a passenger vanity mirror, a multifunction display, cruise control and a CD player.
The XLT Wagon comes in short- and long-wheelbase models and mirrors the XLT cargo's equipment. It also adds automatic headlights with configurable daytime running lamps, roof rails, automatic wipers, a rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver seat, a conversation mirror, a thicker acoustic windshield, four front speakers for the sound system and voice controls. Ford's MyKey system is also included.
The top-of-the-line Titanium wagon adds 16-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cornering foglights, power-folding mirrors, chrome exterior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, navigation and the Sync 3 infotainment interface.
Some noteworthy options include 16-inch alloy wheels, a compressed natural gas engine-prep package, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a towing package, a roof rack, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, satellite and HD radio, and the Ford Sync 3 infotainment system with 6.5-inch touchscreen.

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Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XL 4dr Minivan w/Rear 180 Degree Doors SWB (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.97 per gallon for regular unleaded in New Jersey.
Monthly estimates based on costs in New Jersey
$160/mo for Transit Connect Cargo Van XL
Transit Connect Cargo Van XL
vs
$143/mo
Avg. Compact Minivan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Average
#3 out of 24 among Commercial Vans
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ford Transit Connect from 2008-2022.$740/yr
vs. $851/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.78x/yr
vs. 1.96x/yr
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14.8%
vs. 17.8%
for Average Commercial Van
for Average Commercial Van
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Ford Transit Connect Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(46%)
4(15%)
3(15%)
2(11%)
1(13%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great when you want a small minivan
5 out of 5 starsChris N., 09/29/2016
2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon XLT 4dr Minivan w/Rear Liftgate SWB (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
We bought this to replace our beloved Mazda MPV after 220k miles. The MPV was small, we wanted a similar sized minivan. We test drove about 20 minivans and similar hybrids, but when I got in this, I told my wife "this is it". The forward view is so wide it feels like driving a motor coach or bus. I love the open view and light. The little details like the notch mirrors are great... but … needed as there is a bit of a blind spot on the passenger shoulder area. Overall it feels very open with high visibility. Storage space is great on the 3 row model. The fold flat seats take some getting used to, but offer a very flat large storage area. A bit smaller than our MPV, but large enough to haul most of the bigger stuff from the store like chairs and tvs. The worst downsides for me are 1. slow acceleration 2. AC takes forever to cool down 3. things will roll right out of the back unless you put the optional net in because there is no storage well 4. second row seats do not recline (oddly the third row does) 5. with the third row seats up there is very very little storage room behind those seats. 6. no volume controls on the left of the steering wheel which means I can't fully drive with only one hand there on the left 7. I always find the cruise control a little confusing. 8. microsoft sync system can be a bit buggy (i've had to power down the car a few times to get it to fully restart, it's done "scheduled maintenance" where it's updating lord knows what for 8 min and not working) 9. I don't like that you can't turn off the proximity alerts. Sometimes they get annoying; YES I KNOW I'M NEAR THE WALL AT THE DRIVE THROUGH. 10. the steering is a bit loose, it's not a car that you want to steer with your knee for even a second. That may sound like a lot of bad stuff, and those things ARE annoying, but overall, I still love the car. What it gets right, it really gets right. It's comfortable, flexible, and for the most part I love the controls and sound system. There are lots of little things like bag hooks and storage nooks that just make it a pleasure to use. My wife is short and I am tall, and it works for both of us quite well. Backup camera is amazing.
Great Little Van with some imperfections
4 out of 5 starsDV Synthetic Lubricants , 09/04/2019
2018 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XL 4dr Minivan w/Rear 180 Degree Doors LWB (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I have owned this van LWB XLCargo for 15 months and 26k. Overall I like this van. I use it as a delivery vehicle to deliver oil and make sales call to my customers. Not that I'm not happy with this van but I wish I would have purchased an XLT model. I've added a backup camera. Tinted the windows. Love the tinted glass. I'll list the things that Ford SHOULD have improved upon first.
LOW … POINTS
1. Fuel tank is too small. 15.8 gallons
2. Stock tires in the upper midwest suck in the winter.
3. Road noise is greater than I'd like. Maybe Ford should have add extra insulation under the Vinyl
flooring.
4. The ride is a little firm on rough roads especially when empty but smooths out considerably
when loaded.
5. Engine power is adequate in most driving situtaions but could use a boost for freeway on
ramps. That being said I can cruise at 75 mph or higher without issue.
HIGH POINTS
1. Excellent fuel economy 25-27 in mixed driving, Over 30 mpg on the interstate trips.
2. Excellent handling
3. Great visibility
4. Comfortable seats even for long trips
5. Select Shift transmission
UPDATE 34 months and 50k miles.
I've had Zero issues with this van. It's been great in the snow with Michelin Defenders. If I could change 1 thing I'd give it more power. Although I've had no issues driving in nasty Wisconsin winters it would be great if there was an AWD option.
Update September 2021
My opinion haven't changed. Great van for my needs.
63k Van still performs as expected. Maintenance, Rear brakes and replaced a weak battery and scheduled oil changes.
Big PT
5 out of 5 starsBackporch Music, 09/04/2016
2016 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van XL 4dr Minivan w/Rear Liftgate SWB (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
fall 2023 still got it. new not available
fall 2021
Still all same except the trade in value is GOING UP !!!
1Spring 2021 the year of the pandemic added less than 3000 miles and continued satisfaction. It'll jast add another year before trading to the next Transit Connect.Fall 2018 - Keys in pocket produce many unwanted "butt locks" and unplanned opening of ALL windows when van is … unattended have admitted flying insects and rain. Am considering adding projection gages to view on windshield because of difficult viewing of existing ones. Still happy with choice of the Transit Connect.
Update 2018-Dependable,reliable and dealer service reminders make it self sufficient (someone reminds me of every service required) It will be first choice model when time fot replacement and that will be awhile.
After 5 PT Cruisers wasn't sure what would replace our long time preference when it was discontinued. Easy access with wide doors and right-height sitdown seats coupled with room for second limited ability passenger PLUS two Rollator walkers make the Transit Connect BETTER than the 20 different makes and models we checked. The seating arrangement for 3 or four is better for us than the limited (2) seating in out NV200. The easy fold or remove seats enable use of ALL space behind front seats with plenty of tie down locations. Gas mileage isn't impressive, but since we travel short distances, it is less consequential. Proximity alarms take getting used to and when the radio cuts out, it isn't obvious that it's caused by the sensors because you're getting close (in the garage) even when it's intentional. Like every new vehicle, there are so many bells and whistles that you'll be discovering surprise capabilities until the day you trade for you next vehicle. 2017 UPDATE: After a year, have learned to rely on proximity sensors and alarms and does that save twisting an old neck. Found more unused features and don't care to have dedicated buttons for things (Sirius) I don't use. Don't like SYNC for onboard features (USB). Still VERY SATISFIED with our Transit Connect
2016 UPDATE: SURPRISE option. Vehicle HAD locking lugnuts but not the special socket to remove them. Dealership didn't have one either. A slow leak and a low tire warning light started a 3 day saga to remove the problem tire. Dealer came through (3 days) but had it been a sudden flat, the only solution would have started on a roll back. They're gone and have been the ONLY disappointment with our Transit Connect. I'm still trying to understand why I would need to have full shift control (1-2-3-4-5-6) other than low for snow. Park,Reverse, Drive and Low have served well for over 50 years and if I wanted manual shift, I would also need a clutch. Don't need or use "S" but still very satisfied with vehicle.
2019 update: Replaced 4 tires @ 30,000 miles. Tires designed to carry cargo load with low profile are more expensive and wear faster above 40 psi than those for standard passenger vehicles. Learned that some must be mounted as marked "inside" or "outside". Still happy with van but still bothered by "butt beeps".
2020 update: Added brighter led lighting to cargo area .Satisfied curiosity about load capacity without seats. Musical equipment fit ok but still had to lift more than into Nissan nv200. Value is dropping because of age and price is rising because of inflation. Considering trade to newer Transit Connect while trade in value is worth anything.
2022 UPDATE - 42000 miles and replaced front rotors and brake pads all around. Since it's 6 years old and still meeting all expectations, have decided to keep it since newer models offer nothing better to our needs.
2023 UPDATE -48000 miles and thinking about value decreasing in current economy but went shopping to find NO NEW REPLACEMENTS in stock. Looks like owning one and keeping it has proven to be a good strategy.
Skinny but Tall
5 out of 5 starsTheWagonDriver, 06/23/2019
2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon Titanium LWB 4dr Minivan (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I have the Titanium Long Wagon. I really have enjoyed this vehicle. It drives like a small car and is very nimble. The 2.5 engine is okay, it isn't fast but is plenty capable for the vehicle. I have averaged 22mpg with 2 adults and 3 kids riding in it. The seats are pretty comfortable for around town. The passenger area is good for a small family. The cargo area behind the third row is … small without having the seats slid all the way up. With the seats folded down there is a great amount of cargo space. My only complaint of the cargo room is the back is only 46" wide. I wish it was 48" wide for carrying a sheet of plywood. I traded my truck for a family vehicle and that is the main thing I miss. I like my little wagon but then again I like odd vehicles.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Ford Transit Connect, so we've included reviews for other years of the Transit Connect since its last redesign.
2018 Transit Connect Highlights
Cargo Van XL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,215 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $160/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 103.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Transit Connect models:
- Forward and Reverse Sensing System
- Alerts the driver to obstacles when parking.
- Blind-Spot Information System
- Detects vehicles in your blind spots and signals an alert when you try to change lanes without using the turn signal.
- Sync 3 w/Rearview Camera
- Bundles a rearview camera with the Sync 3 infotainment system and includes a crash notification feature that automatically dials emergency services.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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