2023 Ford Transit Trail aims for RV crowd

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. is expanding its van lineup with a variant aimed at adventure and lifestyle customers looking for alternatives to recreational vehicles and motorhomes.

The 2023 Transit Trail, scheduled to go on sale this spring, will replace the current Transit’s adventure package and starts at $67,770, including a $1,797 shipping fee.

The van rides 3.5 inches higher than a standard Transit and has a 2.75-inch wider track. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that’s expected to generate 310 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque.

Ford is hoping to capitalize on the popularity of outdoor recreation and provide customers who either live or spend significant time in their van with what the company calls the “perfect blank canvas.” The automaker plans to split an undisclosed number of vehicles between retail buyers and commercial upfitters.

“Our decades of experience in the motorhome industry and insights from the van-life community helped us design a vehicle that makes it easier for adventure seekers to start their next journey,” Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis said in a statement.

Tim Baughman, Ford Pro’s general manager, said he expect a “substantial percentage” of Transit Trail customers to be do-it-yourself enthusiasts who customize the van with various parts and accessories.

With that in mind, Ford positioned drillable areas throughout the interior for cabinetry, shelving and beds. Ford also added an overhead shelf and roof vent in response to customer feedback. The high-roof, extended length configuration has 487 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Transit Trail features an intelligent all-wheel-drive system with multiple drive modes, adaptive cruise control and the Sync 4 infotainment system. Ford will offer a heavy-duty trailer package with a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

Ford also plans to offer an optional 31-gallon tank as an upgrade to the standard 24-gallon tank.

The van can have multiple commercial applications for businesses such as forestry services or others that need more off-road capable vehicles. Baughman said the van’s initial focus, though, will be on adventure and lifestyle buyers.