Tradies Reviews

Ford has come out swinging against Chinese rivals in Australia's growing plug-in hybrid ute segment, but does its Ranger-based PHEV have the right mix of price, power and performance to be the tradie's choice?

The Foton Tunland V9-L 4x4, which starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, is the mid-grade version of the Chinese medium-sized ute, with the L standing for “Luxury”.You can spot the difference between the Tunland V7 and V9 models very easily. Up front, the V9-L and flagship V9-S have horizontal styling themes for the LED lighting that is very similar to the Ram 1500. In contrast, the entry-level and fleet-focused V7-C has a Ford F-150-esque nose cone.Both looks are not only homages to the American full-sized trucks, they inform the up-sized dimensions of the Tunland, meaning they sit half-way between, say, a Toyota HiLux and Toyota Tundra. And all for similar money or less than the established utes.Being a more-lifestyle orientated pick-up, the Tunland V9-L ditches the V7-C’s leaf spring rear suspension for a coil-sprung multi-link design, in the pursuit of greater comfort and dynamic control.Consequently, payload slips to 995kg.Being a luxury proposition, the V9-L gains wheel-arch extension cladding, side steps, a sports bar, vehicle-to-load power socket, heated and powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, heated/folding mirrors, extra USB ports, additional speakers and a wireless charger. Four-wheel drive is also standard, along with high-and-low ratio gearing, a rear differential lock, all-terrain tyres and various off-road driving modes.These come on top of the V7-C’s 12.3-inch electronic instrumentation display, 14.6-inch centre touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera with transparent-road-down-below views, a dash cam, front/rear parking sensors and ADAS advanced driver-assist systems including AEB.However, the V9-L does not gain any more performance, meaning it retains the lesser version’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit.Pumping out 120kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1500-2400rpm, drive is sent to all four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The 0-100km/h sprint-time is under 11 seconds, and top speed is 160km/h.Finally, the Tunland V9-L’s official combined-cycle fuel consumption figure is 8.0 litres per 100km, for a carbon dioxide rating of 211g/km. Over 935km of range is possible between refills of the 75-litre tank as a result.

The Foton Tunland V7-C is the entry-level version of the Chinese mid-sized ute.Kicking off from $39,990 before on-road costs for the 4x2 version and $42,990 before on-road costs for the 4x4, this is the workhorse model aimed at fleet buyers and such, with the C standing for 'Core'.As a result, along with double-wishbone front suspension, the rear suspension comprises of leaf springs for superior carrying and towing capacities. To that end, the V7-C’s payload is 1115kg in the 4x2 and 1050kg in the heavier 4x4.The V7-C is also the only Tunland with the stacked LED lighting treatment that is very reminiscent of the Ford F-150 pick-up truck.Speaking of which, dimensionally the Tunland sits somewhere between a mid-sized ute like the Ford Ranger and full-sized ute like the F-150.Standard kit includes a 14.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera with transparent-road-below views, a dash cam, front/rear parking sensors and auto emergency braking (AEB) as part of a range of advanced driver-assist systems. But there’s no lockable tailgate for now, or a digital radio.The V7-C 4x4 adds high-and-low ratio gearing, a rear differential lock, all-terrain tyres and various off-road driving modes.For now, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit is the only engine choice on offer across the Tunland range, sending drive via an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.Power is rated at 120kW at 3600rpm and torque at 450Nm between 1500-2400rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint-time is under 11 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 160km/h.The 4x4’s 4WD system, by the way, consists of 2WD-High, 4WD-High and 4WD-Low settings, a mechanical rear diff lock and several off-road modes, but also has a 4A Auto setting.Finally, the Tunland V7-C’s official combined fuel consumption figure is 8.0 litres per 100km (for a carbon dioxide rating of 211g/km). Brimming the 75-litre tank with diesel can mean over 930km between refills is possible.

The all-new Kia Tasman generated plenty of celebrity-driven hype prior to its launch in 2025, but does it have the credentials to meet high expectations of Aussie ute buyers?

One of 2025's biggest surprises is how much better the 2026 Foton Tunland is than expected. Aimed at the GWM Cannon and Isuzu D-Max at the lower-end of the mid-sized ute market, the Chinese dual-cab ups the ante by being almost a half-size larger, yet is no more expensive. Good steering, a pleasant cabin and refined mechanicals are bonuses. There are some issues, but this is a pleasing effort.

Carving a slice out of the fleet market and hanging on to it is a constant battle for ute makers. Throw in ever-tougher emissions and fuel consumption targets and the threat of new Chinese rivals, and it's a cut-throat world. But Mazda knows that a trimmed price-tag is the way to woo fleet managers, even if you have to give up a few things in the process. Enter the revised BT-50 XS.

A bigger engine designed to be more powerful and more efficient can only be a good thing for the Isuzu D-Max. Isuzu’s also gone to the trouble of adding a new gearbox and some new tech to go with it. But is it still a solid pick in an increasingly crowded ute segment?

The MG U9 Explore Pro is the hero model in the Chinese brand’s new ute line-up. Boasting a generous list of creature comforts and some clever features not available on the other variants, the Explore Pro is clearly targeting the premium ute buyer.

If you’re looking for a ute that can serve in the role of family transport the MG U9 Explore X is that kind of machine.

The MG U9 is the newest ute to hit the market and the U9 Explore is the entry-level model in the range.