2022 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van

Just because you drive a cargo van doesn't mean you have to suffer behind the wheel or look like a questionable character while driving; the 2022 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van offers Euro styling, car-like handling, and a comfortable interior that blurs the lines between a cargo van and car. Since last year, the Cargo Van has been offered with an optional 2.5-liter engine and a CNG/LPG Engine Prep Package - previously, this engine was limited to fleet-only customers. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine remains. While not a ball of fire, the Transit's powertrains get the job done and it comes in with a starting price of $25,175. Our Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van review will uncover how it competes with rivals like the Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo.

The Transit Connect is a good looking cargo van when compared to competitors such as the Nissan NV200, and we appreciate the Euro-look of the front end. It also doesn't look too bad alongside its Transit Connect Passenger Wagon sibling. Standard exterior features on the base model include 180-degree swing-out rear cargo doors, auto HID headlamps, configurable daytime running lights, and an Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler. Higher spec XLT models get halogen fog lights and body-color bumpers. 16-inch steel wheels with full covers are standard on all derivatives.

The 2022 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van comes in short and long-wheelbase versions, so the dimensions vary significantly according to configuration. The SWB variants get a 104.8-inch wheelbase and measure 174.2 inches in total length. Including mirrors, the SWB is 84.1 inches wide. The LWB van rolls on a 120.6-inch wheelbase and measures 190 inches in total length and shares the same width. Both configurations have a height of 72 inches at their respective curb weights. The SWB weighs in at 3,581 pounds, while the LWB weighs 3,726 lbs when equipped with the larger engine.

Powering the 2022 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine which produces 162 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and start/stop technology is standard. Unladen, the Transit Connect feels peppy enough around town, but get onto the highway, and things take a turn for the worse; you'll be able to get up to cruising speed, but forget about any quick overtaking maneuvers. The available 2.5-liter iVCT four-cylinder engine is barely more powerful with outputs of 169 hp and 171 lb-ft, although it does come with a CNG/LPG Engine Prep Package. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The LWB model has a slightly higher payload of 1,550 lbs but both the LWB and SWB have a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.

Ford cargo vans have been impressing motor journalists with their car-like handling for years, and the 2022 Transit Connect Cargo Van is no different; it will remain composed way past the point at which any regular cargo van should and instills a sense of confidence that's usually reserved for compact pedestrian SUVs and the sort. One of its main rivals, the Nissan NV200, is also a good handling little cargo van, but the Ford feels more car-like. Steering in the Transit Connect is light but precise enough not to feel sloppy at highway speeds. We did notice, however, that the ride becomes bouncy at low speeds when driving over bumpy terrain.

Gas mileage is on par with the rest of the small cargo van class; the 2022 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van will return an EPA estimated 24/27/25 mpg city/highway/combined when running on regular gas. The Transit Connect has a party trick up its sleeve, however; it can run on E85, which is cheaper than regular gas, but you also pay a price; the Transit's gas mileage figures drop all the way down to 18/20/19 mpg when being fed corn juice. These numbers apply to the smaller 2.0-liter engine. In comparison, the Nissan NV200, also powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter engine, will return a similar 24/26/25 mpg. With its larger 2.5-liter engine, the Ford manages 20/27/22 mpg.

The 2022 Transit Connect comes fitted with a 15.8-gallon fuel tank which gives it an estimated maximum range of between 300 and 395 miles.

Being a natural cargo van, the 2022 Ford Transit Connect will only seat two people, legally. What this means is that there's tons of room for both occupants above the head, in front of the knees, and beside the hips. The official measurements read as follows: front headroom is a massive 46.9 inches, perfect for those seven-foot-tall delivery guys. Legroom is measured at 41.5 inches, shoulder room comes in at 57.6 inches, and there are 54.2 inches of hip room. The total passenger volume is 63.2 cubic feet.

The only reason people buy cargo vans is that they offer lots of space in the back, so if you want to be successful in the cargo van market, it's wise to ensure that your cargo van offers a lot of space. The Transit Connect is up there with its contemporaries. In SWB format, the Transit Connect offers cargo length at the floor of 71.9 inches, dropping to 61.3 at the beltline. Maximum cargo height is between 49.7 and 49.8 inches, there is 48.7 inches of space between the wheel housings, and the side door opening height and width comes in at 44.4 and 24.2 inches respectively. The rear door opening is 47.3 inches tall and 49.2 inches wide. The load floor height at curb weight is between 22.9 and 23 inches. LWB models get an 87.6-inch long floor length, going down to 77 at the beltline, a side door opening height of 44.4 inches, a rear door opening width of 49.2 inches, and an opening height of 45.5. With all seats in place, the LWB model offers 127.4 cubic feet of cargo volume and SWB vans get 104.8 cubic feet.

As far as cargo vans go, the Transit Connect doesn't do too badly for itself, and even the base model, which one would think should be as utilitarian as they come, offers some nice features that offer a near-civilian driving experience. XL models feature 180-degree swing-out rear cargo doors, configurable daytime running lamps, and automatic HID headlights. Inside, you get basics such as manual climate control, a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, and four-way passenger seat, all wrapped in vinyl. Advanced tech such as remote keyless entry and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity are welcome additions. The range-topping XLT comes with features such as front fog lamps and gets standard power-adjustable, PowerFold, heated exterior mirrors, as well as blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and cruise control.

You're not going to be hosting international DJ sensation David Guetta from the back of the Transit Cargo Van, but you will be able to entertain yourself and your co-pilot on long journeys. The base model features a 4.2-inch LCD multi-function display with steering wheel controls and four speakers in the front. This system gets basics such as an AM/FM radio with Bluetooth and one USB port. The XLT retains four speakers but adds Ford's excellent SYNC 3 infotainment management system which includes a larger 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen. It also adds two smart-charging USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and 911 Assist. Crucially, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become available with SYNC 3. Optional features include voice-activated navigation along with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. The surfeit of empty space in the Transit Connect's interior means that the four speakers sound tinny and lose their punch, but Living After Midnight by Judas Priest sounds good in any cargo van.

The Transit Connect Cargo Van will be expected to work hard during its lifetime and do so on a regular basis, so reliability is a crucial factor. The 2021 Transit suffered two recalls for issues including a detached shift cable that can cause a stationary vehicle to roll away and a malfunctioning seat-belt locking retractor - with the seat-belt problem carrying over to the 2022 model as well.

Ford will cover the 2022 Transit Connect Cargo Van with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, along with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The corrosion warranty runs for five years regardless of mileage and roadside assistance is provided for five years or 60,000 miles.

The Ford Transit Connect Van hasn't been comprehensively tested by the NHTSA but it did score four stars out of five for the frontal crash and five stars for the side crash. The IIHS has not yet evaluated this vehicle.

The base model comes with safety gear like tire pressure monitoring, a rearview camera, torque vectoring control, emergency brake assist, curve control, hill start assist, and six airbags. On the XLT, additions include blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are offered as options.

The 2022 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van straddles the line between utilitarian workhorse and civilized daily transporter: its attractive Euro-centric exterior styling and comfortable interior will lead you to believe you're behind the wheel of some sort of compact SUV, and so will its easy-to-drive nature. However, the Connect still gets the job done. Both engine choices are somewhat underpowered, and the base model doesn't offer the most in terms of features, but there's enough to get by. The XLT model impressed us with its solid driver assistance features and good tech features such as SiriusXM radio and wireless charging. If you run a small business in and around a city center, then this car is right up your alley.

Ford offers the 2022 Transit Connect Cargo Van at a very reasonable $25,175 for the base XL. This price does not include tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,395. For $27,600, you get access to the better-equipped XLT. These prices are for the Transit Connect Cargo Van when equipped with the short wheelbase and the smaller 2.0-liter engine.

The price of the Transit Connect Van will increase depending on the wheelbase and powertrain choices you make. For exactly $1,000, you can upgrade from the short wheelbase to the longer one. A small $315 outlay will get you the larger 2.5-liter engine.

Other similar vehicles for sale in the US include the Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo that begins at a more affordable $23,630.

In the USA, the range-topping XLT demands a premium of only $2,425 over the base model XL and offers a number of added features that make it well worth the extra cost. We already love the fact that the Connect offers a bunch of car-like characteristics such as its relatively dynamic handling capabilities, handsome exterior styling, and comfortable interior, but the XLT takes things a step further, especially in the safety department. The XLT enjoys standard power mirrors, but more importantly, it is at the receiving end of blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and a much better infotainment setup. It also has access to even more safety features so we believe it's the better buy.

The Nissan NV200 is by no means a class-leader, and with only one cargo hold size, it is somewhat limited in terms of its loading capacity, but with a lower asking price, it is still in the race. Powering the Nissan NV200 Cargo Van is a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter gas engine that produces a humble 131 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. We thought the Transit Connect felt a bit underpowered, but the NV200 makes the Ford look like a supercar. At least the gas mileage figures of 24/26/25 miles per gallon are more competitive. The NV200 is only available in a single size, so while its cargo dimensions are generally better than the SWB Transit Connect, the LWB dominates it. Out on the road, it is a pleasure to drive and offers enough refinement to get by as a daily driver, but it's interior and spec levels are way below that of the Transit. If you're looking for a no-frills small cargo van, then the NV200 is worth a look, but if you have the money to spend more, the Transit Connect is the better van.

The full-blooded Ford Transit Cargo Van is an institution and has become a part of American folklore through its famous Hollywood movie features and its sheer ability as a workhorse. It is one of the best-selling vans on the market. There are two engines on offer, both more than capable of hauling this big cargo van around town and on the freeway. The base engine is a naturally aspirated V6 gas engine that produces 275 hp, but if you're looking for something more, there's a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that produces 310 hp and 400 lb-ft. The Transit Van is offered with three roof heights and various body lengths and can be specified in RWD or AWD configuration. All trims are equipped with a ten-speed auto transmission. On the road, you can feel the extra weight around the corners, but there's still a good level of composure. With similar tech and comfort features, it all boils down to how much cargo space you need.