Overlanding, where people take off-road vehicles and then camp in them, is an increasingly popular RV segment, judging by the number of builds we see in this niche. The Ford Transit Trail 2023 is specifically for people who want to add toughness to their van life adventure.
To get around when the road gets rough, Transit Line has a 3.5-inch increase in ride height and a 2.75-inch wider track, compared to the standard van. It goes up 16-inch wheels in black and Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse 30.5-inch all-terrain tires.
9 Photo
Power comes from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower (231 kilowatts) and 400 pound-feet (543 Newton-meters) of torque. A 10-speed automatic gearbox sends power to the all-wheel-drive system. It has five modes to choose from: Normal, Eco, Mud/Ruts, Tow/Haul, and Slippery.
The Transit Trail has a different look than the standard van. The nose wears a thicker bumper, and there is an additional body covering around the fender. The splash guard is behind the wheel. Rock-slider-style stairs are on each side of the vehicle.
The Transit Trail is available in three body configurations. The table below shows the differences between them:
| Body Configuration | Long and Medium Roof | Long and High Roof | Extended, High Roof |
| Wheelbase | 147.6 Inch | 147.6 Inch | 147.6 Inch |
| Overall length | 235.5 Inch | 235.5 Inch | 263.9 Inch |
| Exterior Height | 105.0 Inch | 113.3 Inch | 114.0 Inch |
| Minimum Ground Clearance | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Cargo Length On Floor | 143.7 Inch | 143.7 Inch | 172.2 Inch |
| Cargo Volume Behind First Row | 357.1 Cubic Feet | 404.3 Cubic Feet | 487.3 Cubic Feet |
| Curb Base Weight | 5,797 Pounds | 5.886 Pounds | 6,094 Pounds |
Inside, the Transit Trail comes with a 12-inch infotainment screen running the Sync 4 software. There are 110-volt, 12-volt and USB outlets for plugging in devices. Other standard features include smart lock, blind spot assistance with reverse and side sensing, and adaptive cruise control.
The cabin also comes with a pre-defined drilled area for mounting cabinets, shelves, beds or whatever the owner needs. The optional Upfitter package adds an exterior light bar, center console, additional fuse panel, dual AGM batteries, and modified wiring to make motor housing construction easier. Available Heavy Duty Trailer Packages allow for towing up to 6,500 pounds. A roof-mounted fan is another option.
The Transit Trail will start at $65,975 for a version with a length of 235.5 inches and a 105-inch roof. Prices for other variants are not yet available. Ford begins deliveries in the spring of 2023.
