Transit Passenger Van

Make
Ford
Segment
Van

Ford's UK van lineup has just received an attitude injection in the form of two new trim levels called the Trail and Active. The 2020 Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans will get the off-road-oriented Trail trim level while the Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom will receive the SUV-inspired Active trim. Both have been designed to be more capable off the pavement with a new mechanical limited-slip differential on front-wheel-drive models or an all-wheel-drive system on the full-size Transit. Ford even says the new diff used on the FWD drive models is similar to the technology used on performance models like the Focus RS, Fiesta ST, and Focus ST.

You may notice that the Trail models are particularly aggressive looking thanks to a new grille that was clearly inspired by the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ranger Raptor. Other aggressive styling features include black cladding around the wheels, 16-inch wheels, and optional roof racks. Multiple body styles are available, all powered by Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine with varying levels of output.

They may not be Raptor-inspired but the Transit and Tourneo Custom Active models are still pretty sporty looking for vans. Based on the success of the Fiesta Active and Focus Active, these models are equipped with 17-inch wheels, a unique mesh grille, body cladding, and standard roof rails.

Inside, both models get unique partial leather seating while the Tourneo Custom Active also gets a blue instrument panel accent.

These vans are a bit different than the ones sold in the United States but we think Ford would be foolish not to offer a Raptor-style grille option for its North American van offerings. Perhaps when the new Volkswagen co-developed vans arrive on the market, there will be an off-road Trail trim available for the US market. Ford has already announced plans for an all-electric Transit as well, so it will be interesting to see how it differs in styling compared to the gas models.