Foton Tunland Reviews

The Foton Tunland V9-S 4x4 is the flagship version of the Chinese ute range, starting from $49,990 before on-road costs.With the S standing for ‘Supreme’, it keeps the Ram 1500-aping styling, but scores extra features like vented and heated as well as powered front seats with driver’s side memory, heated outboard seats, a panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, a front diff lock, roof rails and more.These build on the V9-L’s dual-zone climate control, heated/folding mirrors, extra USB ports, wireless charger, premium audio, wheel-arch extension cladding, side steps, sports bar, vehicle-to-load power socket, high-and-low ratio gearing, a rear differential lock, all-terrain tyres, off-road driving modes and lockable tray, as well as the entry-level V7-C’s 12.3-inch electronic instrumentation display, 14.6-inch centre touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera with transparent-road-below views, a dash cam, front/rear parking sensors and advanced driver-assist systems including auto emergency braking (AEB).But still no digital radio at this stage.Still, the Tunland V9-S has extra size on its side compared to mid-size utes like the Isuzu D-Max, with considerably more space inside as well as a larger tray. And, like the V9-L, the V9-S swaps out the V7-C’s leaf spring rear suspension for a coil-sprung multi-link design. Payload is 995kg.Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, just like the other Tunland grades. It delivers 120kW of power at 3600rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1500-2400rpm, and features a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. About 11 seconds is required in the 0-100km/h sprint, while maximum speed is 160km/h.Finally, the official combined-cycle fuel consumption figure is 8.0 litres per 100km, for a carbon dioxide rating of 211g/km. Expect nearly 940km from the 75-litre diesel tank.

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.

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.

Foton is planning a bright light-commercial future in Australia, with the 2018 Tunland dual cab leading the charge. Here's why you shouldn't write it off as another cheap Chinese ute.

Does the new Foton Tunland finally mark a breakthrough for Chinese-made utes in Australia's ultra-competitive market?

Marcus Craft road tests and reviews the new Foton Tunland dual-cab 4X4 with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Peter Barnwell reviews the Foton Tunland with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Foton, a division of China's giant Beijing Automotive, gets a lot of it right with a dual-cab ute that is priced between the entry-level Great Wall and more established models

The words "Chinese" and "quality" aren't often used in the same sentence in the automotive world.But that could change with the Foton Tunland one-tonne ute arriving in Australia in October. Rod James, spokesman for the importer, Foton Automotive Australia (FAA), says the high-quality international components and low price will attract strong interest.They are powered by a American Cummins turbo-diesel engine married to a German Getrag five-speed short-shift manual gearbox and American Borg-Warner transfer box with German Bosch and Continental electrics, American Dana rear axles, a "proper" box chassis and leather interior."It's the first vehicle out of China that is truly a world car with a brand new platform and quality componentry, plus it's a good-looking vehicle," he says. "What's come in from China so far are vehicles that are being sold domestically in China on price alone."This vehicle comes with an expensive Cummins engine tested to 1m kilometres with a minimum failure rate."The Foton Tunland will initially arrive in basic five-seater dual-cab layout at $29,995 on the road for the two-wheel-drive model up to $36,990 for the luxury model with four-wheel drive. Optional cloth upholstery will cost about $1000 less.That compares with the Chinese Great Wall ute which starts at $17,990 for the V240 single cab. James says future Tunland models will include cheaper single cab and extra cab with a 1.8 tonne extended tray."We can't reveal our sales targets at the moment, but they are reasonably modest at first," James says. "On early indications, with the componentry and price, we believe there will be a reasonable market share there."FAA, which is a joint venture between management company NGI and bus importers the Phelan family, has 15 dealer outlets with a target of 60 sites over the next three years. They will have a three-year 100,000km warranty with a five-year paint and corrosion warranty and 10,000km service intervals.While the first models will arrive with the Cummins ISF 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and five-seed manual short-shift gearbox, they will be followed by a 100kW 2.4-litre petrol engine and six-speed ZF automatic transmission.There are push-button controls to switch between four and two-wheel drive on the fly and high and low ratios when stopped. It sits on a ladder-frame chassis with a live Dana rear axle and leaf springs and double-wishbone front suspension, with wide Chinese Savero tyres (245/70 R16) and 17 and 18-inch options available.It's missing Bluetooth, aux input and USB inputs but it does have four auto windows with the driver's window also auto up. James expects a four-star safety rating. It comes with reverse sensors and braking is assisted by anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake distribution (EBD) and as yet doesn't have stability control."They've been tested by (Euro) NCAP at four stars and we are expecting the same," James says. "The only thing it lacks is five airbags. There are only two at this stage, but we have no fears that it will get to five stars reasonably quickly." It doesn't have reach-adjustable steering, but does have rear parking sensors.It looks very American with an imposing chrome grille and some nice cosmetic touches. The bodywork gaps are small and consistent, the door seals are generous, there are extended mudflaps, side steps, fog lamps, big back doors, truck-size mirrors and the rear tray was sprayed with a liner which is an option.However, there is some unfinished bodywork around the back window and rear bumper and the wheel arches are uncovered which means a lot of noise over gravel. Inside is leather upholstery, wood trim highlights, basic switchgear and plastic trim that is hard, but reasonable quality with matching colours.The front bucket seats are flat with little support and you tend to slide around on them. James points out that the Tunland is "longer, wider and higher" than the Toyota HiLux which has become Australia's top-selling car in the past few months.Towing capacity is currently listed at 2.5 tonne, but James says that could be uprated. "It has the capacity to tow a lot more. Our engineers have tested it and they are all sure it is at least three tonnes," he says. It has a healthy 210mm of ground clearance, but a wide 13.5m minimum turning circle.There are only two cars in the country doing the rounds of dealers and we had a chance to drive one a short distance around town. When it fires up the Cummins engine has the usual diesel rattle but it's not invasive, especially when the revs pick up.The engine pulls firmly from 1800 revs and feels smooth and powerful. All the pedals feel mushy which is a contrast to the heavy and notchy gearshift. Steering is also on the heavy and numb side.