Kelly Fisher explains why the Ford Tourneo beats a seven-seater SUV
I was converted to the van life years ago. Any chance I get to drive one, I take it. There’s something satisfying about sliding open those doors, watching everyone pile in with all their stuff, and knowing you’ve got space to spare. So when the Ford Tourneo came along, I didn’t need convincing. I was already sold on the concept. What I needed to know was whether Ford had done the job properly.
I found out on a run to Hopefield with three teenage boys and enough gear to kit out a small army. Teenage boys, luggage, and a weekend away, usually that’s a recipe for someone getting elbowed in the ribs for two hours straight. But the Tourneo’s party trick is all that space and those seats that can face each other. The boys had their own space, could still mess around together, and nobody complained about the journey.
So much room for activities
The Torneo can hold up to eight adults. Properly. With luggage. You can reconfigure or take out the rear seats entirely for added loading volume. It’s properly versatile, not just “technically we can fit eight if nobody breathes” versatile.
The track-mounted seating system in the second and third rows allows maximum adaptability. The three second-row seats move independently, while the third row has a two-seat/one-seat split. Ford’s thrown in USB-C ports for the back (because of course everyone’s phone is dying simultaneously), rear climate control on higher-spec models, and even foldable roof racks. These sound like spec sheet filler until you’re on hour three of a road trip and everyone’s comfortable and nobody’s whinging about being hot or having a dead phone.
What’s on offer
Ford’s expanded the Tourneo Custom lineup significantly, and there’s now a model for different budgets and tastes:
- Active: This is your entry point. Long wheelbase for maximum space. Ford stripped out some “nice-to-haves” like heated seats and wireless charging to hit a more accessible price, but you still get the core Tourneo experience with all the safety tech and that flexible seating system. Powers along with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel making 100kW and 360Nm, sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed auto.
- Trend: Long wheelbase again. Adds back the creature comforts like dual-zone climate, heated front seats, and wireless charging. Same engine as the Active.
- Sport: Now we’re getting interesting. Short wheelbase this time. Gets a model-specific front grille and body kit, rear spoiler, dual racing stripes, and 17-inch alloys. More importantly, the engine’s been turned up to 125kW and 390Nm – a proper 25kW bump over the base models. Inside you get racing stripes on the seats and a 13-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Titanium X: The flagship. Short wheelbase like the Sport. Chrome-accented grille, Matrix LED headlamps, and 19-inch wheels. Same punchy 125kW/390Nm engine. Eight-way electric front seats with heating, leather upholstery, 360-degree camera, and a 13-inch screen. There’s even an optional Luxe package coming with a panoramic sunroof, Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated second-row seats, and ambient lighting.
All models run an 80-litre fuel tank in the short-wheelbase versions (70 litres in long wheelbase), claiming a driving range just below 1,100km on Ford’s 7.4L/100km figure. Every Tourneo comes with a four-year/120,000km warranty and a six-year/90,000km service plan included. That’s proper backing.
Driving the thing
Here’s where Ford deserves credit as this doesn’t drive like a van. It’s based on one, sure, but they’ve done the work. The ride is stable and comfortable, with well-sprung suspension that reigns in body lean commendably for something this size. The steering is direct and well-weighted, and the cabin benefits from admirable noise suppression. You’re aware you’re driving something big, but you’re not fighting it.
The more powerful turbodiesel in the Sport and Titanium X provides fuss-free overtaking, though you won’t mistake either engine for thrilling. For a vehicle this size and weight, both powerplants strike a sensible balance. You’re not buying this to terrorise back roads anyway.
The reality check is the actual cheque
The range spans from just over R1 million to nearly R1.3 million before options. That’s proper money for what is, at its core, a commercial van with nicer seats. You need to make peace with that before you even consider one. Honestly, if I had the money, I probably would hey.
The verdict
After my Hopefield trip, I’m even more convinced. I’d genuinely love to use this thing for proper family holidays. The kind where you pile everyone in with bikes and cooler boxes and still have room. With the Torneo, you’re not fighting space, you’re not playing Tetris with bags, you’re just… going.
It’s not trying to be sexy or exciting. It’s honest. Proper space, proper comfort, proper practicality. If you can handle the price tag, you’ll wonder why you’ve been cramming everyone into an SUV that costs the same but has half the actual usable space.
Take my money. (When I have enough of it).