--- title: "2023 Ford Transit Trail Is a Sub-$70K Adventure Van That Can Tow 6,500 Pounds" description: "Ford's van chassis has underpinned motorhomes for years, but the Blue Oval is now delivering tougher and trail-ready vans from the factory." date: "2022-11-03" modified: "2022-11-03" authors: - name: "Lewin Day" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/lewin-day" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/2023-ford-transit-trail-is-a-sub-70k-adventure-van-that-can-tow-6500-pounds" categories: - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # 2023 Ford Transit Trail Is a Sub-$70K Adventure Van That Can Tow 6,500 Pounds ![]() *\Ford\* The 2023 Ford Transit Trail aims to be a hardy go-anywhere vehicle for those wanting to kit out their very own [adventure van](). Ford has long supplied others with the framework for #vanlife, with more motorhomes currently built on Ford chassis than any other brand. Now, the brand is getting more directly involved by selling its own upfit-ready vans straight from the factory. The Transit Trail, which Ford unveiled Thursday costs $67,770 including destination, has a capable drivetrain for off-road duty. The EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 is good for 310 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s complete with all-wheel drive, with a variety of drive modes suited to different conditions, on road and off. It’s also capable of [towing]() a full 6,500 pounds, useful for taking a boat, ATV or other toys out on the road. ![]() ![]() Off-road, the Transit Trail’s credentials are further improved by the 3.5-inch higher ride height [over the base model]() and a 2.75-inch wider track. It rides on tough 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse all-terrain tires, with high sidewalls that should cushion the ride. The underbody is protected thanks to a skid-plate-style front bumper and slider-like sidesteps. The wheel arches also get some plastic cladding which gives the van a more rugged look overall. Several body styles are available, with customers able to choose from medium, high-roof, and high-roof extended-length variants. The biggest model features up to 487 cubic feet of cargo space, with the extended-length cargo bay stretching over 14 feet long. In particular, the high-roof models are designed for standing room for people up to 6-foot-5-inches tall. ![]() ![]() ![]() The cargo area is specifically designed for upfitting into a camp-ready vehicle, featuring special “drillable” areas for attaching shelving, beds, and cabinets. A roof-vent fan is an optional extra, while the privacy glass is an ideal inclusion for a sleeper van. The cabin also includes niceties like swivel seats and an overhead shelf for additional gear storage. Power-wise, the usual 12-volt outlet is present and accounted for, along with a 110-volt outlet rated at 400 watts for running chargers and other small AC appliances. Those with less of a DIY ethos need not fear, either. [Ford’s official network]() of upfitters and installers is ready and standing by for anyone seeking a professional fitout for their adventure vehicle. Since it’s intentionally designed as an adventure-ready upfitter model, there’s less need to hack and chop at the vehicle to modify it to suit. Thus, the Transit Trail should serve as a capable base for anyone seeking a clean slate for their van-life dream build. *Got a tip? Let the author know: lewin@thedrive.com* ## Author Lewin Day is a contributing writer tackling everything from breaking news after the offices empty out to sharing feature articles on wrenching, robotics, and the trials and tribulations of being a down-to-earth car enthusiast. He lives in Adelaide, Australia. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Twitter]()