So, you have about $75K to spend on a three-row, eight-seater vehicle with enough space for everybody’s baggage, bags, bits and bobs.
A cramped SUV or not-so-smooth-riding van in wagon drag are not your only options anymore – thanks to the new Ford Tourneo Custom.
Yes, it’s based on the latest Transit Custom and that is a mid-sized van, just like rivals such as the Toyota Granvia, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Hyundai Staria.
But this time, it’s the van that’s been re-engineered from the ground up to drive more like an SUV or wagon. And not just a box in a fancy frock.
Intrigued? You should be.
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Ford Tourneo Custom 2024: Active (lwb)
| Engine Type | Inline 4, 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 0.0L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 8 |
| Price From | $65,990 |
Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10
Whether you’re a parent with more kids than you care to admit, a hotel operator searching for a civilised airport-run or someone with loads of friends, the new Tourneo Custom has been priced and positioned in such a way that it should make most Australians’ shortlist for an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle, or people mover).
And here’s why.
When it arrives here before the end of the year, the Tourneo Custom will come in two, surprisingly well-equipped eight-seater short-wheelbase flavours.
The base Active from $65,990, before on-road costs, includes a lengthy list of driver-assist tech like AEB, lane support systems and adaptive cruise control. Check the Safety section below to find out more.
It also scores LED headlights, keyless start, tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, a 13-inch touchscreen with a 5G modem, Alexa voice command, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite navigation, a wireless charger, powered sliding side doors and 17-inch alloys.
The extra $5K for the Titanium X, from $70,990 before ORC, adds a fixed-glass panoramic roof, a 360-degree camera, powered front seats, an audio upgrade, synthetic leather (rather than cloth) seat trim and glossier alloys.
Both grades also include track-based sliding and easily removable second- and third-row seating, with the middle ones also rotatable by 180 degrees for rear-facing travel. More on that later on.
Fun fact. Ford’s been in the MPV space before with some success, so why didn’t it just revive the old Spectron name from the 1980s? The Gen-X kids who are nowadays likely the key demographic would instantly know what the Tourneo Custom is all about.
Anyway, there are cheaper options like the petrol-powered and seven-seater-only LDV Mifa from China, as well as the sleeker and more-SUV-esque Kia Carnival (the segment bestseller, FYI) and related Hyundai Staria eight-seaters, both of which hail from Korea.
But the British and German-engineered, Turkish-built Tourneo Custom is keenly priced and competitively equipped against other mid-sized van-based wagons – namely Japan’s Granvia, the German Vito made in Spain and VW’s T6.1 Multivan equivalent from Hannover.
Clearly there’s lots of MPV competition for the Ford, but the Blue Oval is well-prepared.
Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
At this juncture, it’s worth noting that ‘Transit’ and ‘Tourneo’ are now the parent sub-brands for its specially-created Ford Pro division’s vans and MPVs, respectively.
Both T nameplates consist of several children models, like the ‘Custom’ that’s Ford-speak for D-segment-sized as tested here, as there are the smaller ‘Connect’ (C segment – think Renault Kangoo-sized) and even tinier ‘Courier’ (B segment) models we don’t get yet in Australia, as well as the giant ‘Cargo’ (E segment) that we do.
Confused? You’re far from alone.
Anyway, the latest Custom generation of Transits and Tourneos has benefited greatly from a huge engineering rethink.
Now, for Australians who’ve never known the previous-gen MPV version released elsewhere in the world in 2012, this comparison won’t matter much.
But for everybody else, including our NZ neighbours, the 2025 model (that’s nearly two years old now already) is longer and wider than before, with a stretched wheelbase to boot.
Tourneo Custom length, width, height and wheelbase dimensions are 5050mm, 2148mm, 1983mm (approximately) and 3100mm, respectively.
For this iteration of Customs, the front wheels have been pushed forward to create more space in the front part of the cabin, the body is more aerodynamic, the roof remains under 2.1m so height clearances aren’t a worry, the side doors are larger and the floor is lower, both providing easier access.
Oh, and compared to the Transit Custom, the Tourneo Custom has modified springs for better ride comfort.
What we’re saying here is the latter is built-for-purpose for transporting people around, and it shows.
Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 9/10
In theory, being based on a van is no bad thing when you need a family MPV.
Being derived from the latest Transit Custom is a much stronger start, though, given all its ergonomic advancements.
These begin with a lofty and expansive driving position allowing for superb vision out, comfortable yet supportive front seats perched up high for that commanding SUV feel, ahead of a large touchscreen that’s angled towards the driver.
The latter features Ford’s 'SYNC 4' multimedia system, that's proven to be fast and intuitive. It's powered by a 5G modem for over-the-air software updates for the scores of modules within the vehicle, and also comes with Alexa voice commands.
Additionally, the Tourneo Custom offers effective ventilation, and easy access to a plethora of storage, including in the doors, behind the configurable digital instrumentation pod, and even within a new space ahead of the front passenger where an airbag used to be (due to it being repositioned above the windscreen).
There are big grab handles to help haul you in and out safely, USB A/C outlets near shelving areas for minimal cable entanglements, lots of LED lighting and several cupholders, including one that folds out of the way to allow walk-through access to the second row.
And speaking of the back seats… here is where the Tourneo shines.
With a massive amount of space in all directions to play with, the middle trio of seats can slide and recline and swivel 180 degrees for social and fun times if required.
Especially as the middle seat of the second row can be folded into a small table with cupholders. Guaranteed to be loved by kids of all ages.
On that subject, ISOFIX child-seat anchorage points are fitted to both rear seat rows, while all individual seats can also be fully removed. When’s the Sundowner version coming?
This is all possible because of the flexible track-based seating system in the second and third rows. This in turn allows all manner of people-to-luggage configurations.
With all seats up in place, maximum cargo length behind the front seats is 2622mm, or between 1280mm and 1790mm behind the middle row depending on seat position, and between 515mm and 725mm behind the third row with all occupants in place.
Translating this all to luggage volume, with all eight seats up, it varies from 673 litres (VDA) to 1045L, 2102L to 2408L in five-seat mode and a handy 4683L with second and third row seating removed.
Plus, there’s storage underneath them and ventilation is provided for all outboard occupants, as well as USB ports, cupholders, individual lights… the works.
It’s really smartly packaged and thoughtfully presented.
Result? The Tourneo combines all the packaging benefits of an MPV with an SUV’s lofty seating, making it very family-friendly and thus easy to live with. It’s a win-win situation.
Yes, it’s a little wider than an SUV, but really, no longer than a Mazda CX-9. So once hesitant consumers realise that the boxy Ford isn’t even that large or long after all, its advantages in transporting lots of people comfortably and securely are undeniable.
The Tourneo is really very easy to live with.
Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 7/10
Like the Transit Custom, the Tourneo Custom comes with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel that Ford hilariously calls 'EcoBlue'.
It delivers 130kW of power and 390Nm of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough grunt for a 2500kg braked trailer towing capacity.
To help keep the circa-2321kg Tourneo Custom in control at speed, there’s a wishbone front end and semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension system out back.
Sadly, though, we’re not going to get the PHEV plug-in hybrid petrol-electric version offered elsewhere, anytime soon.
But, don’t worry, electrification fans, because apparently the E-Tourneo EV version might come to Australia in 2025. Fingers crossed!
Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 6/10
Ford reckons this car is about 100kg lighter than its predecessor, and it’s 13 per cent more aerodynamically efficient, which should translate into lower fuel consumption figures in the real world.
There aren’t any Aussie-specific economy figures available just yet, but the heavier LWB Tourneo Custom we tested in Europe should average 8.2L/100km, according to the WLTP figures.
Driven pretty briskly on German roads, our trip computer begged to differ, saying we slurped diesel at a rate of 11.3L/100km.
For the record, the Tourneo Custom LWB PHEV is rated at just 1.9L/100km. Pie-in-the-sky figures, but our instruments told us in an example we also pounded along the same routes, that it averaged sub-7.0L/100km numbers. Quite a difference there.
Bring on that plug-in hybrid, Ford!
Driving – What's it like to drive? 8/10
The Tourneo Custom drives as you'd expect. It's a large but very manoeuvrable boxy wagon with light steering, responsive handling and a hunkered-down road stance.
Under that snub bonnet is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine. This is a single-turbo version of the unit we find in the Ranger, and after a moment’s hesitation due to turbo-lag, it powers forward eagerly. Just like in the Aussie-developed Ford ute.
Backed up by the slick-shifting eight-speed auto, around town, the Tourneo Custom feels easy and light on its feet, and seems to find the right gear as required.
Aiding its urban capabilities are a tight turning circle, excellent vision afforded by the huge windows, lofty seating, a clear camera and large mirrors.
There was plenty of sound deadening in our test vehicle, because the engine sounded muffled and distant, as it responded strongly at speed to throttle inputs.
With just one person to carry around, you’d call the Tourneo Custom’s performance strong. How it feels with all seats occupied, we’ll have to wait and see.
There’s a decent wedge of torque, though, and most diesel rivals offer similar engine outputs without too much trouble.
Again, we’ll have to wait and see on Australian roads what it feels like with the Brady Bunch being carted around out back!
Where the Tourneo Custom shines compared to other van-based rivals is that it’s more enjoyable to drive and better to ride in, with natural and linear steering, accurate handling, reassuring grip and a settled ride.
Part of the reason why is that Ford has introduced a specially-tuned independent rear suspension system across the Tourneo Custom range, meaning it seems to dodge the all-too well-known fidget and harshness normally associated with van-based MPVs.
There is some road drone coming through from the back, and the ride can become a little bit busy over some imperfect surfaces anyway. But, generally, for an airport-run style eight-seater people mover, the Ford does the job with plenty of aplomb.
Refined and fun to drive, the Tourneo Custom could turn out to be the driver’s – as well as the passenger's – pick of eight-seater MPVs in Australia. Again, only local testing will confirm that, but first impressions over in Europe are promising.
Warranty & Safety Rating
Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 7/10
The Tourneo Custom with 'Safety Pack', expected to be standard for Australia, and recently received a four-star (from a possible five) Euro NCAP rating.
Full specifications are yet to be confirmed for Australia, but we know that it will include several airbags (front, front-curtain, front-side, front centre and rear curtain for both rows), AEB with car-to-car, cyclist and pedestrian detection as well as intersection assistance, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
The AEB system kicks in from 5.0km/h while the lane-support systems start at 60km/h.
There are also ISOFIX anchor points in both rear rows.
More info will drop closer to the Tourneo Custom’s local launch.
Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 7/10
Ford also provides security in the form of a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as seven years of conditional roadside assistance. Service intervals are every 12 months or 30,000km – whichever comes first.
Finally, there’s also fixed-price servicing outlined on the company’s website, with the first five workshop visits averaging a not insubstantial $739 each.
Verdict
Within its limited niche, Ford seems to be right on the money with the new Tourneo Custom.
Though van-derived, it’s chosen the right one to be based on, with the sophisticated engineering, well-sorted suspension, strong body and sound interior presentation that are the hallmarks of the latest-generation Transit Custom.
Of course, we need to try the newcomer out on Australian roads, but it is clear that Ford is on a good thing here. And so are consumers seeking a capable, roomy, comfortable and enjoyable eight-seater MPV.
Pricing Guides
Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Active (lwb) | 2.0L, Diesel, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $65,990 |
| Titanium X (lwb) | 2.0L, Diesel, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $70,990 |
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