The 2021 Ford Transit Connect Van FWD 2.5L gets 22 MPG combined, which may not be class-leading, but it’s a perfectly acceptable figure for a small commercial van designed for hauling cargo and navigating urban environments. This is a workhorse, not a Prius, and its fuel efficiency is a trade-off that many small business owners are willing to make for its practicality and maneuverability.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2.5L Transit Connect’s fuel economy at 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving conditions and frequent idling that are typical for delivery vehicles. The slightly higher highway MPG suggests that the van is relatively efficient when cruising at steady speeds, making it suitable for longer trips between job sites. These numbers are obtained through standardized testing, of course, and individual results will vary based on driving habits, load weight, and road conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect FWD 2.5L at exactly $2,000. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Fluctuating gas prices will directly impact this figure, higher prices mean a higher annual cost, and vice versa. For businesses closely tracking expenses, even small variations in fuel prices can significantly affect the bottom line over the course of a year, and that’s where accurate MPG truly matters.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy depends heavily on how the Transit Connect is used. A heavily laden van constantly battling city traffic will likely see results closer to, or even below, the 20 MPG city estimate. Conversely, a lightly loaded van primarily used for highway driving might achieve figures closer to, or even exceeding, the 27 MPG highway estimate. Driver behavior also plays a crucial role.

Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and excessive idling can all negatively impact fuel efficiency. For owner-operators, closely monitoring driving habits and cargo weight is essential to maximizing fuel savings.

How it compares

The Transit Connect’s primary competitor, the Ram ProMaster City, achieves a slightly lower EPA-estimated combined MPG of 21. Other, larger vans like the Mercedes-Benz Metris offer similar fuel economy, typically in the low- to mid-20s, making the Transit Connect a reasonable choice if you don’t need the extra space. For business owners, these seemingly small differences in MPG can add up to hundreds of dollars in fuel savings over the life of the vehicle, influencing purchase decisions. Before considering larger alternatives, be sure to browse TRANSIT MPG across all years to better inform your buying decision. You can also find all Ford fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal fuel economy. Ensure the engine is properly tuned, the tires are correctly inflated, and the air filter is clean. Neglecting these simple tasks can lead to a noticeable drop in MPG, costing you money in the long run.

Minimize idling time. Idling burns fuel without covering any distance, significantly reducing your overall MPG. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially important for delivery drivers who frequently make short stops.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Rapid acceleration and hard braking consume significantly more fuel than gradual acceleration and smooth deceleration. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. Thinking about the items you are carrying in the back of the van that could be damaged by aggressive driving also helps.

Reduce your cargo weight. Excess weight directly impacts fuel economy. Carry only what you need for each job and remove any unnecessary items from the van. Consider organizing your tools and equipment to minimize weight and maximize space utilization.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain or heavy traffic, as it can sometimes lead to inefficient gear changes.