2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon Preview: Los Angeles Auto Show

Minivans have faced an uphill battle ever since they were introduced. It's a symbol that your best days might be behind you, and you've given into a settled-down family way of life. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, and a minivan actually makes for a wonderful means of moving more than four people around town. Still, there's a stigma in this category, and a vehicle like the 2014 Ford Transist Connect Wagon might just help to change that.

Ford is taking a bit of the fun out though, by calling this a wagon instead of a van. Don't be fooled, it's a mininan, and it looks to be a pretty good one at that. 

What’s New for the 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon:

• No longer relegated to commercial duty, the Transit Connect Wagon is a family hauler now.
• Seating for seven.
• Better fuel economy than a Toyota Sienna
• More cargo space than a Mazda5
• Better hauling capacity than a Toyota Tacoma Double Cab.

New 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon: Styling and Design

The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon brings much-needed style to the minivan segment. Sure, the latest crop of family haulers all look way better than the versions that crowded our streets in the 90's. Still, the Transit Connect Wagon updates the look even further, and adds the Ford face to the front, which can be seen on all the latest Blue Oval products.

From that face, the Transit Connect Wagon rises sharply upward thanks to its tall front windshield. This will no doubt allow for great forward visibility inside the cabin. It also serves to set off the rackish rearward lines that move towards the tail of the vehicle. Out back those lines culminate in either a rear liftgate or dual side-hinged doors, depending on how you choose to outfit your van.

New 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon: What’s Under the Hood

You've got two choices when it comes to power delivery with the 2014 Transit Connect Wagon. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while you can opt to step up to a 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost unit. Ford has yet to release power output for either engine, but you can expect the torque curve on the EcoBoost unit to be delightfully broad. Additionally, Ford is predicting 30-mile-per-gallon highway fuel economy from the forced-induction mill. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and send power out to the front wheels.

New 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon: Features and Technology

The interior space of the all-new 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon is jam packed with both technologial gadgetry as well as seating and cargo tech. The third row seats can slide backwards and forward, while both the second and third rows can be folded down flat for a level loading space. Up by the driver, the Ford Sync system can be accessed via voice commands, and there's a child obsveration mirror located conviently for parents to keep an eye on the kids.

Speaking of the kids, if you have a child who is old enough to drive, you can rest easy while they're out and about thanks to the MyKey system. With this, a parent can set the max speed, get alerts if the vehicle exceeds a preset range, and also set volume level maximums to keep kids focused on the road in front of them.

New 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon: What Autobytel Thinks

Ford impressed us when the first brought over the Transit Connect. That is more of a commercial vehicle though, and we're equally impressed with the version designed to haul people. This three-row vehicle is smart inside, and each row is comfortable for adults to sit in. Couple the exterior styling with the innovative interior, and add in the optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost motor, and we're ready to round up the Autobytel staff and head out on a road trip.