2023 Ford Transit Connect — Carivo review carivo.co
Van

2023 Ford Transit Connect

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $29,905–$34,748
Fuel Economy 24 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Van
Est. Annual Fuel $2,188/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Ford Transit Connect

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleVan
Base Price$29,905–$34,748

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Ford Transit Connect

The 2023 Ford Transit Connect is a van that earns a Carivo score of 6.5/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.3/10, while Performance at 5.4/10 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.3/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 5.4/10 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 $29,905–$34,748, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Transit Connect sits in the mid-market bracket of the van segment. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 3 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.

Verdict: The 2023 Ford Transit Connect sits in the middle of the field. Until its value and technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders 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 →

How It Ranks Among Vans

The 2023 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 $29,905 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $29,905.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Van ranking →

Which Transit Connect Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Ford Transit Connect scores 6.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2023'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.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2024 7.2/10$28,640 Read review →
2023 (this review) 6.5/10$29,905
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 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 →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Ford Transit Connect

✓ What it does well

  • Meets baseline expectations for its segment
  • Available in a range of trims to suit different budgets

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment

Common Questions — 2023 Ford Transit Connect

Is the 2023 Ford Transit Connect reliable?

We rate the 2023 Ford Transit Connect's reliability 7.2/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2023 Ford Transit Connect worth buying?

It scores 6.5/10 overall, ranking #1 of 21 vans in our database (better than 100% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2023 Ford Transit Connect cost?

The 2023 Ford Transit Connect starts at $29,905 and ranges up to $34,748 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Similar Van to Consider

Other vans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

2022 Ford Transit Connect
2022 Ford Transit Connect
6.5/10
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2021 Ford Transit Connect
2021 Ford Transit Connect
6.5/10
View →
2019 Ford Transit Connect
2019 Ford Transit Connect
6.4/10
View →
2020 Ford Transit Connect
2020 Ford Transit Connect
6.4/10
View →

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