22 MPG combined is acceptable fuel economy, especially for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon with the 2.5L engine. This Transit Connect isn’t bought to win hypermiling contests. It’s bought for its unmatched blend of compact size, massive interior volume, and commercial-grade durability at a price that undercuts larger vans. Fuel economy plays a role, but it’s lower on the priority list than functionality and cost.

City and highway performance

The 22 MPG combined figure consists of 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city number isn’t stellar, but it reflects a vehicle designed to haul significant payloads, often through stop-and-go traffic. The 27 MPG highway rating is more respectable and makes longer trips reasonably economical, especially when factoring in the sheer amount of cargo or passengers it can carry compared to a similarly efficient sedan.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon 2.5L at $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and assumes fuel prices that reflect the national average. Your actual costs could be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, shorter trips tend to consume more fuel because the engine runs less efficiently when cold, as well as local fuel prices. The $2,000 figure offers a standardized baseline for comparing fuel expenses across different vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the 2016 Transit Connect Wagon 2.5L can vary significantly. Factors such as driving style, load weight, tire pressure, and even weather conditions can influence MPG. Drivers who frequently haul heavy cargo or spend a lot of time in congested urban environments are likely to see numbers closer to the city MPG rating, or even slightly below.

Conversely, those who primarily use the vehicle for light-duty tasks on the open road can realistically achieve figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s 27 MPG highway estimate.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2016 Ford Transit Connect Wagon 2.5L holds its own. The RAM ProMaster City, a comparable small cargo van, achieves around 24 MPG combined with its 2.4L engine. However, that vehicle often comes with a higher price tag, which can offset the slight MPG advantage. Looking at larger vans, the full-size Ford Transit with its base 3.7L V6 engine manages around 16 MPG combined, highlighting the Transit Connect’s efficient packaging. Even smaller SUVs like the Honda CR-V (around 30 MPG combined) lack the sheer cargo capacity this Transit Connect offers. View all Ford fuel economy data to explore the range of Ford vehicles available. If these fuel comparisons matter to the Transit Connect buyer, it’s because they emphasize the trade-off between pure fuel efficiency and functional utility. They’re not necessarily looking for the absolute best MPG; they’re seeking the optimal balance between fuel costs and the ability to transport goods or people affordably. For more information, see the TRANSIT MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for maximizing fuel efficiency in any vehicle, and the Transit Connect is no exception. Check the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended pressure and inflate your tires accordingly, especially before long trips or when carrying heavy loads. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which wastes fuel and accelerates tire wear.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 2.5L engine in the Transit Connect responds well to smooth, consistent driving. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Slamming on the brakes or flooring the accelerator not only wastes fuel but also puts unnecessary stress on the drivetrain.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine run while parked or waiting consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s generally more efficient to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go.

Consider removing unnecessary weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. If you’re not regularly hauling cargo, remove any unnecessary items from the van to lighten the load and improve fuel economy. Small changes can add up over time.