Best Car Reviews - 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD

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Introduction

The 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD is a compact passenger van designed for families, shuttle use, small-business owners and buyers who need more space than a hatchback without stepping up to a full-size minivan. Its tall, boxy body, sliding side doors and available five-, six- or seven-passenger layouts make it unusually versatile. This model uses front-wheel drive, regular gasoline capability and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Design and Exterior Features

The Transit Connect Wagon has a practical European-style van shape: a short hood, upright windshield, high roofline and nearly vertical rear end maximize usable cabin volume. Short-wheelbase models measure about 173.9 inches long, while long-wheelbase versions extend to about 189.7 inches. The 2017 model was largely a carryover rather than a major redesign, retaining the second-generation model’s more refined, passenger-focused appearance and available rear liftgate or split rear cargo doors.

Available short- and long-wheelbase body styles
Dual sliding side doors for easier passenger access
Rear liftgate or available 180-degree-opening split rear doors
Standard 16-inch wheels, with available 17-inch alloy wheels
High roofline and large glass area for outward visibility

Interior and Comfort

The cabin prioritizes flexible space over premium luxury, but higher trims can feel surprisingly well equipped for a compact van. The dashboard is upright and functional, with useful storage areas and straightforward controls. The Wagon can be configured for five, six or seven occupants depending on wheelbase and seating arrangement. Its tall entry height, sliding doors and foldable rear seating are especially useful for families, mobility-conscious passengers and commercial shuttle work.

Available seating for up to seven passengers
Flexible second- and available third-row seating arrangements
Available leather-trimmed seating on Titanium models
Available dual-zone automatic climate control
Large cargo area when rear seats are folded

Performance and Handling

The 2017 Transit Connect Wagon FWD uses a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine rated at 169 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to the front wheels through Ford’s 6F35 six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Acceleration is adequate for urban traffic and loaded family use rather than quick passing. Its compact footprint, electric power steering and tight van-like packaging make it easier to place in city traffic than a larger minivan. EPA fuel-economy figures for the gasoline Wagon are 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, equivalent to about 12.4, 8.7 and 10.7 L/100 km. The supplied consumption figure of 13.5 L/100 km is more representative of demanding urban, loaded or short-trip use.

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower
171 lb-ft of torque and front-wheel drive
Six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission
EPA-rated 22 mpg combined on gasoline
Maximum towing capacity of up to 2,000 lb when properly equipped

Technology and Connectivity

Technology varies substantially by trim and options package. Basic versions focus on fleet-friendly simplicity, while XLT and Titanium models can add Ford SYNC voice control, a rearview camera, satellite radio, HD Radio and upgraded audio. The system is older than modern touchscreen-first interfaces, so buyers should confirm the exact equipment on a used example rather than assuming smartphone integration or advanced navigation is included.

Available Ford SYNC voice-activated connectivity
Available rearview camera
Available SiriusXM satellite radio and HD Radio
Available six-speaker audio system
Available Ford Telematics fleet-management service

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment includes front airbags, front-seat side airbags, side-curtain airbags, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, traction control and AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control. A rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert were available on selected configurations. NHTSA testing reported four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side-crash protection; buyers should check the rating and equipment for the specific body style and vehicle identification number. IIHS did not publish a crash-test rating for this model.

AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control
Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes
Front, side and side-curtain airbags
Available Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert
Available rearview camera and parking assistance

Pricing and Variants

The 2017 Transit Connect Wagon lineup included XL, XLT and Titanium trims in short- and long-wheelbase forms. The XL short-wheelbase Wagon started at about $23,010 USD when new, while the long-wheelbase XL began around $24,010 USD. Titanium models started around $28,325 USD in short-wheelbase form. It competed with the Ram ProMaster City Wagon, Nissan NV200 and traditional compact minivans, although the Ford stood out for its available three-row seating and broad configuration range.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptionally useful passenger and cargo packaging for its footprint
Sliding doors simplify access in tight parking spaces
Available seating for up to seven passengers
Easy-to-drive front-wheel-drive handling in urban areas
Good highway fuel economy for a tall passenger van

Cons

Cabin materials are functional rather than upscale
Engine performance can feel strained with a full passenger load
Third-row and all-seat cargo space are limited on some configurations
Technology feels dated beside newer minivans
Used buyers should investigate transmission service history carefully

Maintenance and Common Issues

RepairPal estimates average annual repair and maintenance costs for a 2017 Transit Connect at about $696, although actual spending depends heavily on mileage, use and local labor rates. Owner-report databases and used-car feedback point to five areas worth checking: rough shifting or transmission failure, electrical faults or intermittent warning lights, door-latch and sliding-door operation, brake-related complaints, and visibility or windshield-related concerns. A pre-purchase inspection, full service records and a VIN-based recall check are particularly important for a high-mileage example.

Rating

Overall rating: 7.2/10. Design: 7.5/10. Comfort: 7.0/10. Performance: 6.5/10. Technology: 6.5/10. Safety: 8.0/10. The Transit Connect Wagon earns its score through versatility, practical access and sensible dimensions, but it loses points for aging infotainment, modest power and potential long-term transmission concerns.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly describes the Transit Connect Wagon as an unusually capable small van that drives more like a compact car than a traditional minivan. Satisfaction is often highest among owners who value cargo flexibility, upright seating and sliding-door convenience. Negative feedback more often concerns ride refinement, basic interior materials and reliability worries on higher-mileage vehicles.

Owners often praise the tall cargo area and flexible seating
Many appreciate its manageable size in city driving and parking
Families value the sliding doors and accessible cabin
Some report that seats and road noise are less refined than in larger minivans
Transmission behavior and electrical concerns are recurring used-ownership discussion points

Best Cars in This Category

2017 Ram ProMaster City Wagon
2017 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo
2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon LWB
2017 Chrysler Pacifica
2017 Toyota Sienna

Summary

The 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon FWD is best suited to buyers who need compact exterior dimensions with unusually strong passenger and cargo flexibility. It is a practical choice for active families, airport or hotel shuttle work, small businesses and buyers converting a compact van for specialized use. Its value depends on configuration, maintenance history and condition: a well-inspected example can be highly useful, while neglected vehicles deserve caution because repair costs can outweigh a low purchase price.