Ford has silently pulled the plug on one of the market’s most distinctive off-roaders – the Transit Trail. This specialized vehicle, designed for a particular segment of the market, was available for less than three model years. The Transit Trail transformed the standard Ford Transit cargo van into a capable off-roader by equipping it with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), 30.5-inch all-terrain tires, and five drive modes, including a unique Mud/Ruts setting. While its interior was Spartan, it featured drillable wall panels, anticipating that owners would customize it with kitchenettes, beds, and other essentials for vanlife. The only available option was an Upfitter Package that included exterior trail lights and pre-wiring for appliances suitable for life on the road. Ford attributed the discontinuation to ongoing supply chain challenges and part availability constraints affecting 2023 and 2024 Transit vans equipped with the Trail package. The company decided to remove the package from the 2025 Transit lineup while prioritizing parts and service for affected customers. Prior to Ford’s launch of the Transit Trail, numerous upfitter shops across the country made a living converting Transits for off-road adventures. The Transit Trail’s initial price of $67,590 (including destination fee) often represented a cost-saving alternative to purchasing a new Transit and having it converted. It’s likely that these shops retain their expertise in such conversions.
