2014 Ford Transit Connect XL

The 2014 Transit Connect XL LWB (Long Wheelbase) Cargo version is a compact yet serviceable van — designed for utility and flexibility rather than luxury. With its extended length, the LWB version provides more cargo room than the short wheelbase variant. From the exterior you’ll see a tall, boxy van profile, front-wheel drive, swinging rear cargo doors (rather than a liftgate), and sliding side doors in cargo configurations. The body is functional and straightforward, emphasizing practicality.

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine producing about 169 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain is front-wheel drive, which helps optimize interior space for cargo rather than dealing with a driveshaft tunnel. Fuel economy is modest: roughly 20-21 mpg in the city and about 28-29 mpg on the highway. These numbers make it economical compared to larger vans, but it’s still carrying a full-sized cargo load so don’t expect car-like efficiency.

Inside the cargo-van version, the cabin is minimal but practical. Seating is typically just for the driver and one front passenger. The rear is all about utility: a flat cargo floor, framing and tie-down anchors, and wide opening rear doors for loading. The LWB model extends the wheelbase to allow for a longer load floor, which benefits tradespeople, delivery operations, or anyone needing a compact van with extra room. The load width between wheel wells is narrower than some full-sized vans, but workable for many smaller-scale cargo needs. Up front you’ll find basic features: air conditioning, power front windows, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and in some cases an AM/FM audio system with auxiliary input. Luxury features are minimal — this is a work-oriented vehicle.

On the safety front, the vehicle comes equipped with front airbags, side-curtain airbags for first row, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control (in many cases). Its compact size compared with full-sized vans makes it easier to maneuver and park in tighter urban settings. The van also has a full-sized spare tire, further underlining its utility.

In summary: the 2014 Transit Connect XL LWB Cargo is an excellent choice if you need a compact, maneuverable van with an extended length for cargo work, loads of practicality, lower running costs than most larger vans, and less garage-space demand. It’s not upscale or flashy, but it gets the job done with strong utility focus.