2019 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon

Ford has claimed the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon as the most affordable seven-seater vehicle available on the U.S. market, with a starting MSRP of $26,845 for the XL trim, the XLT follows closely with an MSRP of $27,100, and the Titanium closes the lineup off with a sticker price of $30,215. All prices exclude Ford's acquisition fee of $645 and a destination charge of $1,295 as well as any tax, registration, and licensing fees.

The LWB Passenger Wagon handles surprisingly well despite its heft and boxy shape, it actually even feels agile when sauntered around town thanks to its light and accurate steering responses and properly composed chassis. As long as it's in town, it drives a lot like a typical crossover rather than a hulking van. It's at higher speeds, however, where the Passenger Wagon exhibits its expected inadequacies: it struggles to track straight on the highway even without the presence of crosswinds, body roll intensifies significantly when taken around corners and sharp bends, and the engine audibly begins to sound like it's struggling - making for an uncomfortably noisy ride.

As for ride quality, comfort is reasonable - at least in town. The powertrain propels the Passenger Wagon around effortlessly and smoothly and small road imperfections and typical undulations are dealt with reasonably well. At higher speeds, the engine gets annoyingly loud and feels as though it's struggling to cut the Wagon through the air, and furthermore, hitting bumps become disturbingly audible throughout the cabin.

The Ford Transit is a dominant full-size van, and Ford had hoped it could imbue the Transit Connect with the same dominant traits. But while it's spacious, comfortable, practical, and nimble through tight city streets, the new engine is simply underpowered. The diesel engine that was supposed to arrive would've remedied the issues with an abundance of torque, but the fact that it never materialized means we're stuck with this subpar gas four-pot. But there are some things the Transit Connect still does exceptionally well - it's got more cargo space than its rivals without compromising on seating space, and the new suite of safety features makes it impressive compared to segment rivals. Intuitive infotainment and nimble handling are true highlights and despite the downsides, the Transit Connect is still one of the best small passenger vans out there. Just don't expect the mod-cons of a traditional minivan.

We wouldn't suggest the XL for its lack of, well, almost everything, and the Titanium really only improves on driver-focused elements. Therefore we recommend opting for the XLT: as the mid-spec model it comes standard with a few interior and exterior cosmetic improvements, and with more comfort and convenience features benefiting all passengers. We also suggest including the available XLT Premium Package which includes the addition of the Driver-Assist Package with all its advanced safety and driver-assist features along with wheel and lighting upgrades and leather-trimmed seats. Perhaps opting in the optional panoramic fixed-glass vista sunroof could help keep rear passengers a little more accommodated too. If any towing will be required then the available trailer tow package will have to be optioned in as well. Unlike the Titanium, the XLT can also be optioned with either a rear liftgate or with rear symmetrical doors.

The Ram ProMaster City is arguably the Ford's most comparable competitor, however, its maximum passenger occupancy is capped at only five, which means if it's the seven-seater occupancy you require, then the RAM is a no go. If not, then it'll help to know that the RAM is equipped with a slightly more powerful engine and a more refined transmission, which makes for quicker and smoother acceleration and driving. It is, however, a little less fuel-efficient than the Ford, with returns of 21/28/24 mpg. In terms of standard and available features, the Ford has got the superior consignment and options, it gets a larger touchscreen and greater smartphone integration too. The Ram offers a greater cargo capacity than the Ford and an equal max tow capability, but without the option to increase occupancy to seven, deciding between the models really comes down to personal requirements. The Ram is a little more than $2,000 cheaper than the Ford, but the Ford is the better passenger vehicle and better value for money buy.

The passenger version of the Metris may be nearly $7,000 more than the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon, but it has a few points over the Ford in that with its longer wheelbase, it offers seating for up to eight passengers in a commodious cabin as well as a considerably larger cargo area. Being a Mercedes, the Metris is also a lot more luxurious than the Ford, with higher-quality materials and standard features boasted even at the base level; it also has a better consideration for its rear passengers with a nine-speaker audio system featured as standard. However, unlike the Ford, it doesn't have full smartphone integration at all. The Metris offers a significantly greater maximum tow capability too at 5,000 lbs, thanks to its more powerful turbo engine, but it is far less fuel-efficient than the Ford. The Metris is certainly the more premium of the two vehicles, especially in comfort and practicality, but with full smartphone integration, reasonable capability and practicality, its efficient powertrain, and considering its exceptionally affordable price, the Ford Passenger Wagon is simply better value for money.