Ford’s hitting the dirt-worthy van scene with their new Transit Trail this fall.
After teasing its existence last month, the Blue Oval is finally ready to share the juicy details on the 2023 Ford Transit Trail. At its core, the atuomaker wants a piece of the #vanlife action typically reserved for aftermarket upfitters. While they’ll obviously still play in a role in building the fit-for-purpose go-anywhere van, this Trail gets folks a little bit closer to the end goal right from the Kansas City factory.
Thing is, you will have to pay $67,770 (including destination) if you want to get the 2023 Ford Transit Trail as your starting point. With that cash, you’ll get a 3.5-liter EcoBoost-backed trail rig, complete with all-wheel drive and five selectable drive modes. To make it more off-road worthy, Ford increased the van’s ride height by 3.5 inches and widened the track by 2.75 inches. The trail also gets a different front-bumper, fender cladding and “slider-style” side steps.
Wrapped around 16-inch black alloy wheels, the Transit Trail brings 30.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse all-terrain tires. Sure, we’re not talking mega-big-huge rubber here, but it appears this is close to the upper limit of what’s workable without substantial modifications to the base Transit AWD. If you’re looking to get way out into the bush, the Trail also has a larger fuel tank option, taking the total capacity up from 25 gallons to 31 gallons.
If you’re looking for a rig with some towing capability, the 2023 Ford Transit Trail also tows 6,500 pounds. So, it’s possible to upfit your van the way you’d like and still have the capacity to pull a modest bit of kit.
Other tech updates include a 12-inch infotainment screen with Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system, over-the-air software update capability, and a host of 110-volt (at 400W), 12-volt and USB outlets.
Available in multiple roof configurations
Like the regular van, the 2023 Ford Transit Trail is available in different length and height variations. You can get it in either a medium- or high-roof variant, or an extended-length high roof model if you want more space in both dimensions. The largest version offers up more than 14 feet of length in the cargo area, and a total volume of 487 cubic feet. The high-roof models accommodate people up to 6-foot-5, so take that into consideration if you’re on the taller side.
With several mechanical upgrades out of the way, the 2023 Ford Transit Trail also focuses on upfitting capability. Ford mentions drillable areas to fit cabinets and shelving in “countless configurations”. Folks can order the Trail with a roof-mounted vent fan and privacy glass, while it comes standard with an overhead shelf, illuminated sun visors and swivel seats for both driver and passenger. The available Upfitter Package adds in an auxiliary light bar, a bigger center console, dual AGM batteries and a modified wiring system including an auxiliary fuse panel for extra electronics.
If the whole DIY angle doesn’t appeal, Ford does have a network of upfitters who can handle some of the upgrades for you. The automaker provides a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on the Trail, should you want to go through their official channels for end-to-end support.
