Ford Transit Connect PHEV Review

Introduction

There’s no shortage of electric vans these days, most of which share underpinnings with diesel models and wear a mix of Stellantis badges — Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot, Toyota, Vauxhall and so on. What there aren’t many of are plug-in hybrid vans. That makes the Ford Transit Connect PHEV an interesting proposition, as it’s a bridge between traditional diesel and full electric power, and one that could make a lot of sense for businesses operating in and around towns and cities.

The Connect might be new in its current guise, but the vehicle itself is well proven. It shares its platform with the Volkswagen Caddy and is built alongside it in Poznan, Poland, as part of the Ford–Volkswagen commercial alliance. Where Volkswagen took Ford’s underpinnings for the Amarok and Transporter, Ford has returned the favour here, but it’s done enough visually to make the Connect feel like a genuine Blue Oval product rather than a rebadged Caddy.

Key Features

Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor working together to produce a combined 150hp and 350Nm of torque. Energy is stored in a 19.6kWh battery mounted beneath the floor, giving the van an official all-electric range of up to 73 miles. Charging speeds are strong for a PHEV, supporting rapid charging at up to 50kW — handy for topping up during a lunch break.

Two body lengths are available: L1 and L2. The shorter version offers 3.1m³ of load space, while the longer L2 model expands that to 3.7m³. Payloads vary with specification but top out at 741kg, while both versions can tow up to 1,500kg.

Ford offers three trims — Trend, Limited and Active — and all are well equipped. The latter, however, is only available in a ‘FlexCab’ (a clever crew cab) version. All PHEV models qualify for the government Plug-in Van Grant, worth £2,500 on the L1 and £5,000 on the L2, making them cheaper than some diesel equivalents once incentives are applied.

Performance & Drive

The plug-in hybrid powertrain makes the Transit Connect feel pleasingly zippy, especially in urban areas. The electric motor provides instant torque for smooth getaways, and the van will happily stay in EV mode all the way to motorway speeds. When the battery runs low or the onboard computers feel the van needs a little more help, the 1.5-litre petrol engine cuts in automatically. You’ll feel and hear the transition as there’s a slight clunk as it engages, but once it’s running, the system is entirely unobtrusive.

Performance is brisk rather than fast, but the 150hp output is enough for even a fully laden van. The six-speed automatic gearbox keeps things relaxed, and the steering, borrowed from car platforms like the Golf and Octavia, is light, accurate and confidence-inspiring. Visibility is excellent thanks to generous glazing, and the turning circle is tight enough for multi-point turns in narrow streets.

The Connect feels composed on most surfaces, though rough roads can shake the van around a little. Ride comfort is supple for a van, with enough compliance to take the sting out of potholes and speed bumps, yet body control remains tidy. On the motorway, it’s especially refined, cruising at 70mph with minimal wind or road noise. Around town, the ability to glide silently under electric power makes the driving experience calmer and more civilised than most diesel alternatives.

Running Costs

Real-world efficiency is the Transit Connect PHEV’s strongest card. With a light load on board, we achieved 48 miles on electricity alone, which might seem like a long way from the claimed 73 miles, but there are important caveats — and ones that you’ll need to be aware of if you run a PHEV or electric vehicle. We had the van during a particularly cold snap, which saps the battery of its potency, and spent a lot of time on the motorway, which is the most demanding use for battery-powered vehicles. In summer, on gentle roads, I feel 60–70 miles should be possible.

When running purely on petrol, economy dropped to around 30mpg. Over a few weeks on mixed roads, including a lot of motorway runs that drained the battery completely, and combining electric and petrol running, the van averaged 53.7mpg. That’s genuinely impressive for a vehicle of this type.

Plugging into a 7.4kW home wallbox takes around five hours for a full charge, while a 50kW DC rapid charger can restore 10–80% in roughly 30 minutes. Pre-conditioning the cab while plugged in means you can step into a warm (or cool) cabin without drawing on battery power.

Factor in the Plug-in Van Grant, exemption from most clean-air-zone charges, and the ability to run entirely on electric power for short trips, and the Connect PHEV should prove inexpensive to operate for urban fleets.

Ford provides a three-year warranty, limited to 100,000 miles, which is in line with the industry average.

Want to know more about charging an EV? Check out our guide to charging an electric vehicle.

Interior & Tech

Step into the cab and it’s immediately clear that this is a modern, car-derived workspace. It’s also immediately clear that it’s been inherited from Volkswagen, with the Transit Connect having the same dashboard design, switchgear and infotainment system. That’s generally no bad thing, as the layout is tidy and the materials feel robust. Only the badge on the steering wheel reminds you this isn’t a Volkswagen.

The 10.0-inch central touchscreen looks a little dated by Ford’s latest standards and can be sluggish to respond, but it does include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s Volkswagen’s system, rather than Ford’s slick Sync 4 software, but it's been reskinned to feel a little more Connect than Caddy. The main frustration is the row of touch-sensitive climate and volume controls beneath it: they’re fiddly when stationary and infuriating on the move, especially as they’re unlit at night. Thankfully, other key functions use proper physical buttons and steering-wheel controls, making everyday operation easier.

Storage is well thought out, with deep door pockets, dashboard trays, and a useful wireless charging pad ahead of the gear selector on Limited models. There’s also a small glovebox, open shelving and cup holders within easy reach.

Pre-conditioning the cabin while the van is charging is a welcome touch, as is the inclusion of adaptive cruise control, heated seats and LED load-bay lighting on higher trims. The seating position is comfortable, visibility is excellent, and noise levels are low even when the petrol engine is running.

Payload & Practicality

Ford offers the Transit Connect PHEV in both short- and long-wheelbase formats. The L1 version provides 3.1m³ of cargo space, with a load length of 1,797mm, a width of 1,628mm, and a height of 1,263mm. The L2 increases the length to 2,150mm and capacity to 3.7m³. That’s more volume than most small-van rivals, including the Stellantis quartet.

The hybrid battery pack reduces payload compared with diesel models, but the L1 PHEV’s 739kg maximum capacity is a long way short of the rivals' roughly one-tonne capacities. In contrast, towing capacity is rated at 1,500kg, which is half a tonne more than a Vauxhall Combo can manage.

Both lengths can carry two Euro pallets, and the L2’s twin sliding doors make loading from either side easier. At the rear are 60/40 barn-style doors that open to 180 degrees, or 270 degrees when unlatched. The load floor is flat and well finished, with lashing eyes and optional LED lighting for after-hours work.

An innovative FlexCab model is also available, adding a second row of seats that folds up flat against the bulkhead when not in use, giving operators flexibility between people and payload. You do lose about 100kg of payload for having the rear seats, but only give away 0.1m3 of volume when they’re folded up. 

Safety

Safety equipment is generous, even outside of the legally mandated tech. Standard systems include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, speed limiter, and front and rear parking sensors. Step up to the Limited model and you’ll also get adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and LED headlights.

All models feature multiple airbags and stability control as standard and, crucially for winter months, an electrically heated windscreen.

Euro NCAP hasn’t given a rating specifically for the PHEV variant, but its diesel sibling achieved a strong five-star score in previous testing.

Options

The Transit Connect Active adds a lot of rugged-looking trim, but it’s really just a trim level. Unless you want to look like you’re heading off to conquer a slightly bumpy field, save your money and opt for the Trend or Limited models.

The entry-level Trend comes well equipped with alloy wheels, digital instruments, and that 10.0-inch infotainment screen, while Limited adds premium touches such as heated seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and LED load-area lighting.

Dual sliding doors are standard on L2 models and optional on L1s, while metallic paint, roof racks and load-bay protection are available across the range. 

Fleet buyers can access Ford Pro’s telematics systems and service packages for long-term support.

Rival Vans

Competition is fierce among small vans. The Stellantis quartet — Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo — dominate the segment, but none currently offers a plug-in hybrid option. They’re available as pure EVs or diesels, meaning Ford has this niche largely to itself for now. List prices undercut the Transit Connect, but Ford has the advantage of the plug-in van grant, so that the final cost can dip underneath the market leaders. 

With identical underpinnings and much else being shared, the Volkswagen Caddy is the Connect’s closest relative. All the positives and negatives of the Ford hold true here as well, but at a slightly higher price for the Volkswagen badge.

The Kia PV5 is an all-electric alternative, with higher payloads and larger cargo volume, at a competitive price. Range issues might be a concern, but the van has a large battery pack good for 250 miles or so, and has covered 460 (very slow) miles on a single charge to set a Guinness World Record. 

But for operators who can’t yet make full electrification work, the Connect PHEV’s blend of EV driving and petrol flexibility sets it apart from both diesel rivals and electric vans.

Verdict

The Ford Transit Connect PHEV feels like the right van at the right time. It’s smartly designed, good to drive, efficient in real-world use, and brings genuine zero-emission capability without the compromises of a full EV. 

It’s not flawless — the payload could be higher and the infotainment system deserves a rethink — but the core package is impressive. Quiet, refined and practical, it’s a van that makes everyday working life easier while keeping running costs low.

For urban delivery firms, small traders and fleet operators with mixed routes, it bridges the gap between diesel and electric perfectly.

Until full electrification truly fits every use case, the Transit Connect PHEV might just be the most sensible small van on sale.

Where to next?

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**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the Ford Transit Connect

**Correct as of 04/11/2025. Based on 9 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 36 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 9 monthly payments, or £3,412.44 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.