The 2023 Ford Transit Trail Van is the perfect option for anyone looking for a van that can be set up as a camper which can go on overlanding adventures and is ready to be put to work. This vehicle is extremely versatile and combines excellent features and value making it suitable for fleet managers and small business owners.
The 2023 Ford Transit comes with driver-assistance features, fleet management apps that are helpful for business owners and one of its advantages is that it is quieter inside compared to its rivals. Although, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has a higher max payload capacity and the commercial vans of GM archaic are a lot cheaper but the 2023 Ford Transit comes with many advantages and features that will be explored below.
According to Car and Driver, the 2023 Ford Transit Trail Van ranks number one out of four other vehicles including the GMC Savana (has a starting price of $39,895), the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (has a starting price of $45,795) and the Chevrolet Express (has a starting price of $39,895). The 2023 Ford Transit has a starting price of $45,250 and this article covers all you need to know about it. So, keep reading for more information.
Overview of the 2023 Ford Transit Trail Van
As stated above, the 2023 Ford Transit Trail Van is a suitable and relevant option for fleet managers and small business owners. It is an extremely versatile vehicle in the sense that you can order it in a wide range of body styles depending on what suits you.
Starting 2023, Ford will sell a model that is specially-equipped and the best base for a camper-van conversion. Customers will also be able to order the Transit Trail Van as a high-roof extended version which makes it spacious enough to fit in many cargo, tools or packages.
The 2023 Ford Transit comes in three models – the Cargo Van (has a starting price of $45,250), the Crew Van (has a starting price of $47,615) and the Transit Trail (has a starting price of $67,770). The base model (the Cargo Van T-150) comes with a wide selection of standard features, 16-inch steel wheels and exterior features including a swing-out split rear door which allows for easy cargo access.
Every Transit model comes standard with Ford’s infotainment system (sync 4) which is available with a 12.0 inch large display screen and basic driver-assistance features. For fleet buyers, the Transit has a fleet telematics and management system which allows for data analysis and tracking of armada of vans.
Every Transit model also comes with terrain tires, more rugged exterior styling than the last and a lifted suspension. They all have raised ground clearance and a wider track which makes it easier to get to remote campsites. For those who do not know how to do the work themselves, Ford hooks up their customers with customization companies that will help to build a camper on their behalf for a price.
Lastly, every Ford Transit Model comes with standard equipment which includes dual USB ports, Bluetooth connection and air conditioning. They also come with driver-assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning.
Fuel Economy
The 2023 Ford Transit has not been tested by the EPA because full-size vans free from federal fuel economy standards. Most people may consider the 2023 Ford Transit’s fuel economy a disadvantage since it is not really high but this is normal as most full-size vans do not have a high fuel economy rate.
According to Car and Driver, the Ford Transit with the V6 turbocharged engine had a fuel economy rate of 17 miles per gallon (mpg) on a 75-mph highway route.
Engine and Power
The 2023 Ford Transit is offered with two engine options – a standard and optional option. The standard engine is a V6 engine (3.5-liter) that produces up to 275 horsepower and about 262 lb-ft of torque. The second engine option is also a V6 engine (3.5-liter) that produces up to 310 horsepower and about 410 lb-ft of torque.
The two engines come with a rear-wheel and an all-wheel drive so customers can choose which one they want and they are paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The Ford Transit Trail Van has a towing capacity of up to 7500 pounds. This is a pretty impressive figure but the Mercedes Sprinter offers a higher payload capability.
Warranty and Maintenance
The 2023 Ford Transit does not offer a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan unlike the GMC Savana and the Chevrolet Express (when purchased newly, they come with a free service visit). The Transit, however, comes with a limited warranty which covers 36,000 miles or three years and a powertrain warranty which covers 60,000 miles or five years. The warranty this vehicle provides is pretty much adequate when compared with its rivals.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Transit model comes with Wi-Fi hotspot for easy connectivity and a 12.0-inch large display screen which has Ford’s latest Sync software. The base Transit model comes with a 4.0-inch multi-function display, music and Bluetooth phone streaming and a four-speaker sound system. Lastly, the 2023’s Ford Transit upgraded system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Sirius XM satellite radio and integrated navigation.
Driver-Assistance and Safety Features
The Transit Trail Van comes with many standard driver-assistance features so drivers are always guaranteed of safety when on the road. These features help to prevent accidents and some of them include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and standard lane-keeping assistance and standard forward-collision warning which comes with automated emergency braking.
Drivers can check the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) websites for detailed information about the Ford Transit Trail Van’s crash-test results.
Cargo, Interior and Comfort
As stated above, the Transit is offered in a variety of body styles, wheelbase lengths and roof heights so customers can adjust the cabin size to suit their needs. The Transit’s cabin design is a lot similar to the Ford Explorer with a mixture of contemporary and sleek. The passenger wagon is spacious enough for 15 people and the van is also offered with more interior features and rugged styling if drivers do not want anything simple.
The Transit’s Rivals
The 2023 Ford Transit Trail Van has two major rivals namely the Ram ProMaster and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. But of course, the Transit seems to have one or two things over these vans making it a more suitable option.
Conclusion
The 2023 Ford Transit Trail Van is a vehicle that comes with a lot of impressive features, most of which makes it a suitable option for fleet managers and small business owners. Is the 2023 Ford Transit Trail Van worth the price? Absolutely, and the best part is, drivers will be able to customize their van to an Instagram-worthy space or whatever fits their aesthetic.
