23 MPG combined. That’s the average fuel economy for the 2015 Ford Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine, a figure that should be put into context. This isn’t a passenger car; it’s designed for cargo and passengers, prioritizing capacity over maximum fuel efficiency. People who want minivan practicality without the minivan look often choose a Transit Connect Wagon, accepting the gas mileage as the cost for its unique capabilities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects urban driving with lots of stops, where the Transit Connect’s boxy shape and weight affect fuel consumption. The 2.5L engine is sufficient for hauling loads in the city, but it requires more effort than an engine in a smaller car. The highway number is better, partly because the automatic transmission allows the engine to run at low RPMs. Remember that adding passengers or cargo, or driving against strong winds, will reduce the 27 MPG. This vehicle is best at specific jobs, not saving gas.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2015 Ford Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD 2.5L 4-cyl is $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. This is only an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on how you drive, local fuel prices, and the type of driving you do (more city driving means more gas). The EPA uses standardized tests to create this number, which helps when comparing vehicles.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a target, but real-world fuel economy can differ based on several factors. Drivers often report numbers that change based on many things. Careful driving, like keeping a steady speed and not accelerating hard, can help. Regular maintenance, including properly inflated tires and oil changes, also leads to better gas mileage. The biggest influences are load and driving environment. A Transit Connect with many passengers and a full cargo area will see lower MPG. Stop-and-go traffic, hills, and extreme weather all change fuel consumption. Consider the EPA numbers a best-case scenario, and expect potentially lower numbers.

How it compares

The 2015 Ford Transit Connect Wagon is in a specific category of vehicles, so comparisons are difficult. Unlike minivans such as the Honda Odyssey (rated at 22 MPG combined) or the Chrysler Pacifica (22 MPG combined), the Transit Connect is smaller and more work-focused. The Nissan NV200, a direct competitor, offers similar functionality and MPG. Owners of the short wheelbase NV200 report 24 mpg combined. Anyone seeking better fuel economy might consider larger crossover SUVs, but they’ll have less cargo space. The Transit Connect offers versatility and maneuverability for its fuel usage, which is helpful in cities or tight parking lots. See all Ford fuel economy data to continue your research. You can also see TRANSIT MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow whenever possible. The 2.5L engine works best with smooth throttle control. Avoiding sudden acceleration and braking is safer and saves fuel. Look ahead, keep a safe distance, and gently change your speed instead of reacting quickly to traffic.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the correct level. This makes a noticeable difference in MPG.

Avoid using roof racks unless needed. These increase drag a lot, especially at highway speeds. Added drag increases how much effort the engine is using. If you need to carry items on the roof, consider removing the rack when you’re not using it.

Consider how much you are carrying. While the Transit Connect Wagon can carry lots of weight, extra weight reduces fuel economy. Lighten your load by removing unnecessary items. The less weight the engine has to pull, the better your gas mileage.

Consider using cruise control on long drives. Cruise control keeps a consistent speed, making the engine work at even RPMs and with steady throttle. This can improve fuel efficiency on straight roads, especially if you plan shifts in advance.