26 MPG combined from the 2020 Ford Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV 2.0L won’t win any hypermiling contests, but for many owners, it’s an acceptable compromise to gain the space and utility this vehicle provides. This isn’t a sleek crossover aimed at suburban soccer parents, it’s a practical, van-like wagon frequently used by small businesses, airport shuttles, and families with unique needs who value cargo capacity and passenger space over outright fuel efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway for this configuration of the Transit Connect Wagon. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving often encountered by those using it for deliveries or passenger transport within urban environments. The highway MPG, while decent, underscores that this vehicle benefits most from consistent speeds, as the aerodynamics of a van are inherently less efficient than a streamlined sedan or crossover. Keep in mind these are estimates, and your real-world numbers will vary based on driving style, load, and terrain.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect Wagon LWB FFV 2.0L is $1,700. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. While the cost is affected by fluctuations in gasoline prices, you can view all Ford fuel economy data to understand how this figure compares across the entire Ford lineup. Also, this figure assumes the use of gasoline. If the vehicle is run on E85, a blended fuel, the MPG figures, and therefore, the annual cost, could change.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a solid baseline, it is important to have realistic expectations. Owners using the Transit Connect Wagon for frequent short trips, particularly with heavy cargo, will likely see MPG figures closer to the city rating. Conversely, those who primarily use it for longer highway journeys, especially with minimal payload, may find themselves closer to or even slightly exceeding the 29 MPG highway estimate. Factors like regular maintenance, tire pressure, and even route selection can influence your actual fuel consumption. The Long Wheelbase (LWB) will differ from something like the swb configurations; you can find TRANSIT MPG across all years to compare other configurations.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2020 Ford Transit Connect Wagon holds its own reasonably well. The Ram ProMaster City, another compact cargo van with passenger configurations, achieves a similar combined MPG in its gasoline version. Larger, traditional minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica (around 22 MPG combined) and Honda Odyssey (around 22 MPG combined) offer more passenger space but sacrifice fuel economy.

Hybrid minivans, such as the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, offer significantly better fuel efficiency but come with a higher initial price tag. For smaller families or those heavily prioritizing fuel economy, compact crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 (around 30 MPG combined) or Honda CR-V (around 30 MPG combined) might be considered, but they lack the sheer volume and van-like characteristics of the Transit Connect Wagon.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Consistent and gentle acceleration can significantly improve your fuel economy. Avoid aggressive starts and stops, allowing the vehicle to gradually gain speed. This is especially important for a vehicle like the Transit Connect Wagon, where its boxy shape already presents a challenge to aerodynamic efficiency.

Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for optimal rolling resistance. Check your tire pressure regularly, ideally before each long trip, and ensure it matches the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires can lead to increased fuel consumption and premature wear.

Reduce unnecessary weight whenever possible. Hauling heavy cargo or carrying infrequently used items in the vehicle adds to the load the engine must overcome, leading to reduced fuel efficiency. Clearing out unnecessary items from the cargo area can make a noticeable difference, particularly during city driving.

Consider using cruise control on highway drives when conditions permit. Maintaining a constant speed can help optimize fuel consumption compared to frequently fluctuating your speed. However, be mindful of traffic conditions and avoid using cruise control in stop-and-go situations.