“love alll the windows in a work mini van love the mileage and the capacity of the vehicle”
2017 Ford Transit Connect: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Ford Transit Connect is the loss of the optional 1.6-liter turbo engine. Every version uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic, while a few equipment and Titanium lineup updates round out this otherwise modest year.
About the 2017 Ford Transit Connect
2nd generation Transit Connect for the US market (2014-2018), fourth model year before the 2019 refresh.
Ford positioned the Transit Connect as a right-sized van for either work or people duty: easier to maneuver and park than a full-size van, but far more useful than a small car. Its core appeal was flexibility: dual sliding side doors, low step-in height, compact exterior size, and multiple cargo or seating layouts. In cargo form it served small-business duty; in wagon form it worked as a practical family or shuttle vehicle with van-like room in a smaller footprint.
The XL is the straightforward work or people-moving model, with dual sliding doors and an easy-clean cabin in cargo form. XLT adds a more finished interior and everyday conveniences, while the comfort-focused Titanium stands out with leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver’s seat.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The optional 1.6-liter turbo engine was dropped, leaving the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 6-speed automatic as the only engine and transmission combination. Flexible-fuel capability was added across XL, XLT, and Titanium.
Safety
Passenger Wagon models gained standard rear parking sensors.
Tech
Passenger Wagon models gained standard cruise control. On Titanium, the touchscreen and satellite radio changed from optional to standard equipment.
Structural
Titanium gained a short-wheelbase, five-passenger version, expanding it beyond the previous long-wheelbase configuration.
Styling
Roof rails changed from optional to standard on Titanium.
2017 Ford Transit Connect specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift / Automatic, 6-Spd w/SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift / Automatic, 6-Spd w/SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas |
| MPG City | 19–20 mpg | 19–20 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 169 hp | 169 hp | 169 hp |
| Torque | 171 lb-ft | 171 lb-ft | 171 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 103.9–104.2 cu-ft | 77.1–103.9 cu-ft | 104.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 37.6 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 2–7 | 2–7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Parental Control System | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Ford Transit Connect?
The optional 1.6-liter turbo engine was dropped for 2017. Every Transit Connect instead uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Does the 2017 Ford Transit Connect have the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine?
No. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbo engine offered in 2016 did not carry into 2017; the 2.5-liter four-cylinder is the only engine for this model year.
What became standard on the 2017 Transit Connect Passenger Wagon?
Cruise control and rear parking sensors became standard on 2017 Passenger Wagon models. These were the main everyday equipment upgrades for the passenger version.
What changed on the 2017 Transit Connect Titanium?
Titanium gained a short-wheelbase, five-passenger version for 2017. Its roof rails, satellite radio, and touchscreen also became standard rather than optional.
Was the 2017 Ford Transit Connect redesigned?
No. The 2017 Transit Connect remained part of the second generation introduced for the 2014 model year; its changes were limited to the powertrain lineup, equipment, and Titanium configurations.
2017 Ford Transit Connect Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Ford Transit Connect.
4.1
2017 Ford Transit Connect
(77 reviews)
“It is a utilitarian car with technology incorporated. We have two large dogs that we take on trips. This car provides the cargo space we need without looking like a minivan or working truck.”
“For my purposes, carrying dogs and gear, this is a perfect vehicle. It is comfortable on long road trips and makes decent gas mileage, especially for a van.”