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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Van |
| Base Price | $25,280–$31,750 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.3/10, the 2018 Ford Transit Connect earns a Fair rating among the vans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.4/10, while Performance at 5.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. Buyers should review the score breakdown carefully and consider higher-rated alternatives before committing.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.7/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $25,280–$31,750, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Transit Connect sits in the mid-market bracket of the van segment. The value score of 6.1/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Based on our scoring, the 2018 Ford Transit Connect underperforms its segment peers across multiple dimensions. Unless there's a specific reason it fits your situation — price, a particular trim's features, or availability — there are better-scored alternatives at similar price points worth considering first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Ford Transit Connect ranks #8 of 21 vans in the Carivo database — better than 67% of the segment. Its 6.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 6.2/10. Its $25,280 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $29,905 by about 15%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Van ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Ford Transit Connect scores 6.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 6.3 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7.2/10 | $28,640 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 6.5/10 | $29,905 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 6.5/10 | $28,980 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 6.5/10 | $28,055 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 6.4/10 | $27,130 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.4/10 | $26,205 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 6.3/10 | $25,280 | |
| 2017 | 6.2/10 | $24,355 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.2/10 | $23,430 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.1/10 | $22,505 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Gear position indication (prndl) 24/05/2021 · 21V376000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach. |
|---|---|
| Seats 22/03/2019 · 19V229000 | TransitWorks is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit, 2018 Ford Transit Connect, and 2016 Dodge Ram ProMaster vehicles modified to be equipped with Freedman Seating GO-ES seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the… |
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Gear position indication (prndl) 10/06/2022 · 22V413000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach. |
| Visibility / Fixed panaramic roof/sky light assembly 26/04/2024 · 24V294000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Transit Connect vehicles. An improper bond may exist between the panoramic roof and the vehicle body, which can result in the panel detaching from the vehicle. |
| Back over prevention / Software 27/06/2025 · 25V442000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023… |
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Other vans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.