by Aiden Eksteen
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.
This year, Ford has made the larger 2.5-liter engine available for all customers, not just fleets. Its performance specs are barely better than the standard 2.0-liter but it does come with its own six-speed automatic transmission and an available CNG/LPG Engine Prep Package. Other than this, the changes are quite minor. Sedona Orange and Solar Silver have been added as new exterior paint colors and the Taxi Package has been deleted.
See trim levels and configurations:
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.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo