At 22 MPG combined, the 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FFV 2.5L won’t win any hypermiling awards, but that figure is perfectly acceptable, even expected, for what this compact van delivers: practicality, versatility, and commercial-grade durability in a relatively small package.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2017 Transit Connect Wagon FFV at 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect its use case. The city MPG reflects the stop-and-go driving and frequent cargo loading/unloading common to urban deliveries and taxi/rideshare services, the kind of work this Transit Connect excels at. The 27 MPG highway figure demonstrates its ability to handle longer trips with reasonable fuel consumption, key for airport shuttles, family road trips, or mobile service providers traveling between job sites. The relatively high highway number reflects the van’s aerodynamic profile and the effectiveness of the six-speed automatic transmission in optimizing fuel efficiency at cruising speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,000 for the 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FFV 2.5L. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a blend of city and highway miles, using national average gasoline prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing running costs between different vehicles, but remember that your actual expenses will vary depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices. Even with this relatively high fuel bill, many buyers accept it given the capability and utility the Transit Connect provides.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, your real-world fuel economy will depend on several factors. A heavily loaded Transit Connect will consume more fuel, and so will aggressive driving with frequent acceleration and braking. Regular maintenance, including tire inflation and oil changes, is critical in maintaining fuel efficiency. Expect real-world numbers to fall within a range of the EPA estimates, but don’t be surprised to see variation based on your specific usage patterns.

How it compares

The Transit Connect Wagon exists in a niche market with limited direct competitors. The Ram ProMaster City, similarly configured, gets around 24 MPG combined. The Nissan NV200 (now discontinued but still seen on roadways) struggles to reach the 25 MPG mark in combined driving. For buyers focused on maximizing space efficiency for cargo and passengers for reasonable economy, these figures highlight the Transit Connect’s competitive standing within its segment. Those looking for better numbers would have to consider much smaller vehicles, which sacrifice the space that defines the Transit Connect’s appeal, or larger, significantly less efficient full-size vans.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed are key to getting the most distance from each gallon. Avoid excessive idling, especially with a fully loaded vehicle. The 2.5L engine works harder with additional weight.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly, especially before long drives or when carrying heavy loads.

Consider removing any unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall load and forces the engine to work harder. By reducing the weight, you’ll improve fuel economy and potentially enhance handling.

Plan your routes carefully to avoid traffic congestion. Stop-and-go traffic consumes significantly more fuel than consistent cruising speeds. Use navigation apps to identify alternate routes or travel during off-peak hours whenever possible.

Take a look at all Ford fuel economy data and TRANSIT MPG across all years to get a sense of how the Transit Connect Wagon fits into the broader Ford lineup. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, is crucial for maintaining engine performance and fuel efficiency. Sticking to the recommended maintenance schedule will ensure your Transit Connect is running as efficiently as possible.