It's almost a decade ago now that Ford first introduced the European-derived Transit Connect and Connect Wagon to these shores, and now this increasingly popular model is getting a series of updates for the 2019 model year.

What is the Transit Connect Wagon?

It would be easy to just dismiss the Ford Transit Connect Wagon as a minivan, but that's not entirely fair as even a cursory glance at the new 2019 model quickly tell you. There's no doubt about the practicality of this Ford for carrying a good number of people and their associated cargo, but it does so much more in a stylish and desirable way than any minivan you've ever seen. And in the same way crossovers are so popular because they drive more like a car than a traditional SUV, the 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon is more carlike to drive than any minivan you've ever come across. Ok, it doesn’t have the huge sliding side doors, but most prospective buyers will surely forgo that for a vehicle that's much better to drive and is much easier to love than a minivan.

What's new?

The most obvious change to the vehicle for this new-generation is the front fascia with its redesigned headlights and LED running lights, as well as the optional LED fog lights. The interior has also been nicely redesigned, and the optional 6.5-inch Sync 3 touchscreen now sits on top of the dashboard looking like a high-end tablet. As you’d expect, there are lots of handy and clever storage spaces throughout the practical cabin, and the rear rows of seats fold completely flat into the floor when additional storage is required.

Under the hood you'll now find a new 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine as the Transit Connect Wagon's standard powerplant, which completely replaces the 2.5-liter engine of the outgoing model. New for the Transit Connect Wagon this time around, and a class-exclusive for the American market at the moment, is a very welcome diesel engine option. This 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four comes badged as "EcoBlue" and is said to be good for more 30 miles per gallon on the highway*.

Just like any of the best new vehicles these days, the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon comes packed with some of the most up-to-date technology and features. New driver-assist features that are available include: Automatic Emergency Braking with segment-exclusive Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, adaptive cruise control, a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, and a lane-keeping assist system.

Versatile, flexible and capable

The Transit Connect Wagon will be among the most affordable seven-passenger vehicles available to buyers here in the United States when it goes on sale in the fall. The long-wheelbase model can actually claim to offer more interior cargo volume behind the first row seats than the current Tahoe, and that means getting oversized items home in the Transit will be a breeze.

If anyone also wants to tow a trailer with the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon, the Ford is set to offer an unsurpassed towing capability for a vehicle in its class of of 2,000 pounds when equipped with the available trailer tow package.

For more information on pricing and availability and to be at the front of the line for a test drive in the all-new 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon, or just to find a Ford dealer in general, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right away here at Southern California Ford Dealers.

*All vehicle mileage based on 2017 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.