Ford Transit Connect PHEV Panel Van (2025 - ) review

The Transit Connect PHEV panel vans are available in L1 and L2 lengths across two trim levels (Trend and Limited) with payloads ranging from 606-739kg depending on model, trim and length chosen. The L1 version (the model we tested) offers 3.1 cubic metres of load volume, while L2 offers up to 3.7 cubic metres. Access to the load space is through two rear doors or the offside sliding door, and lashing points run down both sides of the cargo area. Load lengths are 1.79m in the L1 and 2.15m in the L2, with load width the same for both lengths offering a full width of 1.6m and 1.23m between the wheelarches. Rating the load space is easy because you get what you see, it’s functional and accessible, although other small vans will offer more space and weight carrying capability. Toss up what you need against what a vehicle offers and compromise only where you want to. Finally, it may have just been the press vehicle we were loaned, or a reference to its development by two companies, but the lashing points in the Ford vehicle had clear ‘VW’ logos stamped into the metal, so be aware there might be some parts sharing.

The Transit Connect cabin is good and so similar to the Caddy’s that if it weren’t for the Ford branding you’d be hard pushed to tell which is which. Although we feel the plastics and fabrics in the Fords are a slightly different tone to the VWs, might be our test driver Tom’s eyes. The driver and passenger seats are very comfortable and can be manoeuvred to a good driving height. Storage is actually pretty impressive with wide door pockets, a deep trough on top of the dashboard and twin cupholders and a wireless charging mat surrounding the drive selector. The focus of the interior is the 10-inch digital infotainment system in the centre of the dashboard, and the digital driver information display behind the steering wheel. These are sharp and easy to use, although duplicate quite a lot of info between them (not a bad thing). The only quibble we have is the responsiveness of the touch buttons below the screen for audio and volume, better to use the steering wheel controls instead because the touch buttons are fiddly to use while you’re driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are also easy to connect up. We can’t fault this cabin, it’s about as good a small van cabin as you can get at this size with the right amount of storage, cubbies, comfort and an infotainment screen angled towards the driver (praise be).

The eHybrid system allows you to utilise an electric-only range of around 70 miles for shorter journeys, and what seemed to us a consistent 300 miles (plus) of total range with a full tank of petrol. Apparently, it can offer 565mpg, which is definitely achievable if you keep the battery charged. The charging port accepts up to 50kW, more than enough for a plug-in hybrid’s petrol engine to pick up the slack on long drives. Charging costs will be determined by your home tariff or public charging costs (if you can charge at home we’d always recommend it). The hybrids are slightly more expensive than the diesel models (starting at £30K OTR ex VAT, and topping out around £34.5K OTR ex VAT), but acquisition costs can always be broken down on finance or a good lease deal. We feel it’s quite reasonable for a van of its power and smoothness.

Reliability of the new Ford Transit Connect should be good, platform sharing with the new Volkswagen Caddy transfers good graces, too. The warranty period is pretty standard at three years, although the mileage limit is 60,000 miles. The vehicles are too new for us to positively or negatively report issues, especially with the hybrid powertrain.

The Ford Transit Connect PHEV performs as you’d expect a small van of its size to perform. Comfortable in the cabin, practical in the cargo space and looks good. Loading is simple thanks to a low load height. It might be hard to recommend over Stellantis small vans, which are bigger and offer higher payloads, but give one a try and it might tick your boxes.

Over the course of our 120-mile test loop we utilised electric and fuel, with the vehicle switching between its various drive modes. It’s got guts outputting 150PS from the eHybrid system. Manoeuvrability is excellent, and we found it easy to negotiate urban streets. These are the roads the PHEV Connects are designed for, so it makes sense that it was the most comfortable to drive on them.

Safety systems are generous as standard from the Trend trim level, featuring Passenger Airbag Deactivation, Engine Immobiliser, a Thatcham alarm, the useful Power Starter Button with dead locking functionality, Pre-Collision Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keeping, front and rear parking aids, Hill Start Assist, keyless start, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Assist, Cross Traffic Alert, rear-view camera, an electric parking brake with Hill Start Assist and Electronic Emergency Brake Assist. The higher Limited trim level adds more touches here and there, so check the spec of the vehicle you’re considering.

The equipment levels are split between the two trim levels in panel van (entry-level Trend and Limited) offering progressively more additions as you rise through the trim ranks. Check the spec, but it’s doubtful you’ll find a gap in Ford’s equipment lists that can’t be filled by adding as an option or jumping up a trim level.

You’ll buy it because it’s a Ford Transit Connect and it’s what you’ve always driven, or you’ll be looking for an interesting hybrid powertrain to bridge the gap between standard fuel and electric power before you have to start leasing or financing electric vans only. This might be the one van on the market that offers two simple use cases for why you might want to buy it. We’d recommend a test drive so you can experience the smooth drive and power!