22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but for the 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon LWB FWD 2.5L 4-cyl, it’s an acceptable compromise for the utility it offers. This is a vehicle bought primarily by small business owners needing a versatile cargo hauler that can also handle passenger duties, or large families who prioritize space and practicality over fuel efficiency. They trade fuel thrift for reliability and the ability to tackle diverse tasks.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Transit Connect Wagon at 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Remember, these figures are derived from standardized testing procedures and represent idealized scenarios. This means that while the highway figure might be attainable on a long, flat road with consistent speeds, stop-and-go city driving will likely yield closer to, or even below, the 19 MPG estimate. The 2.5L four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, is tuned for work, prioritizing low-end torque over high-revving power. This makes it reasonably responsive when loaded with cargo or passengers, but it does mean that efficiency suffers somewhat in urban environments. The tall, boxy shape also contributes to increased wind resistance at highway speeds, further impacting fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon is $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s important to remember that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Someone who primarily uses the Transit Connect for short city trips will likely exceed this estimate, while someone who primarily uses it for longer highway trips and regularly maintains the vehicle might spend less. It’s a helpful benchmark, but not a guaranteed figure.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the Transit Connect Wagon often hovers around the EPA combined figure, but expect a range. Drivers who frequently load up the vehicle with heavy cargo or passengers will see a drop in MPG. Aggressive driving habits, such as frequent hard acceleration and braking, will also negatively impact fuel efficiency. Conversely, those who practice more conservative driving techniques and keep the vehicle well-maintained can often achieve figures closer to the EPA highway estimate, even in mixed driving conditions. Tire pressure also plays an important role. Maintaining proper inflation, as indicated on the tire placard, is crucial for optimizing fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon’s fuel economy is fairly typical. The Ram ProMaster City, another compact cargo van/wagon, achieves similar figures, around 21 MPG combined with its 2.4L four-cylinder. Larger vans like the Ford Transit (full-size, not Connect) achieve far lower MPG, often in the 15-18 MPG combined range, especially with the more powerful engine options. Minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica, with its V6 engine, offer slightly better fuel economy, often around 22-28 MPG combined, but sacrifice some of the Transit Connect’s versatile cargo-carrying capability with seats folded and removed. For those solely focused on passenger hauling, minivans might be a better choice, but for those needing a blend of cargo and passenger capacity, the Transit Connect is a strong contender. See all Ford fuel economy data for a broader view. Compare to TRANSIT MPG across all years to see how economy has changed.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Transit Connect’s 2.5L engine responds best to smooth, consistent throttle inputs. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Using cruise control on the highway can also help to improve fuel efficiency by maintaining a consistent speed.

Regular maintenance is critical for optimizing fuel economy. Keep the engine properly tuned, replace air filters regularly, and ensure that tires are properly inflated. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, and properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, both of which contribute to better MPG.

Reduce the amount of weight you carry. Unnecessary cargo adds extra strain on the engine, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any items that you don’t need from the vehicle. Minimize carrying tools or equipment that are not needed for jobs.

Consider using fuel additives designed to improve fuel economy. While the results vary, some additives can help clean fuel injectors and improve combustion, leading to a slight increase in MPG. Research different additives and choose one that is specifically designed for your vehicle’s engine. Use fuel with the octane rating recommended by Ford. Using premium fuel when it’s not required will not improve MPG.

Plan your routes efficiently. Avoid rush hour traffic and congested areas whenever possible. Use navigation apps to find the most efficient routes and avoid unnecessary idling. The Transit Connect Wagon suffers in stop-and-go traffic, so minimizing idling will improve fuel efficiency.