22 MPG combined isn’t thrilling, but for the 2022 Ford Transit Connect Van with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, it’s a reasonable tradeoff. This isn’t a personal commuter, it’s a workhorse. Small business owners, delivery services, and tradespeople buy it, prioritizing cargo space and maneuverability over saving gas. These buyers understand that the Transit Connect’s mission is to haul goods and equipment in urban environments, and they accept the fuel economy as a cost of doing business.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2022 Ford Transit Connect Van FWD 2.5L 4-cyl are 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure is more critical because this vehicle spends much of its life navigating stop-and-go traffic, making deliveries, and performing service calls. The 26 MPG highway rating provides some relief on longer journeys, but the Transit Connect’s boxy shape and focus on cargo capacity affect aerodynamic efficiency at higher speeds.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive, helping to optimize fuel economy in both city and highway driving, considering the vehicle’s design.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Transit Connect configuration at $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you primarily do (city vs. highway), local fuel prices, and how heavily loaded your Transit Connect typically is. Aggressive driving, frequent heavy loads, and consistent use of air conditioning will all increase that $2,000 figure.

You can compare these figures with all Ford fuel economy data to see where this van ranks.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs, and owner forums confirm this. Owners report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates under normal driving conditions, but heavy loads and frequent city driving can easily drop the MPG into the mid-to-high teens. However, consistent highway driving at moderate speeds could see some owners exceeding the 26 MPG highway rating. Fuelly.com is a good resource to investigate typical owners’ MPG reports.

Driving style and load greatly affect fuel consumption.

How it compares

Compared to other compact cargo vans, the 2022 Transit Connect’s fuel economy is competitive. Its closest rival, the Ram ProMaster City, gets roughly the same fuel economy, also delivering 22 MPG combined. The Nissan NV200, now discontinued, offered similar figures, typically achieving around 24 MPG combined in real-world driving. Larger vans, like the full-size Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, get significantly worse gas mileage. They are specifically built for different use cases.

Full-size vans get into the mid-teens and are accepted by the buyer due to their massively increased carrying capacity. If lower fuel costs is a primary concern, alternatives like a hybrid minivan (Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, 82 MPGe combined) may be worth considering, but they cannot offer the same level of cargo volume as the Transit Connect, so the trade-offs are significant for business use.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regular maintenance is important to optimizing fuel economy in any vehicle. Ensure that your Transit Connect has properly inflated tires, clean air filters, and fresh engine oil. These simple maintenance tasks can have a measurable impact on fuel efficiency, especially over time.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 2.5L engine in the Transit Connect is sufficient for most tasks, but it works harder when pushed. Smooth, steady driving will conserve fuel and reduce wear and tear on mechanical components. Use the momentum of the vehicle to your advantage, anticipating stops and starts to minimize unnecessary braking.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo adds strain on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Only carry what you need for the job. Removing unused tools and equipment can add up. Think of the van as your office, declutter often.

Plan your routes efficiently. Combining multiple deliveries or service calls into a single trip minimizes idling and reduces overall mileage. Use GPS navigation apps to find the most direct routes and avoid traffic congestion. Inefficient routes waste time and fuel.

Consider the TRANSIT MPG across all years before making a purchase decision. Older models may offer different engine options or transmission configurations that could impact fuel consumption. Research is always a good investment.