2023 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van - the last year in North America

Available as a cargo van or passenger van, the Transit Connect is in it's final year in North America. You'll only find it front wheel drive with a 2.0L non turbocharged engine. It's a versatile van that can be used as a micro camper, delivery van or more!
In this video you'll find out the basics of the Transit Connect Cargo Van, covering off interior and exterior features, technology and everything in between.
Check out more cars 👉 kzbin.info...
Looking for more about the Transit Connect?
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2022 Transit Connect Passenger - • 2022 Ford Transit Conn...
Thanks to Formula Ford for letting me use the vehicle for this video - carswithsteve.com/formula-for...
Thanks to Briarwood Vans for the camper conversion footage! You can check them out at:
Briarwood Vans - carswithsteve.com/Briarwood-Vans or on KZbin at carswithsteve.com/Briarwood-V...
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2023 Transit Connect Cargo Van Reviewed:
- 110a Package / XLT
- Frozen White Exterior
- 4G Hotspot Delete
- Reverse Sensing Systems
Canada: $41,340
USA: $38,445
Link to the build:
Canada: configurator not available
USA: carswithsteve.com/2023-Ford-T...
*Camera/Video Gear Used As Of July 2023*
iPhone 14 Pro
360 Camera - Insta360 One X2 - carswithsteve.com/insta360
Lav Mic -amzn.to/39hgGjR
Main GoPro - amzn.to/3McCrjt
GoPro Suction Mount - amzn.to/3MjaF4P
Tripod - amzn.to/3lck2rb
DJI Osmo Mobile - amzn.to/3FMLFAI
Samsung S9+ - amzn.to/3NeIQuE
Timestamps:
00:00 - 2022 vs 2023 differences and 2023 Transit Connect Pricing
01:35 - Fuel economy and quality, plus under the hood - hosepower and torque
02:45 - Front end styling, technology, drive train and vehicle size
04:25 - Rear styling, technology, Cargo swing doors, cargo measurements and space
08:15 - 1st row highlights, technology and steering wheel basics
10:30 - Center stack (climate control, shifter and powerpoints), Sync3 basics and audio test
13:45 - Overhead features, storage tray and seat comfortability, plus bloopers
*Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I'll earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. You don't need to click but it does help me out!*
The content of this channel is for entertainment purposes only. You should confirm vehicle features, availability, payload and towing capacity, pricing and options with your local dealer. Steve, nor any of his employees, officers or representatives accept responsibility for any loss or damage, costs or liabilities whatsoever that may result from accessing or relying on information found in the video contents or comment section of this channel.
Music by: Steve Grey
#2023TransitConnect

[@d.w.j.1114]

Can't believe they stopped making these for the US. I find myself in a position where I could use/need one of these. I see these everywhere doing all kinds of things from personal family use, taxi, plumbing, painters, maintenance etc. Ford definitely can't use "not selling well" as an excuse. The full size transit is bigger than what I actually need/want/ and me being an American that does not believe in bigger is better, I won't step up to a more expensive Transit, I'd rather have the Transit Connect. Keeping my fingers 🤞 that they eventually send the new gen here soon, hopefully with an option for the AWD & 2.0T engine from the Escape/Maverick/Bronco sport.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Right?! There are still some new and used ones available though so you might be able to snag one. Sales were slightly declining YOY but if they gave it a solid revamp, there was a lot of potential. It would have been great if we were able to see something like the EU Ford Tourneo here

[@DA_BOID]

I like how the plate on the (Tournio?) says, "BOIYYY" like the cool guy who shows up late for the party.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Yeah the Tourneo in Europe! Haha there's always that one guy who's late

[@Itwasntalieitwastrueinmymind]

One of the best reviews. Subscribed

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thank you, appreciate the support!

[@thatoff-roaddude9515]

Very solid cargo van I love my 2017 for deliveries need to grab another 1

[@CarsWithSteve]

I have a few buddies with these in their delivery fleet too.. such a useful little van

[@luismercado71]

I have a 2017 i got new 0 miles....for 24k. Someone hit it on the rear driver side while park..i was concern the van was going to be total lost but insurance decided to fix it...I'm glad the insurance fixed it because i was looking for new ones and i could not believe how expensive they are at 36k.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Great deal on that 2017! Surprised you were able to find a newer one for sale, the T/C was discontinued after the 2023 and I haven't come across one at dealers around me

[@luismercado71]

I got it in 2017..it has 80k miles on it now...besides that rear hit while parkl is running good..

[@CarsWithSteve]

Great to hear that from a current owner. Have you done any upfitting or added some aftermarket accessories?

[@luismercado71]

No..i kept it original..just slotted rotors ....and normal service.

[@twochillywolf]

Fantastic review.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thank you!

[@DragonZer0]

My experience on the transit connect as I put in 100k miles per year and have gone through a few of them now. The 2l is extremely under powered and outside cities driving it true mpg being 20-24 running 75-80 mph as it can't use 8th gear as it lacks the torque to make it useful and will constantly be switching on a good day. If there a moderate head wind (I'm using West Texas as my standard) you may be looking at 6th running about 4250 rpm. Transmission tends to give out around 100k with your first indication that its about to give up is it will over rev between gear shifts my experience being about 200-500 rpm jump before the higher gear engages. Loaded down tires don't last long and I was going through sets between 20-30k miles. In a high cross wind with cruise control on the back end can be lifted just enough to make the car fall on it face as it thinks it slipping/sliding which can unbalance the van and make recovery interesting to say the least. A/C for the ones I've had give up about 80k where they need a system over haul. Over all my opinion is they are a bad in town runabout and given a choice I would suggest a soccer mom mini-van over these any day of the week.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Wow.. thank you for sharing your experience! It's great to know what kinds of issues you ran into and when it happened. Curious, were you performing regular maintenance/oil changes etc? Had you tried running different branded tires to see if any lasted longer?

[@DragonZer0]

@@CarsWithSteve It a fleet vehicle so standard maintained was being done per Ford guidance as for tires tried Continental, Michelin and Good Year. FYI tires are replaced at about 4/32nds.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Crazy that all brands are still burning through rubber. Any better than the rest from what you've seen?

[@luperamos7307]

Wow, thank you for this detailed insight. I have the same car and am getting close to 100k miles. I bought it used with 50k miles and immediately noticed the transmission not shifting right shortly after I got it. The air con broke as well among many other things. I decided to do a transmission fluid change bc I would really want this car to last me longer. Have you done transmission fluid changes? I really would want this car to last me some years longer.

[@yellowwinner1]

It's a real shame that every manufacturer has or is soon to pull out of compact and small vans. Vans like the Transit Connect and the old RAM ProMaster City ride good and don't make you feel like you're driving a van.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Agree with you 100%. There were talks of Ford building the next gen Transit Connect van on the same platform as the Escape, Bronco Sport and Maverick but nothing solid yet. It's odd though because Ford is still going to be producing the T/C for the EU market

[@godnamedtay]

I’m here again from last years video lol. I’m STILLL waiting on my custom order transit connect cargo xlt. Build date is October so hopefully soon?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Haha, welcome back and damn that's been a minute. Great that yours is still slated to be built, hopefully you see it before the new year

[@markcameroon6613]

i think the XL will be ok for me how long will they be taking orders for custom builts for 2023? also once discontinued will we be able to get parts in north America plus it be alot if they had to get parts form Europe

[@CarsWithSteve]

I believe the order bank for the 2023 Transit Connect is closed now.. You might luck out in finding a dealer who has an unsold unit incoming but it'll be having to take it as built vs something custom from the factory

[@dw5s]

The video labels the length (front to back) as the width. I’d be curious about the outer width, because my garage has a narrow door. Do the side mirrors fold in? What’s the ground clearance?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Oops.. don't know how I missed correcting that in the edit. Good catch! The outer width with mirrors included is 84.1"

[@DaveByers]

With the passenger version, are the seats easily removed? I'd like the cargo for everyday, but every once in a while Id like passenger seats for the grandkids.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Not easily.. they're bolted down. So if you don't mind unbolting and then re-installing that way when needed...

[@Bat_Boy]

I’d like to remove the passenger seat, to crawl in the back, (and remove the storage bump, behind the emergency brake - if possible), without opening the side door. For stealth parking reasons.

[@CarsWithSteve]

I've seen one person rip out the 1st row passenger seat for different reasons than stealth moving to the back haha. It's doable, just have to remove a bunch of bolts

[@user-vc6cm7oz8i]

Friend, I just folded the second and third row seats that were unnecessary in use

[@CRXUGLYKID]

What's the depth if you add the 2nd row of seats

[@CarsWithSteve]

Depends on where they're placed.. this video on the Passenger Wagon shows off those dimensions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3i7l4SIm9-WaLc

[@obsessedmobiledetailing]

Im getting a 2020 xl model do you know if I can upgrade the small screen to the larger 6.5 inch screen ?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Shouldn't have an issue with upgrading. You just need to find a 6.5" screen!

[@obsessedmobiledetailing]

@@CarsWithSteve ok good because I noticed the buttons below are different as well so wasn’t sure.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Usually when you pick up the screen it'll have the updated face plate, but make sure it has that too!

[@obsessedmobiledetailing]

@@CarsWithSteve thanks. I actually ended up getting a 2019 xlt fully loaded today . Man these things are nice.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Nice find! Using it for a business or upfitting as a camper?

[@Pmason718]

Steve are there any differences in the 2019 vs the 2023. I believe the front is the same.

[@CarsWithSteve]

The 2.5L was removed for the 2023 model but otherwise the specs are the same

[@Pmason718]

@@CarsWithSteve Correct. I take it you’ve driven the 2.5 with the 6 speed tranny and the 2.0 with the 8 speed tranny. Which one you like the most. I’m looking to pickup a 2019 next week.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Surprisingly I didn't get the chance to drive the 2.5L. It was only available for Canadian fleet customers and the dealers I work with didn't have anything but the 2.0L ever come to the lot. The 2.0 is peppy for its size but the 2.5L should give you a good bump in power

[@cvisconti4568]

How does it work in snow?

[@CarsWithSteve]

It's front wheel drive so throw on some winter tires and it'll be ok

[@ukspizzaman]

In Europe it has a wall behind the seats.. so that the cargo will not kill you in a crash or when braking hard. Thats an EU requirement. Theres a small window in that wall for the rear view mirror, if you opted for the rear door windows, which you can have in the cargo version here. That wall also makes it alot less noisy inside. Comparable to a normal car. Mine also has 230V power in the cargo room for power tools etc, 2.5cm / 1 inch higher ground clearance for our shit roads, and 17" alloys from the factory.

[@CarsWithSteve]

There are some aftermarket bulkheads (the wall) in North America but interesting that it's standard in EU. Different engine choices on your side of the world too! The ground clearance haha! Definitely needed for those roads

[@ukspizzaman]

@@CarsWithSteve We only get the diesels. And Im told that from next year on, we can only get the electric ones. Im used to driving an L200 for work, with a hardtop on it, so its a tiny van for me. I guess its the way forward.. dont know. Didnt know you use "bulkhead" for things other than airplanes. Noted. Im Norwegian. The roads here scare the shit out of tourists, but I learned to drive a Volvo Amazon on winter roads when I was a kid so I'll be fine.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Didn't know EU was going electric for the Connect, that's neat. Wait.. you guys don't use the term bulkhead for the wall in Norway? Haven't had a chance to head out to Norway yet but I've heard great things from people I know who have visited. Any spots you'd recommend to check out?

[@user-wr7cv1ny5r]

I'm guessing only Norway; Not part of the EU so not bound by EU regs. Mostly hydro (sustainable/renewable) electric power, also as a side comment, the world's highest market penetration of Teslas! Lastly UK Connects now have a rear parking camera and the next size up, the Transit Custom (EU only)has an optional 2nd. always on (with ignition) rear view camera.@@CarsWithSteve

[@marcush2220]

Have one of these, but why is the headlights the worst lamps ever?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Haha yeah the bulbs aren't the greatest. Sylvania has an LED headlight that you could swap for better visibility though

[@TheSonOfGodWorshipsTheFather]

There is no rear-view window. So how do you reverse without hitting something?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Mix of rear parking sensors and backup camera.. That's why I've always stressed Transit Connect owners go for the larger 8" Sync3 screen. If yours doesn't have either they can technically be added aftermarket

[@d.w.j.1114]

Never noticed most work vans, contractors vans don't have rear windows or side windows? The Transit Connect came standard with a rear camera and rear view mirrors on the doors, they are very easy to back up and park. As stated in the previous comment, audible parking sensors were available as were rear door windows and windows for the sliding side doors.

[@Itwasntalieitwastrueinmymind]

Can anyone comment which years to avoid/most reliable years to buy?

[@CarsWithSteve]

There are no recalls on the 2022 or 2023 models.. The 2021 had a shift cable issue that's been resolved and the 2020 had a few recalls that look like have all been solved too

[@Itwasntalieitwastrueinmymind]

@@CarsWithSteve perfect, thanks for that! Really like the lift gate options vs barn doors. Any pro vs cons on the two you could comment??

[@CarsWithSteve]

You're welcome. Going to depend on what you're planning on doing with it for the doors.. The barn doors are the more popular option

[@rocketj7449]

​t only took Ford half a decade to get it right?

[@luperamos7307]

I'm curious about anyone who owns these what year they are and how many miles they have

[@CarsWithSteve]

Check through some comments on this video. There was a great thread a few days ago from @DragonZer0 who talked about their Transit Connect experience longer term - like 100,000+ miles with multiple vans

[@luperamos7307]

​@@CarsWithSteveThx for letting me know. I'm already close to 100k miles. Some people say that the quality of a car will only be determined once you go beyond 100k miles. I bought it with 50k miles and have already had several issues. The transmission not shifting right is one of them.

[@CarsWithSteve]

I've had a few people on different videos mention the transmission as well. Have you run into many issues with yours otherwise?

[@ronisworld2916]

Subs!

[@CarsWithSteve]

🙏 thank you

[@michaelleighton31941]

POS , it’s my work vehicle of if I didn’t pay for it I would’ve had it scrapped

[@CarsWithSteve]

Lol

[@SVLOKEE]

We have a bunch of them where I work and the newer ones are having transmission shifting problems big time!!! You'll be lucky to get a 100k miles before the transmission craps out

[@sillykanji]

Hmm. Once again American auto manufacturers shaft us. Not everyone needs a transit 350. I genuinely can't see me buying a larger transit in the future for my business. Probably just find a smaller truck and run with it.

[@CarsWithSteve]

I think it was the international assembly that made Ford discontinue it in North America. A Maverick with a cap could be a good option depending on what you're hauling

[@user-wr7cv1ny5r]

The passenger version in Europe (Turneo) has 4 wheel drive but POS gutless diesel engines.

[@CarsWithSteve]

I've heard that about the diesel engines.. have to love those emission standards

[@user-wr7cv1ny5r]

Used to have a 134bhp 2 litre diesel, I had similar in a Focus Estate with powershift. Much better engine except here's the secret, getting across Central London UK (think from Newark to Brooklyn or crossing LA), my fuel consumption was awful.@@CarsWithSteve The current 2l Ecoboost gas engine with twin turbos on the Euro Mondeo saloon has 240bhp, a very different beast. The gas engine on the Euro Connect is a POS 3 cyl turbo. And both sides of the pond, we know how good (NOT) those engines are.

[@CarsWithSteve]

I found those smaller engines can have awful fuel economy too. I'm going to work on setting up an EU shooting tour - it'd be neat to get some EU spec vehicles reviewed on the channel

[@user-wr7cv1ny5r]

I've always gone for the largest engine possible, at the same speed it's straining less than a smaller engine. A friend has an X3 with the 3 litre diesel, brother in law has the same year but 2 litre, 3 litre gets better fuel economy. I also made them both delete keyless entry, UK is the global centre for relay theft!@@CarsWithSteve

[@CarsWithSteve]

We've been having crazy thefts in Canada the last few years too - the keyless entry fobs for the most part too. I like the idea of a video looking at fuel economy in different engine sizes