Ford Launches Third-Gen 2019 Transit Connect Wagon

Ford debuted the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon with new gasoline and diesel powertrains, a new eight-speed transmission, and a suite of safety technology as standard equipment at the Chicago Auto Show.

The passenger-hauling compact van is available in two wheelbases that can accommodate five or seven passengers and is offered in three trim levels — XL, XLT, and Titanium. The third-generation 2019 Transit Connect will go on sale in the fall of 2018.

On the exterior, the 2019 Transit Connect has a new front-end design incorporating the Ford-themed grille, which offers HID headlamps with LED lighting and LED fog lamps. Transit Connect Wagon offers dual sliding side doors and is available with roof rails that allow a number of accessories to be fitted to roof.

The 2019 Transit Connect Wagon can be powered by either a gasoline and diesel engine. The standard engine is a new 2.0L GDI four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection that comes with Auto Start-Stop. The engine is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Also new for the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon is a class-exclusive diesel engine. The 1.5L EcoBlue diesel engine is targeted for an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of at least 30 mpg on the highway. The diesel engine is also paired with the new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The short wheelbase version of the Transit Connect Wagon has a turning radius of 38.3 feet to facilitate maneuvering in congested urban fleet applications. The long wheelbase version offers increased interior cargo volume. The 2019 Transit Connect Wagon will have a segment-exclusive third-row seating. The second and third row seats can fold flat to provide cargo-carrying capability. There are 12-volt power ports for passenger use in the second and third row seats.

The Transit Connect Wagon will offer a towing capability of 2,000 pounds when paired with the available trailer tow package.

There are seven new standard driver-assist technologies including standard Automatic Emergency Braking, which is included with the Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. Also available is Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Lane Keeping System.

On the interior, there is a redesigned dashboard with available 6.5-inch touchscreen, a digital driver information center in the cluster, and available wireless charging for a mobile device. There is an embedded 4G LTE modem as standard equipment.