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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Van |
| Base Price | $28,055–$34,417 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.5/10, the 2021 Ford Transit Connect earns a Good rating among the vans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Performance at 5.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional van — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.5/10: 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 5.2/10 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 5.8/10 — 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 $28,055–$34,417, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Transit Connect sits in the mid-market bracket of the van segment. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Ford Transit Connect, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and technology and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 2021 Ford Transit Connect ranks #1 of 21 vans in the Carivo database — better than 100% of the segment. Its 6.5/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 6.2/10. Its $28,055 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $29,905 by about 6%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Van ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Ford Transit Connect scores 6.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 6.5 — 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 (this review) | 6.5/10 | $28,055 | |
| 2020 | 6.4/10 | $27,130 | Read review → |
| 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.
| 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. |
|---|---|
| Seat belts / Front / Retractor 30/07/2021 · 21V592000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Transit and 2021 Transit Connect vehicles. The front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.… |
| 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. |
| 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… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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