After a 6-year absence from Australian roads, the Foton Tunland is making a comeback that’s turning heads in the dual-cab ute market. This isn’t just another Chinese ute trying to compete – it’s a serious contender that brings American-style boldness with a price tag that’ll make you do a double-take.
What Makes the 2025 Foton Tunland Special?
The new Foton Tunland isn’t playing it safe. While most budget utes look like they’re trying to blend in, this one stands out with aggressive styling that wouldn’t look out of place in a Texas parking lot. But don’t let the bold looks fool you – underneath that muscular exterior is serious engineering designed specifically for Australian conditions.
The Tunland comes in two distinct flavors: the V7 series for serious work applications and the V9 range for those who want their workhorse to feel more like a premium SUV. Both share the same hybrid powertrain, but each targets different needs.
Pricing That Actually Makes Sense
Here’s where things get interesting. Starting at $39,990 before on-road costs, the Foton Tunland undercuts many established competitors while offering more space and capability. For context, that base price gets you into a full-size ute with 3,500kg towing capacity – something that would cost significantly more from traditional brands.
Engine and Performance: Hybrid Power Done Right
The heart of every 2025 Foton Tunland is a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine enhanced with 48V mild-hybrid technology. This combination produces 120kW of power and 450Nm of torque, channeled through a smooth ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.
Real-World Capability
The hybrid system isn’t just for show – it provides genuine benefits in everyday use. The electric assistance helps with torque fill during acceleration and enables energy recovery during deceleration. More importantly, it contributes to the impressive 3,500kg braked towing capacity across the entire range.
Whether you’re pulling a boat to the coast or hauling equipment to a job site, the Tunland has the grunt to handle it. The 6,835kg Gross Combined Mass (GCM) rating means you can load up both the tray and your trailer without worrying about weight limits.
Model Variants: Choose Your Adventure
| Variant | Price (Before On-Roads) |
|---|---|
| V7-C 4×2 | $39,990 |
| V7-C 4×4 | $42,990 |
| V9-L 4×4 | $45,990 |
| V9-S 4×4 | $49,990 |
V7 Series: Built for Business
The V7 variants are the workhorses of the range. With leaf-spring rear suspension and over 1,000kg payload capacity, these models are designed for tradespeople and fleet operators who need maximum carrying capacity. The 4×2 version keeps costs down for urban-based businesses, while the 4×4 adds off-road capability for construction sites and rural work.
V9 Range: Comfort Meets Capability
Step up to the V9 models and you’ll notice the difference immediately. The multi-link coil-spring rear suspension transforms the ride quality, making these variants ideal for families and recreational users. While payload drops to 995kg, you gain significantly better comfort for passengers and everyday driving.
The flagship V9-S includes additional luxury touches and safety features, including a driver monitoring system that ensures you stay alert during long drives.
Size Matters: Dimensions That Deliver
At 5,617mm long and sitting on a 3,355mm wheelbase, the Foton Tunland is genuinely big. This isn’t just marketing speak – the tray can accommodate a full Australian pallet between the wheel arches, making it incredibly practical for commercial use.
The 240mm ground clearance, 700mm wading depth, and approach/departure angles of 28/26 degrees mean this ute can handle serious off-road terrain. These aren’t just numbers on a spec sheet – Foton has tested the Tunland across tens of thousands of kilometers of Australian roads, from sealed highways to challenging outback tracks.
Technology and Safety: Modern Features Throughout
Infotainment Excellence
The standout feature inside every Foton Tunland is the massive 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This isn’t just about size – the interface is intuitive and includes smartphone connectivity, navigation, and vehicle controls. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides clear information and can be customized to show the data you need most.
Safety First
Foton hasn’t skimped on safety equipment. Standard features across the range include:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane departure warning and lane keep assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Trailer stability assist
The V9-S adds a driver monitoring system for additional safety oversight.
Off-Road Credentials
While many budget utes struggle with serious off-road work, the Foton Tunland comes prepared. All 4×4 variants include selectable drive modes, and higher-spec models feature front and rear differential locks. The suspension tuning has been specifically calibrated for Australian conditions, balancing on-road comfort with off-road capability.
The 700mm wading depth is particularly impressive, allowing you to tackle water crossings that would stop many competitors. Combined with the robust underbody protection, this makes the Tunland a genuine off-road contender.
Warranty and Support: Peace of Mind Included
Perhaps most impressively, every 2025 Foton Tunland comes with a 7-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty. This comprehensive coverage demonstrates Foton’s confidence in their product and provides genuine peace of mind for buyers.
The brand is establishing dealer networks across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the ACT, with expansion planned before the first vehicles arrive in Q3 2025.
Value Proposition: More Than Just Low Prices
The Foton Tunland success won’t come from being the cheapest option – it’s about delivering genuine value. When you compare the combination of size, capability, features, and warranty coverage, the Tunland represents compelling value in today’s market.
For $39,990, you’re getting a ute that rivals much more expensive alternatives in terms of capability and features. The 3,500kg towing capacity alone puts it ahead of many competitors, while the 7-year warranty provides long-term security that established brands often can’t match.
Who Should Consider the Foton Tunland?
This ute makes sense for several different buyer groups. Tradespeople and fleet operators will appreciate the V7’s maximum payload and competitive pricing. Families looking for a versatile vehicle that can handle work duties and weekend adventures will find the V9 range compelling.
The Tunland also appeals to buyers who want something different – the bold styling ensures you won’t be driving just another generic ute.
The 2025 Foton Tunland represents a genuine alternative in Australia’s crowded ute market. With its combination of size, capability, modern features, and aggressive pricing, it’s positioned to shake up the established order.
Whether Foton can build on this promising foundation will depend on execution – dealer network development, parts availability, and long-term reliability. But based on the specifications and pricing announced, the Tunland deserves serious consideration from anyone shopping for a capable, value-focused ute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the 2025 Foton Tunland be available in Australia?
A: The first Foton Tunland vehicles are expected to arrive in Q3 2025 (before the end of September).
Q: What’s the difference between V7 and V9 variants?
A: V7 models focus on maximum payload (1,000kg+) with leaf-spring rear suspension, while V9 variants prioritize comfort with coil-spring suspension and 995kg payload.
Q: Does the Foton Tunland qualify for business tax benefits?
A: As a commercial vehicle over 3.5 tonnes GVM, it may qualify for instant asset write-off – consult your accountant for specific advice.
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