When the 2019 Ford Transit Connect goes on sale this fall, shoppers can choose from either the two-seat Cargo Van or the Wagon version with three rows of seats to carry up to seven passengers. Regular- or long-wheelbase versions will also be available to fit owners' particular needs. The Transit Connect Wagon is fairly basic transportation for passengers since it lacks many of the creature comforts associated with more traditional minivans. One upside is that the seats fold flat from front to back, providing plenty of passenger-to-cargo flexibility.
The differences between this new Transit Connect and its predecessor are most evident in its appearance. Up front, the grille and headlights are more in line with Ford's current styling, resembling the Fusion sedan in many ways. Both sides receive sliding doors, and in back, buyers can choose between a single liftgate or split doors that open 180 degrees. On the inside, the dash has been redesigned and the first- and second-row seats have been reworked to provide greater comfort.
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. For the first time, a 1.5-liter turbodiesel is available, though not on the seven-passenger wagon. Ford estimates the diesel returns 30 mpg on the highway. Properly equipped, the 2019 Transit Connect tows up to 2,000 pounds.
Three trim levels are available for the updated Transit Connect: XL, XLT and Platinum. Standard on all models is forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and crosswind assist. Available options on certain trims include LED headlights and foglights, roof rails, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, active park assist, a wireless charging pad, the Sync 3 infotainment system, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Ford+Alexa personal assistant functions, and remote control over some functions via a smartphone app.
Check back with Edmunds as we near the launch date for more information on the 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon and Cargo Van.