The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Van FWD 2.0L 4-cyl achieves 25 MPG combined fuel economy, which may not be record-breaking, but it’s an acceptable figure considering this van’s purpose: a compact, maneuverable, and affordable cargo solution for small businesses and urban delivery services. This workhorse is designed for tight city streets and frequent stops, not cross-country trips or efficiency contests.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Transit Connect at 24 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These similar numbers reflect the van’s likely operational environment. City driving, with its constant stop-and-go, rarely lets vehicles achieve their best fuel efficiency. The Transit Connect’s boxy shape and modest engine likely won’t see significant MPG gains at higher highway speeds compared to its urban efficiency. Owners primarily driving in metropolitan areas will likely find their real-world numbers closely mirror the EPA estimates. This consistent MPG demonstrates the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission’s predictable fuel consumption, making budgeting for fuel costs relatively easy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Ford Transit Connect Van at $1,750. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year in mixed city and highway conditions, and uses the national average fuel price. This number is crucial for business owners projecting operational expenses. Even though fuel prices change, this $1,750 figure is a good starting point for estimating yearly fuel costs, letting fleet managers and small business owners factor fuel expenses into their overall budget when considering the Transit Connect.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful benchmark, but your actual MPG will depend on driving habits, cargo weight, and environmental conditions. Fuel economy will go down with aggressive acceleration and braking, heavy loads, and prolonged idling. But smooth driving, proper tire inflation, and minimizing unnecessary weight can help you meet or exceed the EPA estimates. For buyers looking for more information, there is all Ford fuel economy data on this site.

How it compares

The Transit Connect’s fuel economy compares well against key competitors in the compact cargo van segment. The Ram ProMaster City gets 24 MPG combined. The Nissan NV200, a slightly smaller van, also gets 24 MPG combined. While these differences may seem small on paper and TRANSIT MPG across all years can vary, they can add up over the vehicle’s life, especially for businesses that drive their vans a lot. The Mercedes-Benz Metris, a more premium and powerful (but now discontinued) option, got a lower 22 MPG combined. The Transit Connect’s slight MPG advantage can be important for businesses on a tight budget.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L engine runs best with consistent RPMs to maximize fuel economy, so avoid hard accelerations. Watch traffic and keep a steady speed when possible. This driving style will improve fuel economy and reduce wear on the vehicle’s brakes and tires.

Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which affects fuel consumption. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes, since pressure can fluctuate.

Reduce the amount of weight you carry in the van. Unnecessary cargo adds to the vehicle’s load, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Regularly remove any non-essential items to reduce weight and improve MPG.

Avoid idling too much. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Idling burns fuel without moving the vehicle, reducing overall fuel efficiency.