Ford Transit Connect dimensions (2013-on)

Both L1 and L2 versions of the Ford Transit Connect can carry two Euro pallets, but only the L2 version can load one through its side door.

All models get a single side loading door as standard, with a second optional on all but the fuel-saving Econetic variant.

Ford Transit Connect bulkhead options

All Transit Connect panel vans come with a full steel bulkhead as standard – which is a useful safety feature. Be warned, however, that this is not flat but shaped so that it intrudes more into the load space at the top than the bottom.

Ford actually uses this to its advantage, however, since on L2 models the top of this is specially shaped to support 8’x4’ boards – something most small vans will struggle to accommodate.

Until the 2018 facelift, Trend specification vans and above also got a load-through flap in the bulkhead as standard, making it possible to slot in longer items such as pipes and planks. Although you will have to leave your passengers behind when using this feature, that’s a pretty standard compromise in small vans with this capability.

After the 2018 facelift the bulkhead flap became an option, as Ford switched to a single front passenger seat as standard; the load-through function relies on the dual passenger seat.

DCiV models use a movable metal mesh bulkhead, while the Kombi doesn’t have a bulkhead at all, as it will generally be full of people, not parts.

Ford only offers the option of deleting the bulkhead on entry-level models, though all Transit Connects can be upgraded with a glazed section if rear visibility is important.

Ford Transit Connect load area accessories

All Transit Connects come with load lashing points as standard, with further loading options available including various roof carriers, ladders that mount on the rear doors, and a selection of attachments from specialists Thule such as rollers and load stops.

Ford Transit Connect exterior dimensions

These are the exterior dimensions of the Ford Transit Connect; as a quick reminder, the short-wheelbase (SWB) L1 is available as a panel  van and a DCiV, while the long-wheelbase (LWB) L2 is available as a panel van, DCiV and Kombi.

As you can see, L2 Transit Connects are 400mm longer than L1 Transit Connects.

Ford Transit Connect interior load area dimensions

The Transit Connect has a usefully spacious load area for a van of its size, and some clever features that aim to make it even more practical than its mere dimensions suggest – the load-through bulkhead and 8’x4’ sheet support explained above, for example.

Load volume ranges from 1.2 cubic metres in the L1 DCiV to 3.6 cubic metres in the L2 panel van – that’s on vehicles with bulkheads fitted and all on-board seats in position; in Transit Connects where the seats can be folded the available load volume can obviously be increased.

For example, the Kombi model has just 0.3cu m of cargo space with all seven seats up, but as much as 2.6cu m available with both second rows folded.

The Kombi doesn't come with a bulkhead, but you can flatten both rows of rear seats and slide a load up to 2,179mm long in above them.

Transit Connects fitted with the load-through bulkhead (panel van only, standard on the Trend trim level) can accomodate thin objects up to 3,000mm in length in L1 models and 3,400mm in length in L2 models.

Base model vans can have the bulkhead deleted to save weight or to add flexibility, and this increases the maximum load volume to 3.0cu m (L1) and 3.7cu m (L2).

Load volume range listed for DCiV and Kombi models is the difference between having all the rear seats up and all the rear seats folded.

As Ford offers several gross vehicle weight (GVW) options in the Transit Connect, and since this relates directly to the amount of payload they can carry it’s important to know exactly what you’re buying and using so you don’t break the law by exceeding the legal maximum.

Note that Ford typically refers to GVW as Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM); for our purposes the figures are interchangeable.

Remember that GVW is the combined weight of the van and everything on board – including the people and any optional equipment. Ford handily points out that the Transit Connect's air-conditioning system weighs around 13kg, so if you add this as an option to a Base model it will decrease the stated payload by that amount.

Ford Transit Connect payload

You’ll be able to find exact details of a particular van on its weight plate, but here are the official general guidelines for the various Transit Connect GVWs and the resulting payload; we've listed them for models prior to the introduction of engines that mees the Euro 6.2 emissions regulations and after.

Ford Transit Connect payload pre-Euro 6.2:

Ford Transit Connect payload Euro 6.2:

As you can see, prior to the introduction of Euro 6.2, the Transit Connect's maximum payload rating was 967kg, which applies to the High Payload 240 series 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel L2 panel van with 120hp.

After the introoduction of Euro 6.2, maximum payload has fallen to 865kg, which now applies to a 100hp 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel in the shorter L1 body in the 220 High Payload series.

Best in class small vans for payload that can carry over a tonne include the Fiat Doblo, Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner.

Ford Transit Connect towing capacity

Small vans are not typically bought with heavy-duty towing in mind – you’re better off with a pickup or a larger van for that.

Nonetheless most – but not all, so do check – Transit Connects can cope with the maximum 750kg weight allowed for an unbraked trailer, and a large number of models can tow 1,300kg on a braked trailer.