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After a six-year absence from the Australian passenger vehicle market, Foton has returned with an all-new Tunland dual-cab ute range that’s larger than a HiLux but significantly cheaper than the full-size pickups it resembles. The Foton Tunland price starts at $39,990 before on-road costs and topping out at $49,990, the Chinese manufacturer is pitching the Tunland as the “Goldilocks” option – not too small, not too big, and positioned squarely between traditional mid-size utes and American-style full-sizers.
The Tunland nameplate itself isn’t new. The previous generation ran from 2012 to 2019 under various distributors before Foton withdrew from passenger vehicles, though the company continued selling heavier commercial trucks. Now under the control of Inchcape Australasia – the same distributor behind Subaru – Foton is making a second attempt at the Australian market with a completely re-engineered vehicle that bears no resemblance to its predecessor.
Here’s what we know so far.
Two models, four variants
The Tunland range splits into two distinct models – the V7 and V9 – both sharing the same platform but targeting different buyers. The V7 is aimed at fleet and commercial users with its leaf-spring rear suspension and over 1,000kg payload capacity. The V9 takes a lifestyle approach with multi-link rear suspension, reduced payload but improved refinement, and distinctly different front-end styling.
The Foton Tunland price range break down:
V7-C 4×2 – $39,990 (before on-roads)
- Leaf-spring rear suspension
- 1,115kg payload capacity
- 2WD only
- Commercial-focused specification
V7-C 4×4 – $42,990 (before on-roads)
- Leaf-spring rear suspension
- 1,050kg payload capacity
- Part-time 4WD with rear diff lock
- Three drive modes (Eco/Standard/Sport) plus terrain modes (Sand/Mud/Snow)
V9-L 4×4 – $45,990 (before on-roads)
- Multi-link rear suspension
- 995kg payload capacity
- Part-time 4WD with rear diff lock
- Six-speaker audio system
- Heated, powered front seats
V9-S 4×4 – $49,990 (before on-roads)
- Multi-link rear suspension
- 995kg payload capacity
- Part-time 4WD with front and rear diff locks
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats with memory function
- Heated rear seats
- Driver monitoring system
(All Foton Tunland pricing correct as of October 2025)
Shared powertrain across the range
Every Tunland uses the same 2.0-litre Aucan turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The combination produces 120kW at 3,600rpm and 450Nm between 1,500-2,400rpm, sent through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s the same ZF gearbox you’ll find in everything from BMWs to American pickups, lending some credibility to Foton’s claims of using quality components.
The engine was developed with input from Cummins – the same company behind the legendary diesel in the previous Tunland – though this is Foton’s own unit rather than a Cummins product. It meets Euro 6 emissions standards and requires a 12-litre AdBlue tank to achieve compliance.
Towing capacity sits at 3,500kg braked across all variants, matching the mainstream competition. However, there’s a catch – Foton launched without Australian-compliant tow bars ready. The company says this will be resolved in “weeks, not months,” but buyers wanting to tow immediately will need to wait.
Size matters
The Tunland measures 5,617mm long on a 3,355mm wheelbase, making it noticeably larger than a Ford Ranger (5,370mm long, 3,270mm wheelbase). The V7 variants are 2,000mm wide, while the V9 models stretch to 2,090mm thanks to wheel arch extensions. That extra size should translate to a genuinely spacious cabin and a tray that eclipses most competitors – 1,577mm long by 1,650mm wide by 530mm high, with a 1,240mm gap between the wheel arches.
Ground clearance sits at 240mm, with approach and departure angles of 28 and 26 degrees respectively. Wading depth is rated at 700mm. All variants roll on 265/70R18 tyres wrapped around gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, with a full-size steel spare underneath.
Contemporary cabin technology
Inside, all Tunlands feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.6-inch infotainment screen – both substantial by current standards. Foton has retained physical buttons and dials for essential functions, which should please those frustrated by touchscreen-everything approaches. The instrument cluster graphics show clear influence from Mercedes-Benz, likely stemming from the cross-shareholding between Foton’s parent company BAIC and the German manufacturer.
Standard equipment across the range includes 256-colour ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control (single-zone on V7 models), spray-in tub liner, and voice recognition. The V9 variants add wireless charging, a 220V/300W power socket for vehicle-to-load functionality, and upgraded six-speaker audio systems.
Safety systems and warranty
Every Tunland comes with a comprehensive suite of active safety features: autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane centring control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and trailer stability assist. There are eight airbags including a centre airbag, three child seat anchor points, and two ISOFIX mounting points.
Notably absent is an ANCAP safety rating. Foton has not committed to testing the Tunland through the Australasian New Car Assessment Program, which could impact fleet sales where five-star ratings are often mandatory.
The warranty coverage is competitive at seven years with unlimited kilometres, matched by seven years of service-activated roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Bold American-inspired styling
The V7 and V9 models are instantly distinguishable from the front. The V7 sports an upright, squared-off grille with horizontal bars that’s clearly inspired by the Ford F-150, while the V9 adopts a broader hexagonal grille with sculpted detailing reminiscent of the RAM 1500. From the B-pillar back, both models are identical.
Foton’s marketing tagline is “work hard, knock off harder” – which, given the styling influences, feels either accidentally perfect or brilliantly self-aware. To be fair, if you’re going to take inspiration from American pickups, the F-150 and RAM 1500 are solid choices. Both have proven their appeal in markets that appreciate bold, muscular styling.
Market context and availability
With the Foton Tunland price starting at $39,990 for the entry-level V7-C 4×2, it undercuts established players significantly while offering more size and space. For context, the cheapest 4×4 Ford Ranger dual-cab starts above $50,000, while the GWM Cannon opens from around $40,490 drive-away and the LDV T60 Max from approximately $41,253 drive-away.
The Tunland is available now at Foton LCV retailers across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. Buyers can locate their nearest dealer at fotonaustralia.com.au/find-a-dealer.
The verdict (on paper)
On paper, Foton’s second attempt at the Australian passenger vehicle market shows significantly more commitment than the first. The Tunland offers genuine size advantages over traditional mid-size utes, competitive pricing, strong warranty coverage, and a spec sheet that ticks most boxes. The dual-model approach targeting both commercial and lifestyle buyers is smart, as is the use of proven components like the ZF transmission.
However, launching without ANCAP testing and without tow bars ready suggests Foton is still learning the Australian market’s expectations. The previous Tunland gained a cult following thanks to its near-bulletproof Cummins diesel, so this new model will need to prove its own durability credentials to win over sceptical buyers with long memories.
Whether the new Aucan diesel can deliver the reliability that made the previous generation legendary, and how the Tunland performs in real-world Australian conditions, remains to be seen.
Key specifications
| Specification | V7-C 4×2 | V7-C 4×4 | V9-L 4×4 | V9-S 4×4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foton Tunland Price | $39,990 | $42,990 | $45,990 | $49,990 |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo-diesel + 48V mild-hybrid | |||
| Power/Torque | 120kW / 450Nm | |||
| Transmission | ZF 8-speed automatic | |||
| Drive | 4×2 | Part-time 4×4 | Part-time 4×4 | Part-time 4×4 |
| Diff locks | None | Rear | Rear | Front + Rear |
| Towing capacity | 3,500kg braked | |||
| Payload | 1,115kg | 1,050kg | 995kg | 995kg |
| GVM | 3,305kg | 3,335kg | 3,310kg | 3,310kg |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring | Leaf spring | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Warranty | 7 years unlimited km | |||
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