Overlanding has come a long way since the early 1900s when Henry Ford formed a group called the “Vagabonds” that embarked on summer camping trips using early Ford vans. Now, more than 100 years later, Ford Motor Co. introduces what it likes to call a “blank slate” in the up-and-coming Class B RV segment: the 2023 Ford Transit Trail.
Even though this van-sized RV is highly customizable on the interior and gets some rugged exterior features, it comes with a lot of standard tech and safety features as well Ford’s 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
More off-road ready
No, the 2023 Ford Transit Trail isn’t ready to tackle the Rubicon, but it is ready to get you to a trail head or off-the-beaten-path camp site with a few modifications and additions.
First it comes standard with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, all-wheel drive and five drive modes – including Mud/Ruts and Slippery. Additionally, ride height is increased by 3.5 inches over a regular Transit and the track increases by 2.75 inches. The Transit Trail also gets 30.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse all-terrain tires, a unique skid-plate style front bumper, the heavy-duty trailer package and slider-style side steps. Naturally, you can further outfit this van with a bevy of different interior upgrades, from basics like custom floor mats, to Ford’s own “Upfitter Package” for additional auxiliary accessories.
The best thing about this: All the off-road additions work with the standard safety tech.
Standard technology
The biggest thing the 2023 Ford Transit Trail gets in the tech realm will be standard Sync 4 with a 12-inch infotainment screen. That means wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and decent voice commands.
Other tech features include standard blind-spot monitoring, an auxiliary fuse panel with high-spec interface connector, a high-res back-up camera, a 110-volt/400-watt power outlet, parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.
Configuring your canvas
Similar to the regular passenger van, you have a few different roof and length options. You can get the medium roof (100.8 inches) or high roof (110.1 inches) as well as the long or extended length versions (both with a 148-inch wheelbase). The only option you can’t get: the low roof.
In the high-roof, extended-length configuration, you’ll get 487 cubic feet of cargo space to upfit.
Also of note: Both high-roof options provide full standing room for people as tall as 6-feet, 5-inches.
Some other great options of note: drillable areas for cabinetry or beds, privacy glass, and a roof vent fan.
The bottom line on the 2023 Ford Transit Trail
Though Ford isn’t going to do the upfitting for you, it will provide a lot of space for you to either do it yourself or select an upfitter who will bring your creation to life for you. The regular Ford Transit starts at $51,070, and the 2023 Ford Transit Trail adds a lot of standard goodies as well as two taller rooflines – so the starting price of $65,975 without dealer fees makes sense.
Orders are open now, and we should start seeing the Transit Trail on the streets starting this spring.
Related posts:
- 5 reasons the 2022 Ford E-Transit is a big deal, 1 key miss
- New 2020 Ford Transit revealed – AWD, new engines and more
- 5 things that make the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro a great work truck
