22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but that’s what you get with the 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FFV 2.5L 4-cyl. This van is built to haul people and cargo efficiently and reliably. Fuel economy is less important to owners than utility. This isn’t a vehicle for weekend joyrides; it’s a workhorse, and owners understand the trade-off. Landscapers, caterers, airport shuttle services, and large families are the core demographic for this version of the Transit Connect, and they prioritize interior space and payload capacity over Prius-like efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates show 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, which hurts fuel consumption, especially with a large vehicle. Highway mileage is better, thanks to the engine operating more efficiently at consistent speeds. Remember that these figures are derived under controlled laboratory conditions. A fully loaded Transit Connect tackling steep grades will see its highway MPG decrease.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FFV 2.5L 4-cyl to be $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs can vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and fuel prices in your area. Drivers who drive significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, or those who accelerate hard and brake late, are likely to see that $2,000 increase.

Real-world expectations

The EPA ratings offer a baseline, but it’s essential to manage your expectations based on real-world use. Cargo weight will be a major factor. Hauling heavy loads consistently will reduce your MPG figures, potentially dropping below the EPA city and highway estimates. Driving style is another significant factor. Aggressive acceleration and speeding will negatively impact fuel economy. A smoother driving style can help maximize your MPG. Terrain also plays a role. Hilly or mountainous routes will use more fuel than flat, straight highways. Consult owner forums and online resources for MPG data from real-world Transit Connect drivers for a more detailed picture.

How it compares

The 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon is in a unique segment that often pits it against larger minivans and smaller SUVs. Comparing it to the Chrysler Town & Country, which averaged around 20 MPG combined, shows the advantages of the Transit Connect’s smaller size. A Nissan NV200, another compact cargo van, achieves a similar fuel economy, highlighting the inherent limitations of the vehicle class. Even a smaller SUV like the Honda CR-V, offering around 29 MPG combined on its front-wheel drive models, demonstrates that passenger cars can offer better fuel economy, but with less cargo and passenger capacity. Review TRANSIT MPG across all years to understand fleet-wide fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important. Ensure your Transit Connect’s tires are properly inflated, and follow the recommended service schedule for oil changes and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, resulting in better fuel economy. These vans accumulate high mileage, so keeping up with maintenance prevents small problems from becoming larger, more costly ones.

Avoid excessive idling. Letting your engine run unnecessarily wastes fuel. If you anticipate stopping for more than a minute or two, it’s more efficient to turn off the engine. Idling hurts city driving, contributing to lower MPG figures. Consider the start-stop feature in newer vehicles, as that serves a similar purpose.

Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic flow. Avoid harsh acceleration and braking, which consume more fuel. Maintaining a steady speed and anticipating upcoming stops can improve your MPG. Using cruise control on the highway can help maintain a consistent speed and optimize fuel efficiency. Even better, use your van’s momentum to your benefit during acceleration and deceleration.

Minimize cargo weight. The heavier the load, the more fuel your Transit Connect will consume. Only carry essential items and remove any unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Consider lighter versions of the same equipment, or removing any unnecessary accessories from your vehicle. The Transit Connect is inherently a cargo-hauling vehicle, but unnecessary weight will harm your fuel economy.

Use the recommended fuel type. The “FFV” designation means this Transit Connect is a Flexible Fuel Vehicle, designed to run on gasoline or E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), but it’s designed to run primarily on standard gasoline. E85 typically results in lower fuel economy due to its lower energy content. Consult the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations and stick to the specified octane rating. For all Ford fuel economy data, refer to our handy comparison tool.