2025 Ford Transit Connect: Everything You Need To Know

19/09/2025 15:37 Share

2025 Ford Transit Connect: Everything You Need To Know

While the Ford Transit itself has been a stalwart of the commercial vehicle industry for 60 years now, ‘Transit’ as an expansive brand line is by contrast a comparatively recent development – and it’s all thanks to the Ford Transit Connect.

Indeed, the nameplate first appeared in 2002 as Ford expanded its commercial efforts to include a small van to go up against the Renault Kangoo and FIAT Doblo.

Though distinguished by being referred to as ‘Connect’, it would nonetheless become the first model to make use of the revered Transit nameplate alongside the original.

Since then, the Transit Custom and Transit Courier have joined Ford’s commercial line-up to cash in on the fondness and trust associated with the good name Transit.

Now in its third generation –the latest model having been launched in 2024 – the Transit Connect competes in a fiercely contested space alongside quality rivals as the Citroen Berlingo, Vauxhall Combo and Nissan Townstar.

So, does the latest Ford Transit Connect have to rely on its association with a famous sibling, or is it accomplished enough to woo businesses all on its own?

Ford Caddy Shacks Up with VW for Latest Transit Connect

One of the newest models in the small van category, the latest generation Ford Transit Connect made its official debut as recently as last year.

This is despite the similar-looking passenger-version of the van – the Tourneo Connect – being on sale since 2021, which itself is based on the latest Volkswagen Caddy that was launched in 2020.

Either way, place them side-by-side and it is evident the Transit Connect and Caddy are cousins, though Ford has adapted the front-end for a better family resemblance to other models in the Transit line-up.

That the Transit Connect and Caddy are related is no surprise. Indeed, Ford and Volkswagen have developed a close alliance in recent years with several models in the Blue Oval’s range sharing architecture with equivalent ‘VeeDubs’, including the Ranger (Amarok) and Transit Custom (Transporter).

Where the Transit Connect differs though is that it is developed from an existing Volkswagen platform (whereas the Amarok and Transporter are derived from Fords) and are built alongside one another in Poland.

2025 Ford Transit Connect: Dimensions, Loads & Body Styles

Ford Transit Connect Payload Capacity:

SWB – 691-739kg
LWB – 723-771kg
FlexCab SWB – 593-782kg
FlexCab LWB – 624-790kg

The Ford Transit Connect is available in both L1 and L2 body sizes – branded SWB and LWB here – as well as a versatile FlexCab, which can seat up to five people.

It represents one of two small vans available from Ford with the Transit Connect lining up alongside the Transit Courier.

Of the two, the Transit Connect is the larger van measuring 4500mm in SWB guise, compared with the Courier’s more compact 4337mm, while it also has a larger cargo bay at 3.1 cubic metres (versus its stablemate’s 2.9 cubic metres).

Opt for the longer wheelbase option (LWB) and the Transit Connect extends to 4853mm in overall length with a 3.7 cubic metre load bay, which like the SWB is smaller than some key rivals but remain competitive overall.

The cargo bay is accessed via at least one sliding side door on SWB models, while a second can be fitted at extra cost. Two sliding doors are standard on LWB models.

Inside, there are multiple lashing points dotted around the load area, while the 12-volt power supply – ideal for charging tools on the go – is a neat touch.

In terms of payload, the Transit Connect LWB offers up the most generous figures with up to 771kg available, while it’s worth pointing out that the Transit Connect offers up a larger payload capacity than the sister Volkswagen Caddy.

The Ford Transit Connect FlexCab – essentially a crew van – can be had in both SWB and LWB guise and offers seating for up to five people. Drawing inspiration from the Tourneo Connect MPV, the FlexCab’s rearmost seats can be folded upwards to form a de facto bulkhead while leaving enough cargo space to accommodate two Euro pallets.

2025 Ford Transit Connect: Engine, Performance & Powertrains

The Ford Transit Connect is available with either a diesel engine (with two different power options) and – unusually for the commercial vehicle market - as a PHEV (petrol/plug-in hybrid).

This differs from the Ford Transit Courier, which has petrol, diesel and fully electric power options.

In diesel trim, the Transit Connect offers a 2.0-litre engine with either 102 or 122PS. Both models return similar fuel economy figures of around 50mpg, though the more powerful of the two engines has more pulling strength with 320Nm of torque making it better suited to towing or hauling heavier payloads.

While the Transit Connect does without the option of a pure electric version, unlike most of its rivals in the small van segment, it is available with as a PHEV.

This comprises a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a 19.7kWh battery, which can either work together to generate more power or operate independently.

Capable of travelling upwards of 72 miles on battery power alone, it is therefore possible to drive the Transit Connect PHEV short distances in towns and cities without using fuel. This greatly reduces running costs and also ensures it is permitted to enter clean air zones.

Even with the petrol engine, the Transit Connect PHEV is a frugal option as a whole, with fuel economy listed as 158mpg, while CO2 emissions are just 42g/km.

2025 Ford Transit Connect: Specification, Features & Safety

The Ford Transit Connect is available across three trim levels – Trend, Limited and Active.

Only Trend and Limited are available with the standard SWB/LWB panel vans, while Active is reserved for the FlexCab variant only.

Standard equipment on the Ford Transit Connect Trend trim includes:

- Powered heated mirrors
- Quickclear electric windshield defroster
- Auto headlamps
- Fog lamps
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display
- DAB radio with Bluetooth and navigation (with subscription)
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality
- Air-conditioning
- Powered windows
- Stop-Start system
- Driver/passenger/side/curtain airbags
- Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist safety features

Standard equipment on the Ford Transit Connect Limited trim includes (in addition to Trend):

- Body coloured bumpers, tailgate handle and mirrors
- Automatic windscreen wipers
- Cargo area LED lights
- Fold flat passenger seat with integrated work surface
- Dual electronic air-conditioning
- Alloy wheels
- Wireless charging pad
- Adaptive cruise control pack (includes rear-view camera and blind spot assist)

Standard equipment on the Ford Transit Connect Active trim includes (in addition to Limited):

- Honeycomb-effect grille
- Unique alloy wheels
- LED taillights

The Ford Transit Connect (together with the Volkswagen Caddy) have been assessed as part of EuroNCAP’s safety testing procedures.

Both models achieved the full five-stars in the tests, which assess the effectiveness of crash avoidance systems in lieu of physical crash impact testing like passenger cars.

EuroNCAP praised the Transit Connect, reporting that its ‘five-star rating is well-deserved and reflects Ford’s policy of keeping their models up to date when it comes to safety’.

2025 Ford Transit Connect Compared with Small Van Rivals

* Single example model used, comparisons with other vans may vary depending on specification

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