Fresh off ending 2021 as the UK’s best-selling vehicle, Ford Authority spies spotted a next-gen Ford Transit Custom high-roof prototype driving around Europe this past May. This sighting confirmed that the ICE-powered Ford Transit Custom will indeed live on for a new generation, which was unclear following the debut of the all-electric E-Transit Custom earlier this year. Now, Ford Authority spies have obtained exclusive photos of a next-generation Ford Transit Custom testing in the U.S. for the very first time, too.
This is the first time a next-gen Transit Custom prototype has been spotted in the states, a fact confirmed by the “TU33” number plate on the back of the van, which is the designation for the new model’s program. As is the case with the previously-spied prototype, this van – which slots in between the compact Transit Connect and the full-size Ford Transit in The Blue Oval’s lineup – is wearing heavy camo as well.
Notable design features include slim headlights – just like the E-Transit Custom – as well as a large front upper grille with a smaller grille beneath it, though in this case, the van is equipped with a set of black split six-spoke wheels instead of the steelie-style units present on the European prototype. A set of thin, modern-looking taillights rounds out the obvious updates when compared to the current-gen model.
Ford has greatly expanded its Transit Custom range over the last couple of years, adding more off-road capable Trail and Active variants, as well as the same rugged trims for the Transit Custom Nugget camper. As Ford Authority reported last March, the E-Transit Custom has been confirmed for production in the second half of 2023 and will be built alongside all other variants by Ford Otosan – Ford’s joint venture with Koç Holding – at the Otosan Assembly plant in Turkey.
We’ll have more on the next-gen Transit Custom soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Transit news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
Bring the plug in hybrid custom to the states and I’ll trade in my 2018 transit connect!
How can we get this sold in USA, EV and PEV, AWD, please