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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Van |
| Base Price | $27,130–$35,765 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2020 Ford Transit Connect is a van that earns a Carivo score of 6.4/10 — rated Fair. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.2/10, while Performance at 5.2/10 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.0/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 5.2/10 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 5.9/10 — 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 $27,130–$35,765, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Transit Connect sits in the mid-market bracket of the van segment. The value score of 6.3/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Based on our scoring, the 2020 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 2020 Ford Transit Connect ranks #4 of 21 vans in the Carivo database — better than 86% of the segment. Its 6.4/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 6.2/10. Its $27,130 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $29,905 by about 9%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Van ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Ford Transit Connect scores 6.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 6.4 — 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 (this review) | 6.4/10 | $27,130 | |
| 2019 | 6.4/10 | $26,205 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.3/10 | $25,280 | Read review → |
| 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.
| Air bags / Frontal / Driver side / Inflator module 17/12/2020 · 20V791000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 EcoSport and 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles. Depending on the model, either the driver side or passenger side frontal air bag modules are missing the first-stage booster propellant and sleeve. As… |
|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling / Cooling system 15/10/2020 · 20V636000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The powertrain control module (PCM) software has fail-safe temperature threshold values higher than intended for the engine. This may delay the… |
| Power train / Automatic transmission 10/09/2020 · 20V550000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts. |
| 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. |
| Visibility / Windshield 25/03/2022 · 22V192000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 and 2020 Transit Connect vehicles. The front windshield may have been manufactured with inadequate adhesion to the vehicle body structure. |
Showing 5 of 8 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
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