2021 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van

Pickup trucks, passenger vans, and cargo vans are all versatile workhorses that are purposed to get the job done, whatever it may be, but cargo vans are perhaps the most explicit labor vehicles. The 2021 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van, however, upholds a fair level of comfort and convenience for the driver and front passenger whilst also maintaining a nifty level of versatility and practicality. It also bears a contemporary, urban-centric design and delivers car-like drive dynamics that make it ideal for running errands around town. This year, Ford presents its workhorse with the familiar 162-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, along with the option of a 169-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 unit. Both engines are quite languid but just suitable enough for the cargo van's impetus. The Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo, Ram Promaster City Cargo Van, and even the Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo Van are all compelling alternatives running the streets of the US, too.

Standard in the 2021 Transit Connect Cargo Van is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 engine that's been modulated to produce up to 162 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. The unit comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and cedes power through to a front-wheel-drive system. Ford has made a 2.5-liter IVCT 4-cylinder gas engine available for the commercial Transit Connect line as well. But with just 169 hp and 171 lb-ft, it isn't much more powerful at all. Regardless of which powertrain is in play, the Transit Connect Cargo Van is rated with a 2,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2021 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van is both a civilized daily runabout and an apt utilitarian workhorse. Both front seats are spacious and comfortable and upper-tier trims come with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment software, which includes both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as SiriusXM satellite radio and even wireless charging. The cargo hold is versatile and expansive and is offered with a variety of nifty door and cargo-hold specifications. Both engines may be rather lackluster all round, but they're all the compact workhorse requires for comfortable city commutes and for returning admissible fuel economy figures. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have subjected the 2021 Ford Transit Connect cargo Van to review, but the van comes nicely outfitted with driver aids and safety systems, especially the top-tier trims. All-in-all, the second-gen Transit Connect Cargo Van is an ideal pick for the small city business owner.

The price of the 2021 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van comes in at a decent $24,655, but it can vary drastically with the sheer number of configuration options you are presented with, including a higher roof, longer wheelbase, or 4- or 5-door body. However, upgrading to the top-tier XLT model only adds $2,500 to the bill. With everything this upgrade adds over the entry-spec trim, it's well-worth the premium. It comes with a far better infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and smartphone connectivity functions, as well as with several advanced driver-assists including blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and cruise control.