The 2020 Ford Transit Connect Van 2WD, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, gets an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 25 MPG. While this won’t set any fuel efficiency records, it’s a perfectly acceptable number for a compact cargo van designed to haul tools, equipment, and goods around town. The Transit Connect prioritizes practicality and efficiency in a work environment over sporty driving or luxury, and its fuel economy reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Transit Connect will get 24 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the typical stop-and-go driving of urban work routes and the more consistent speeds of highway deliveries or longer commutes. The automatic (S8) transmission helps optimize fuel consumption in both situations, keeping the engine in its most efficient range. Fleet managers and small business owners appreciate the consistent performance because it helps them budget fuel costs and predict operational expenses.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect Van 2WD is $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. While individual costs will vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices, it provides a useful benchmark for potential buyers. This is important information for businesses managing their budget, and it shows the Transit Connect’s affordable running costs compared to larger, less fuel-efficient vans.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized baseline, actual fuel economy can change. Cargo weight, driving style, and weather conditions affect it. Drivers who often load the Transit Connect to its maximum payload capacity will likely see lower fuel economy. Hard acceleration and frequent braking will also negatively impact MPG. However, with good driving habits, achieving the EPA-estimated numbers is realistic for most owners. Remember that all Ford fuel economy data and driver behavior affect real-world numbers.

How it compares

In the compact cargo van segment, the Transit Connect is competitive in fuel efficiency. The Ram ProMaster City, for example, is rated at 24 MPG combined, making the Transit Connect slightly more economical. The Nissan NV200, another competitor, also gets around 24 MPG combined. These differences may seem small, but they can add up over thousands of miles and years of operation, so the Transit Connect is a good choice for those wanting to save on fuel. Buyers looking at TRANSIT MPG across all years will be able to see the trends.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is critical for good fuel economy. Make sure the tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Schedule regular oil changes and air filter replacements as specified in the owner’s manual to keep the engine running smoothly.

Keep unnecessary weight out of the van. Carrying extra tools or equipment that aren’t needed for the current job will hurt fuel consumption. Empty the cargo area of any non-essential items to improve fuel economy, especially during city driving.

Drive smoothly. Avoid hard acceleration and hard braking, as these habits consume more fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed when possible. Using cruise control on the highway can also help maintain consistent fuel efficiency.

Plan your routes well. Reduce unnecessary trips and combine errands when possible to reduce the number of miles driven. Using a GPS navigation system to find the most direct route can save fuel and time.

Be mindful of idling. Idling wastes fuel, especially in cold weather. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save fuel. Restarting the engine uses less fuel than idling for a long time.