Engine and Performance Basics

The 2019 Ford Transit Connect came with a single engine option: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder that produced 123 horsepower and 111 pound-feet of torque. This engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. The Transit Connect was built as a compact commercial van, so the engine prioritized fuel economy and cargo hauling over raw power.

Real-world fuel economy for the 2019 model ranged from 19 to 22 miles per gallon combined, depending on whether you chose the standard wheelbase or extended wheelbase version and how heavily you loaded it. The van could tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, which made it suitable for light hauling but not for heavy trailers.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019 Transit Connect used a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with 123 horsepower paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
  • Two wheelbase lengths were available: the standard 104.8-inch wheelbase and the extended 114.8-inch wheelbase, affecting cargo volume and turning radius.
  • The van came in two trim levels—XL and Titanium—with the Titanium adding features like a backup camera, power windows, and a six-speaker audio system.
  • Cargo volume ranged from 104.3 cubic feet in the standard wheelbase to 147.2 cubic feet in the extended wheelbase, before accounting for the driver and passenger seats.
  • The 2019 model year included Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims, though the base XL used a simpler four-speaker audio setup.

Wheelbase Options and Cargo Space

Ford offered the Transit Connect in two wheelbase configurations for the 2019 model year. The standard wheelbase measured 104.8 inches from front axle to rear axle, while the extended wheelbase stretched to 114.8 inches. This ten-inch difference affected how much cargo you could fit and how the van handled in tight spaces.

The standard wheelbase provided 104.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. The extended wheelbase increased that to 147.2 cubic feet—a significant jump for contractors or delivery services that needed to maximize payload. The extended version had a longer turning radius, which mattered if you regularly navigated narrow streets or parking lots.

Both versions came with dual rear doors that opened to 180 degrees, making it easier to load and unload cargo. The floor height was 32.2 inches, which was lower than many competing vans and reduced the physical strain of loading heavy items.

Trim Levels and Standard Equipment

The 2019 Transit Connect came in two trim levels: XL and Titanium. The XL was the base model, equipped with manual windows and locks, a four-speaker audio system, and cloth upholstery. It included the essentials for commercial use but minimal creature comforts.

The Titanium trim added power windows and locks, a backup camera, a six-speaker audio system, and Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. The Titanium also included air conditioning as standard, whereas the XL made it optional. Heated side mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel were Titanium-exclusive features.

Both trims came with a driver and front passenger airbag, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Transit Connect did not offer all-wheel drive; it was front-wheel drive only across the entire lineup.

Safety Features and Ratings

The 2019 Transit Connect included Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety suite on the Titanium trim, which added a blind-spot mirror, a rear view camera, and cross-traffic alert. The XL trim came with the backup camera as an option but did not include the blind-spot monitoring or cross-traffic features.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not conduct a full crash test of the 2019 Transit Connect because it was classified as a commercial vehicle. However, the van met all federal safety standards for braking, lighting, and structural integrity. Insurance companies and fleet managers often reviewed the van's real-world safety record rather than relying on NHTSA ratings.

The Transit Connect had a maximum payload capacity of around 1,500 pounds, depending on configuration. Exceeding this weight could affect braking performance and handling, so owners needed to monitor what they loaded into the van.

Maintenance and Reliability Considerations

Ford recommended an oil change every 10,000 miles or twelve months for the 2019 Transit Connect, whichever came first. The EcoBoost engine required regular maintenance to keep the turbocharger and fuel injectors clean, which could add to long-term ownership costs compared to naturally aspirated engines.

Common issues reported by owners included transmission hesitation during acceleration, occasional SYNC 3 software glitches, and premature wear on the front brake pads due to the van's weight distribution. The door hinges and latch mechanisms also showed wear faster on heavily used commercial vehicles.

The Transit Connect's parts availability was generally good because it shared many components with other Ford vehicles. Repair shops familiar with Ford's commercial line could service the van without difficulty, and aftermarket parts were readily available for common maintenance items.

Pricing and Market Position

The 2019 Transit Connect was priced as an entry-level commercial van. The XL trim started around $24,000 to $25,000 before options and destination charges, while the Titanium trim added roughly $3,000 to $4,000 to the base price. These figures varied by region and dealer, and fleet buyers often negotiated different pricing than retail customers.

The Transit Connect competed directly with the Chevrolet City Express and the Mercedes-Benz Metris in the compact commercial van segment. It was smaller and less expensive than Ford's full-size Transit van but offered more cargo space and capability than a standard pickup truck with a bed cover.

Used 2019 Transit Connect vans on the secondary market typically sold for $18,000 to $22,000 depending on mileage, condition, and trim level. Commercial vehicles with high mileage but well-documented maintenance histories often held value better than lightly used examples because fleet managers knew what to expect from them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2019 Transit Connect have a diesel engine option?

No. Ford offered only the 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine for the 2019 Transit Connect. The full-size Transit van had diesel options, but the compact Connect line did not.

Can I fit a ladder rack or roof-mounted storage on the Transit Connect?

Yes. The roof is strong enough to support aftermarket ladder racks and cargo carriers, but you should verify weight limits with the manufacturer and have the rack professionally installed to avoid voiding the warranty or damaging the roof structure.

What is the difference between the Transit Connect and the Transit Custom?

The Transit Custom is a European model not sold in North America. The 2019 Transit Connect was Ford's compact commercial van for the U.S. market. The full-size Transit van was the next step up in size and capability.

How many seats does the 2019 Transit Connect have?

The standard configuration included a driver seat and front passenger seat only. Ford offered an optional rear jump seat that folded up when not in use, bringing the total to three seats, but most commercial buyers removed it to maximize cargo space.

Is the 2019 Transit Connect still in production?

No. Ford discontinued the Transit Connect after the 2023 model year. If you are looking for a used 2019 model, you will find them through used vehicle dealers and private sellers, but new inventory is no longer available from Ford dealerships.