2021 Ford Transit Connect

Among Ford’s SUVs and pickups, the smallest options usually earn our highest ratings. Consumer Reports has recommended the Mustang Mach-E EV, the thrilling Mustang coupe and convertible, and the Maverick, a small pickup truck available with a hybrid powertrain. Most other vehicles, however, score low in our road tests and have average to below average reliability. With some exceptions, used Fords can be a risk. The Ford F-150 pickup combines true truck capabilities with quiet, roomy cabins, making it one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. However, our tests found that recent F-150s have a stiff ride, unresponsive handling, and below average reliability. The Lightning, an EV version of the F-150, drives better and is faster than its gasoline equivalent. The Bronco SUVs has exceptional off-road ability and classic boxy styling, but suffers from issues like wind noise and long stopping distances.

With the 2014 redesign, the Transit Connect is sold as a minivan alternative. It has very good ride and agile handling, but remains a rudimentary vehicle at heart. It has an underpowered four-cylinder, low-rent interior, cumbersome folding seats, and a skimpy feature set. Unlike a minivan, you don't get power doors or a rear-seat entertainment system, and even Bluetooth connectivity costs extra. The base four-cylinder managed only 21 mpg, and we see little indication that the up-level 1.6-liter turbo four would do much better. 2019 models were freshened with two new engines: A 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine and an optional 1.5-liter, four-cylinder diesel that's expected to get 30 mpg in highway driving. Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Handling is quite agile, defying the perception of a van, and the ride is steady. The Transit Connect Wagon seats either five or seven. New for 2019 is a 6.5-inch touch screen with Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system, available wireless phone charging, and standard 4G LTE WiFi connectivity with a subscription. The 2019 model also included standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, along with optional blind spot warning.