2023 Ford Transit Connect XL

The Transit Connect is Ford's compact cargo van, the smallest way to haul gear without stepping up to a full-size van. It's easy to drive around town, with a tight turning radius and a view out the windshield that makes parking in tight spots simple. The sliding rear doors and low load floor make it simple to load boxes and tools, and the tall roof gives you room to stand gear upright. Being a small van, it sips fuel compared to bigger work vehicles, so daily running costs stay reasonable. The XL is the base work van, so you skip the XLT's extra convenience features and the Titanium's nicer interior, but you save thousands and get the same cargo space. Its 2.0L I4 makes 162 horsepower and pairs with a smooth eight-speed automatic, which is enough for city deliveries and returns 25 mpg combined. You get vinyl seats and rubber floor covering in the XL, which means you can hose it out after a messy job without worrying about stains.