While 22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, it’s an acceptable trade-off for the 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon with the 2.5L engine given its utility and versatility. This isn’t a vehicle designed for hypermiling; it’s a compact van built for small businesses, families with active lifestyles, and anyone who needs to haul cargo and people in a relatively nimble package. Its fuel consumption reflects its mission, prioritizing practicality over Prius-like efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Transit Connect Wagon 2.5L at 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure is arguably more important for this vehicle. Many Transit Connect Wagons spend their days navigating urban environments, making deliveries, transporting clients, or running errands. Stop-and-go traffic inevitably takes a toll on fuel economy.

The 27 MPG highway rating is respectable and makes longer trips feasible, but careful driving habits will make the most noticeable difference in fuel costs in the city. The six-speed automatic transmission balances acceleration with fuel efficiency; however, its performance is ultimately tied to the driver’s throttle inputs and driving style.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon 2.5L at $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Remember that this is just an estimate, your actual costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local fuel prices.

The $2,000 annual fuel cost can be a significant line item for small business owners considering a fleet of these vans, or families trying to stick to a tight budget. The fuel costs may be offset by the vehicle’s inherent practicality and lower purchase price compared to alternatives.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy can fluctuate significantly. Owners have reported a wide range of MPG figures, depending on factors like load, driving conditions, and maintenance. A lightly loaded Transit Connect Wagon driven primarily on the highway by a careful driver might achieve numbers closer to or even exceeding the EPA highway estimate.

Conversely, a heavily loaded van driven aggressively in city traffic may struggle to reach the EPA city estimate. Don’t expect to perfectly match the EPA numbers, use them as a reference point.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon’s fuel economy is reasonably competitive. The Ram ProMaster City, another popular compact cargo van, achieves a similar 24 MPG combined with its 2.4L engine, but offers slightly less maximum cargo capacity. Larger vans, such as the full-size Ford Transit, offer far less fuel economy (roughly 16 MPG combined for the V6 version), but offer significantly more space. Compact SUVs are another interesting consideration because their MPG figures are typically better.

For instance, a 2017 Honda CR-V offers about 28 MPG combined with its 1.5L turbo engine. However, you lose significant cargo capacity. Ultimately, the consumer prioritizes either cargo volume or less gas when comparing vehicles of this type.

For those interested in all Ford fuel economy data, take a look at Ford’s offerings. And to compare all versions of this vehicle, you can also see TRANSIT MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are crucial for maximizing fuel economy in the Transit Connect Wagon. Avoid abrupt starts and stops, and anticipate traffic flow to minimize the need for hard braking. The 2.5L engine responds well to smooth, consistent inputs, and a less aggressive driving style will translate directly into better MPG.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is essential. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it aligns with the recommended specifications listed on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to haul around regularly, as every extra pound contributes to increased fuel consumption. Especially remove items if you are not using the vehicle as a utility vehicle.

Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, will help keep your Transit Connect Wagon running efficiently. A well-maintained engine operates more smoothly and burns fuel more effectively. Follow Ford’s recommended maintenance schedule for optimal performance.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed can improve fuel efficiency, especially on long, flat stretches of road. However, be mindful of traffic conditions and disengage cruise control when necessary to maintain safe following distances.