Ford Transit Custom vs Foton Tunland
What's the difference?

Ford Transit Custom

$56,590 - $80,290

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Foton Tunland

$39,990 - $49,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Summary

2026 Ford Transit Custom

2026 Foton Tunland

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Diesel/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.5L/100km (combined)

8.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Looks great
Smooth to drive
Potential as a touring vehicle/camper fit-out

Price-tag
Roomy cabin
Reasonable off-road

Dislikes

Auto transmission stalk on steering wheel column
No seats in the rear
Would benefit from all-terrain tyres

Under-powered
Annoying driver-assist tech
Needs better off-road tyres

2026 Ford Transit Custom Summary

Ford has introduced what is being touted as an adventure-type van to its Transit Custom line-up and it’s called the Trail.

The Trail is based on the long-wheelbase Transit Custom Trend and it’s equipped with a suspension lift, on-demand all-wheel drive, 'Trail' drive mode, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a variant-specific grille, black wheel arch moulding and side strip, yellow exterior decals and 16-inch matt black twin-spoke alloy wheels.

With all that in mind, maybe a van is your next adventure vehicle?

Read on.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Foton Tunland Summary

If you’re in the market for a big US-style ute but you’re not keen to spend the big bucks, this Chinese-made workhorse might be right for you.

This is the 2026 Foton Tunland V9-S 4x4. It’s just under six metres long and costs just under $50,000. A lot of ute for the price.

This top-spec Tunland has a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, a 48V mild-hybrid system, and front and rear diff locks.

So, what is this ute like to drive off-road?

Read on.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Ford Transit Custom 2026 Foton Tunland

Verdict

The Ford Transit Custom Trail has plenty of appeal as a work van or a camper fit-out candidate. It’s a well-packaged, comfortable and contemporary van that’s nice to drive and as a bonus, with all-wheel drive it’s given the scope of capability to be able to tackle mild off-roading situations with confidence.

It’s built for work and play and though it’s limited to two-up for travels, the Trail offers so much potential as a camper conversion for adventure seekers its few niggles are easily forgotten when you’re busy making memories.

Verdict

You have to give Foton some credit because the 2026 Tunland V9-S 4x4 is a big US-sized ute without the big US-style price-tag.

On the surface this is an impressive vehicle. It’s well-equipped, comfortable, reasonably capable off-road and is generally nice to drive.

But under closer scrutiny, and when driving the Tunland, some substantial flaws soon become obvious, not the least of which is an underdone powertrain and some annoying driver-assist tech.

Still, it is a lot of ute for the money, so the Tunland represents a strong case as a budget buy.

Ford Transit Custom vs Foton Tunland What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Transit Custom vs Foton Tunland
What's the difference?