Transit Connect Flex PHEV 5-Seater Guide

Ford Transit Connect Flex PHEV 5 Seater

The Ford Transit Connect Flex Cab proves that commercial vans can combine efficiency with functionality. Our week-long test drive revealed a versatile vehicle with an impressive electric-only range of around 70 miles. This range makes it ideal for urban deliveries and short commutes. The Ford Transit Connect's interior strikes the right balance between practicality and comfort. Both L1 and L2 lengths provide load volumes from 3.1 to 3.7 cubic metres, based on your chosen configuration. Source

The Ford Transit Connect FlexCab's dual-purpose capability stands out as its strongest feature. Our tests confirmed the remarkable 565mpg efficiency claim, which drivers can achieve by keeping the battery charged. The L2 variant handles a maximum payload of 761kg, making it an excellent choice for businesses that need both passenger and cargo capacity. The available payload range of 606-739kg in different models and trims gives this van unmatched versatility in its class.

Ford Transit Connect FlexCab 2025: Key Specs and Configurations

The 2025 Transit Connect FlexCab packs a really modern powertrain under its hood that strikes the perfect balance between performance and efficiency. Let's get into what makes this compact commercial vehicle a standout choice in today's competitive market.

Features & Practical Benefits

The Transit Connect FlexCab's heart is a Volkswagen-derived 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that works with a high-voltage battery and electric motor. This powerful combo delivers 150PS total output and 330Nm of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission comes standard with the powertrain, which delivers smooth power whatever the load.
The electric motor's impressive 330Nm torque output lets the van cruise at highway speeds without needing the petrol engine. You can drive up to 72 miles on pure electric power thanks to the 19.7kWh usable battery capacity. This makes it perfect for city deliveries and short trips.

Payload and Trailer Capacity: Up to 761kg and 1,500kg

The FlexCab Active SWB model leads the range with a 761kg payload capacity, though numbers vary between models. Businesses need strong towing capability, and the Transit Connect delivers with a best-in-class 1,500kg braked trailer capacity. See all Crew van lease deals

FlexCab Seating: 2-seat van or 5-seat dual-use Ford Transit Connect Flex

Ford's innovative FlexCab design makes this van special. The system features a smart folding second row that transforms from a five-seater passenger vehicle to a two-seater work van in moments. A clever design secures the rear seat to a roof-mounted bar when folded forward and upward. You basically get two vehicles in one – a compact MPV with plenty of storage or a full panel van with expanded cargo space.

Load Volume: 3.1 to 3.7 cubic metres Ford Transit Connect Flex

Your cargo space depends on the configuration you choose. The short wheelbase (SWB) L1 model gives you 3.1 cubic metres of load volume with 1,797mm maximum length. The long wheelbase (LWB) L2 version bumps this up to 3.7 cubic metres with 2,150mm of load length.
FlexCab models are even more versatile. Load volumes range from 2.5 cubic metres (L1) to 3.1 cubic metres (L2) with folded rear seats. Both SWB and LWB versions fit a Euro pallet in the back, so you get practical functionality with either wheelbase choice. See all Ford Transit Connect For Sale

Interior and Infotainment: Comfort Meets Utility

The 2025 Transit Connect FlexCab welcomes you with a perfect balance of comfort and functionality. Ford has created a cabin that makes your workday much more enjoyable by combining practical features with car-like comfort. See all Crew vans for sale

Driver Cabin Layout and Storage

The Transit Connect's cabin serves as a well-laid-out workspace with solid, high-quality materials throughout. All models come with individual seats as standard, and Ford doesn't offer a three-person bench seat configuration. You'll find plenty of storage options - wide door pockets, a deep dashboard trough, and handy cupholders near the drive selector.
A fold-flat passenger seat stands out as a key feature on all van models. This transforms into a hardtop table with raised edges that keep items from falling off. It creates a perfect mobile office space. Premium models let you upgrade to heated front seats with AGR certification (Campaign for Healthier Backs). These seats come with four-way electric lumbar support and adjustable leg supports. See all Hybrid vans available for lease 

10-inch Digital Infotainment System Ford Transit Connect Flex

The digital cockpit takes centre stage with its impressive display setup. It combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch colour touchscreen. The instrument panel lets you customise your view with a main display and vehicle info on the sides. The system runs on VW's architecture with Ford's own fonts and menus, and it responds quickly most of the time.
Power users will love the charging options. The cabin has two powerful 45W USB-C ports, and Limited and Active models add wireless charging. These USB-C ports pack enough power to charge laptops or work tools on the go.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration

Phone connectivity works smoothly with both wired and wireless options. Every trim level includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This gives you easy access to your navigation, music, and communication apps. The wireless connection happens quickly - no more messing around with cables.

Touch Controls vs Steering Wheel Buttons

The control layout brings mixed results for working users. Temperature adjustments need touchscreen input, which can be tricky with work gloves or dirty hands. The good news is that Ford kept physical volume buttons on the steering wheel. These proved really useful during testing. The exterior light controls also stay physical, with buttons right next to the steering wheel.
The electronic parking brake includes Auto Hold, so you won't roll back when stopped. This feature really helps when making deliveries in hilly areas.

Driving Experience and Hybrid Performance

My experience behind the wheel of the Transit Connect FlexCab showed its true performance capabilities. The compact workhorse proved its worth as I tested it in different driving conditions.

Electric Range: Up to 119km

The Transit Connect FlexCab packs an impressive electric-only range that reaches up to 119km according to WLTP figures. My test drives in cold weather yielded about 48 miles of pure electric driving in urban areas. This range worked great for daily delivery routes. The extended range comes from its 19.7kWh usable battery capacity, making it a smart choice for city-based businesses.

Fuel Efficiency: Up to 565mpg (claimed) Ford Transit Connect Flex

The official figures boast an incredible 565mpg, but this depends heavily on how often you charge. My mixed-use testing across several hundred miles showed 53.7mpg, including battery depletion on motorway stretches. Running on petrol power alone brings efficiency down to about 30mpg.

Ride Comfort on Urban Roads

The Transit Connect FlexCab shines brightest in urban settings. It shares its car-based foundation with Volkswagen Golf and Audi TT models, giving it a surprisingly smooth ride. The suspension handles bumps with ease, and you get a much more refined drive than typical vans.

Switching Between Drive Modes

The van offers four versatile EV modes:

• EV Now: Pure electric driving, perfect for low emission zones
• EV Auto: Smart balance of electric and petrol power
• EV Later: Saves battery charge for later use
• EV Reserve: Keeps battery at your chosen level

Handling and Manoeuvrability

The steering feels responsive yet light, while great visibility and a tight turning circle make it easy to navigate narrow streets and car parks. You get quick acceleration from the 150PS combined output and robust 350Nm of torque, especially around town. The van also cruises smoothly on motorways, rounding out its impressive driving capabilities.

Pricing, Trims and Value for Money Ford Transit Connect Flex

A look at the Ford Transit Connect FlexCab's financial aspects shows clear pricing and excellent charging features compared to other commercial vehicles.

Trend vs Limited Trim Levels Ford Transit Connect Flex

The Transit Connect keeps things simple with two main trim levels. The base Trend model comes with a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver's display, sat-nav, heated windscreen, and front and rear parking sensors. Moving up to the Limited trim adds practical features like a fold-flat passenger seat that works as a desk surface, wireless phone-charging, and adaptive cruise control on automatic models. You'll also get blind-spot assist, heated power-folding mirrors, and a rear-view camera. Ford replaces the Limited trim with an Active variant for FlexCab models, adding tougher styling elements.

Starting Price: £30K OTR (ex VAT)

The plug-in hybrid Transit Connect's price starts at £30,650 for the Limited SWB model without VAT. You'll pay about £2,000 more for the FlexCab setup compared to standard vans. The LWB PHEV qualifies for a £5,000 UK government grant while the SWB version gets £2,500. This makes the longer model cheaper despite being 353mm longer.

Charging Options: 11kW AC and 40kW DC

The Transit Connect PHEV stands out with its 50kW DC fast charging capability. The battery reaches 80% charge in less than 30 minutes. A full charge takes about 3 hours 50 minutes when using a 7kW home or workplace charger.

Warranty and Reliability Expectations

Ford's standard warranty covers three years or 60,000 miles, matching basic industry standards. The warranty covers parts that need repair or replacement due to manufacturing defects. Buyers can extend coverage to four years or 100,000 miles for extra protection.

Conclusion Ford Transit Connect Flex

My week with the Transit Connect FlexCab proved that Ford has created something special in the commercial vehicle space. This van delivers on its promise - it switches from a work vehicle to a comfortable five-seater and back in seconds.
The 70-mile electric range works great for businesses that operate in urban areas. When properly charged, it offers an amazing 565mpg potential that could cut operating costs by a lot for small businesses.
Without doubt, the smart balance between work utility and comfort impressed me most. The cabin feels premium with its dual 10-inch screens. The fold-flat passenger seat turns into a mobile office right away, showing Ford knows what commercial users need.
Ford kept its unique character even with Volkswagen underpinnings. The ride quality exceeds what you'd expect, especially with a load. The powertrain runs smooth with punchy performance whether you're stuck in city traffic or cruising highways.
The price tag needs a good look. Base models start at £30K before VAT, which costs more than regular diesel versions. Notwithstanding that, reduced fuel costs and possible congestion charge exemptions make financial sense, especially when you have regular runs in urban low emission zones.
On top of that, it beats many plug-in hybrid competitors with its fast-charging features. Knowing how to reach 80% charge in under 30 minutes at a 50kW DC charger means you won't waste time between jobs.
This Transit Connect FlexCab stands out as a versatile commercial vehicle that fits businesses of all sizes. While it's not the cheapest option upfront, its mix of flexibility, efficiency and real-world usability makes it perfect for forward-thinking businesses that need one vehicle to do the work of two.

FAQs Ford Transit Connect Flex

Q1. What is the electric range of the 2025 Ford Transit Connect FlexCab? The 2025 Ford Transit Connect FlexCab offers an impressive electric-only range of up to 119km (about 74 miles) according to WLTP figures. In real-world conditions, it can achieve around 48 miles of pure electric driving in urban settings, even during cold weather.
Q2. How fuel-efficient is the Ford Transit Connect FlexCab? The Ford Transit Connect FlexCab boasts a claimed fuel efficiency of up to 565mpg when regularly charged. However, in mixed-use real-world testing, it achieved a respectable 53.7mpg. Without charging, the efficiency is closer to 30mpg when running solely on petrol power.
Q3. What are the key features of the FlexCab configuration? The FlexCab configuration offers dual-purpose capability, allowing you to switch between a five-seater passenger vehicle and a two-seater work van in seconds. It features a folding second row that secures to a roof-mounted bar, providing flexibility for both passenger transport and cargo capacity.
Q4. What are the charging options for the Transit Connect FlexCab? The Transit Connect FlexCab supports both AC and DC charging. It can be charged using an 11kW AC charger or a 50kW DC fast charger. With DC fast charging, it can reach 80% battery capacity in under 30 minutes. A complete charge takes approximately 3 hours 50 minutes on a 7kW AC connection.
Q5. How does the Transit Connect FlexCab perform in urban environments? The Transit Connect FlexCab excels in urban environments. It offers a supple ride quality, absorbing bumps effectively due to its car-based underpinnings. The steering is light yet accurate