2020 Ford Transit Connect Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Small business owners and contractors often make due with a pickup truck. Sometimes, however, they just need more interior space. That's where the venerable mini-van comes in. The 2020 Ford Transit Connect offers a lot of options and flexibility for a variety of business needs. It's a great choice for single tradesmen, work crews or even for someone who needs a whole fleet of delivery vehicles.

The 2020 Ford Transit Connect comes in two major configurations and three trim levels. Ford offers a ton of options for customization. Transit Connects can truly be outfitted for just about any type of work duty. This article will take a look at what each trim level has to offer.

Compare the 2020 Ford Transit Connect XL Cargo Van vs the XLT Cargo Van Trims. What is the difference?

The first configuration for the Transit Connect is that of a cargo van. The cargo van version comes in two different trim levels, the XL and the XLT. These two models only have seating for two. All of that interior space is reserved for storage. The XL and XLT are only available with front-wheel drive.

Both trim levels are powered by the same engine. Ford uses a 2.0-liter, I-4 engine. This engine produces 162 horsepower. Ford offers a second option just for fleet vehicles. This is a 2.5-liter IVCT I-4 engine for more power and torque. The base engine gets an 8-speed automatic transmission while the bigger engine gets a 6-speed.

Both trim levels share the same 15.8 gallon fuel tank. An EcoMode helps to maximize the vehicle's fuel economy. This is an important factor in vehicles used for deliveries and other work duties. Both models have a combined fuel-economy rating of around 26 miles-per-gallon.

The XL and XLT both come equipped with Start-Stop Technology. This can greatly increase the life of the vehicle's engine. An engine-block heater and a heavy-duty alternator are optional for both models. Remote Start is another nice option. Buyers can also add on a governor to prevent the van from going over 65 or 75 miles-per-hour.

All versions of the 2020 Ford Transit Connect feature Electric Power-Assisted Steering. The XL and XLT Cargo vans have anti-lock disc brakes up front and in the rear. The suspension systems are identical and do a great job of soaking up every bump in the road. Hill-Start Assist helps to get the van going again if it happens to break down on an incline.

Side Wind Stabilization and AdvanceTrac help the steering and handling of these vehicles. There is very little body roll when cornering and the traction is great in most conditions. The XL and XLT Cargo vans also feature Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking to help in prevention of front crashes.

On the outside of these cargo vans, there are 180-degree swing-out cargo doors. Automatic headlamps and automatic high beams are standard all around. The XLT gives buyers the option of adding on High Intensity Discharge headlights. Daytime running lights are found on both models. These can be configured with different settings for driver preference.

The exterior mirrors offer a heating feature. The mirrors must be manually adjusted in the XL. They come power-adjustable for the XLT. The XLT also gets options front and cornering, LED fog lamps. The front wipers for both trim levels have rain-sensing technology. They can be set to kick on automatically when needed.

There aren't too many cosmetic differences for the exteriors of these two models. Ford gives a few more notable options for buyers here. They can select splash guards for the front and rear of the vans. A reverse-assist system and a tire-repair kit can be thrown in as well, for an additional fee.

Both of these trims come with the same 16-inch wheels. A full wheel cover is included with a silver-sparkle paint finish. The XLT has a couple of additional color choices for the wheels, but there's no style differences other than the paint.

Duel sliding side doors are present on the XL and XLT. Windows can be added on the sides of the vehicles and on the back cargo door. The default configurations have neither. Ford also offers privacy-glass windows. The front driver and passenger windows have one-touch power operation on every model.

Moving on to the interior, both trim levels get manually-adjusted climate control up front. The XLT has optional dual-zone climate control. Both vans have a four-spoke steering wheel, but the XLT adds on some satin-chrome accents. There's some storage space in the center console with a couple of cup holders. The XLT adds in front map lights and vanity mirrors on the sun visors.

The XL trim package gives drivers vinyl upholstery. The XLT offers cloth and also comes with premium carpeted floor mats. Both have six-way manual driver Seats and 4-way manual passenger seats. The XLT adds on manual lumbar adjustments for the driver's seat. The XL has a basic AM/FM stereo with four speakers. The XLT comes with an upgraded audio and infotainment system.

The XLT still only has four speakers, but it features Ford's SYNC 3 system. This gets driver's a bigger display screen and more connectivity options. There is BlueTooth connectivity, USB ports and smart-device charging. Wireless charging can only be had with the XLT trim package. It also comes ready for SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Moving up to the XLT trim comes with a few extra driver-assist features. There is a Lane-Keeping System and Ford's Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. It's important to note that these can be added on as extras for the XL trim package. The XLT also offers optional Adaptive Cruise Control.

Both trim packages offer the same number of airbags. There are front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger. A rear-view camera is a welcome addition for a large vehicle. There is also a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. A Passive Anti-Theft System is standard, while a Perimeter Anti-Theft Alarm System is optional for both trim levels.

These two cargo vans offer three optional packages. These are the smokers package, a trailer-towing package and a Upfitter Wiring Harness package.

Compare the 2020 Ford Transit Connect XLT Cargo Van vs the XL Passenger Van. What is the Difference?

Now we come to the XL version of the Passenger van. The Passenger models are the second configuration available for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The XL Passenger van comes with the same two engine options offered for the XL and XLT cargo vans. The first and obvious difference between the cargo and passenger models is the addition of extra seating. A Passenger XL can fit up to seven average-size adults inside.

The passenger vans can be used as work vehicles where a whole crew must be transported to the workplace. They can also be used for transportation businesses. The passenger vans have an additional trim level and a few more options, especially for the interior.

The XL Passenger van and XLT cargo vans have the same performance stats. The fuel economy isn't different enough to really matter. All of the safety and security features are identical for these two trim packages. The passenger vans get two additional package options. These are a Roof Wiring Hole and a Taxi Package, geared for customer transportation.

On the outside of the XL Passenger, the rear cargo doors are no longer standard. They can, however, still be added on as an option. Side windows for the rear-seat passengers are now standard for the passenger van. The second row even gets power-operated windows. Rear wipers for the back window are standard for the XL Passenger.

The XL Passenger gets dual-zone climate control as a standard feature. Rear passengers get controls for heating in cooling in this trim level. This model includes 12-volt power points for the rear as well. The carpeting gets an upgrade throughout the vehicle. The center console is also upgraded and there are more small-item storage spaces.

The XL Passenger sound system still comes stock with only four speakers, but they are now placed in different locations. They come two in the front and two in the rear. In the cargo vans, all four speakers are located up front. The SNYC 3 system is optional for the XL Passenger. Most of the remaining interior features for the XL Passenger match those of the XL Cargo van.

Ford provides several seating setups. The standard setup has room for six people while options can bump this up to seven. Third-row seats come in different configurations. These include 60/40 Split-folding seats or Fold-Flat Bucket Seats for the second row. The third-row seats can even be deleted for fleet vehicles.

Compare the 2020 Ford Transit Connect XL Passenger Van vs the XLT Passenger Van Trims. What is the Difference?

The differences between the XL Passenger van and the XLT Passenger van are similar to the differences between the XL and XLT Cargo vans. The engines are once again the same. The XLT comes with 16-inch sparkle-silver wheels which are only an option for the XL model. The safety and security features are the same on both of these vehicles.

The exterior of the XLT offers some different cosmetic features. The front bumper and door handles come painted to match the body color. halogen fog lamps come standard on the XLT with the option to upgrade to LED versions. The XLT also has a unique five-bar black grille with chrome accents.

The XLT trim level gets owners side moldings on the body. Privacy glass is standard on the XLT and optional for the XL. The XLT also gets the option of having a Panoramic Fixed-Glass Vista Roof.

On the inside of the XLT Passenger, owners will find a standard six-speaker audio system. There are extra charging points in this model. This trim also gets SiriusXM Satellite Radio capabilities, AppLink and 911 Assist. Wireless charging is standard here as well.

The XLT Passenger gets some new options for the seats. They can now be had in leather trim and with heating. The driver's seat has six-way power adjustments, and the front passenger's seat gets four-way adjustments. Previously-optional Blind Spot Information System and Lane-Keeping System are now standard for the XLT.

Compare the 2020 Ford Transit Connect XLT Passenger Van vs the Titanium Passenger Van. What is the Difference?

As always, these two trim levels get the same engine and transmission choices. The suspension system and most mechanical systems are identical here. On the outside of these vans, the Titanium has new standard wheels. These are a set of 16-inch aluminum wheels with a dark, stainless paint job.

High Intensity Discharge headlamps and LED fog lights now come standard on the Titanium. The exterior mirrors have a heating feature. They are also power adjustable and can be folded in at the touch of a button.

On the inside of the Titanium, the steering wheel now comes wrapped in leather. This trim level gets a premium sound system with nine speakers. The front seats get a heating feature and the upholstery now has leather trim. Everything on the inside gets a quality upgrade. Things are just built better and made to be more comfortable here.

Ford is pretty consistent with the safety and security features. The Titanium trim doesn't bring anything new to the table here. It does get the new option for Enhanced Active Park Assist, but that's about it.

2020 Ford Transit Connect: Which Trim to Choose?

There is no one answer to this question for all buyers. The first choice to make is whether to get a cargo or passenger van. This should be obvious depending on the buyers needs. For cargo vans, the XLT is usually going to be the best bet. It gets all of the best extra features for a small extra fee.

For passenger fleet vehicles, the XLT is still likely to be the best option. It once again offers all of the best features. The extras on the Titanium models are nice, but won't be essentials for most buyers looking for a fleet vehicle. If it's a one-man operation where the driver is also the owner of the business, they may want to take a look at the Titanium. For everyone else, the XLT will be more cost effective.