Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.4
Running Costs
3.6
Practicality
4.8
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a family vehicle that can handle everything from school runs to weekend adventures? The Ford Tourneo might be exactly what you need. This versatile people carrier combines the practicality of a van with the comfort of a family car, offering genuine space for up to nine passengers. It’s the perfect choice for larger families, taxi operators, or anyone who needs serious passenger capacity without compromising on driving comfort.
The Tourneo stands out in the competitive MPV market by offering something different from traditional seven seaters. While competitors like the Volkswagen Tiguan focus on SUV styling, the Tourneo embraces its van heritage to deliver unmatched interior space and flexibility. The high driving position gives you excellent visibility, while the sliding doors make getting in and out effortless, even in tight car parks.
What makes the Tourneo special is how it drives like a proper car rather than feeling like a commercial vehicle. Ford has worked hard to refine the suspension and steering, creating a comfortable and composed driving experience. Yes, it looks different from conventional family cars, but that bold, distinctive styling is part of its charm. If you need maximum space and versatility at a reasonable price, the Tourneo delivers exactly that without apology.
What's the Ford Tourneo Like to Drive?
The Ford Tourneo is engineered for comfort and efficiency rather than sporty driving thrills. The engine range focuses on proven diesel and petrol units that prioritise reliability and fuel economy. The 2.0 EcoBlue diesel with around 130 horsepower is the most popular choice, offering strong low end torque that makes light work of fully loaded trips. For those preferring petrol, the 1.0 EcoBoost provides adequate performance for lighter loads with impressive fuel efficiency around town.
Where the Tourneo excels is in its composed and car like driving experience. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, making manoeuvring this large MPV surprisingly easy. On the motorway, it settles into a relaxed cruise with minimal wind noise entering the cabin. The suspension has been tuned specifically for passenger comfort, effectively smoothing out road imperfections while maintaining stability when cornering. You’ll find it confidence inspiring to drive, whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising on longer journeys.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
Inside the Ford Tourneo: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Tourneo and you’ll immediately appreciate the spacious, airy cabin that feels more like a comfortable lounge than a vehicle interior. The dashboard design is clean and functional, featuring Ford’s SYNC infotainment system with a clear touchscreen display. Material quality is solid throughout, with hard wearing fabrics and plastics designed to withstand family life. The driving position is excellent, with good adjustment range and supportive seats that remain comfortable even on longer drives.
The real star is the passenger accommodation and flexibility. Depending on the variant, you can configure the interior for seven, eight, or nine passengers with various seating arrangements. The individual seats slide, fold, and can often be removed entirely to create a massive cargo area. Air conditioning is standard across the range, helping maintain comfort for all passengers. Higher specification models add features like heated seats, premium audio systems, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making every journey more enjoyable.
Is the Ford Tourneo Expensive to Run?
The Tourneo offers reasonable running costs considering its size and capability, though it won’t match smaller family cars for economy. The diesel engines are the most efficient choice, delivering real world fuel economy in the low 40s MPG when driven sensibly. Insurance groups are moderate for such a large vehicle, typically falling into groups 15 to 20 depending on engine and specification. The initial purchase price represents good value compared to buying multiple smaller cars or premium seven seaters.
Maintenance costs are generally predictable thanks to Ford’s widespread dealer network and parts availability. The Tourneo shares many components with Ford’s commercial vehicles, which helps keep service costs reasonable. Depreciation is fairly steady, particularly for diesel variants which remain popular in the used market. If you’re considering finance options, there are various car finance packages available to spread the cost. For families needing genuine eight or nine seat capability, the Tourneo’s running costs make perfect sense when compared to the alternatives.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
Ford Tourneo Practicality & Boot Space
The Ford Tourneo is exceptionally practical, designed from the ground up to maximise space and usability. The boot capacity varies dramatically depending on seating configuration, ranging from 708 litres with all seats in place to over 2,400 litres with rear seats removed. The wide opening rear doors and low loading lip make it easy to load bulky items like furniture, sports equipment, or holiday luggage. Multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin provide homes for all the family essentials.
This is the ideal vehicle for large families, sports teams, or anyone who regularly needs to transport groups of people. The sliding side doors are a godsend in tight car parks, allowing easy access without worrying about door dings. While it’s too big for some city centre parking spaces, the excellent visibility and parking sensors make manoeuvring easier than you’d expect. Compared to traditional used Ford cars, the Tourneo offers unrivalled flexibility for those who need maximum people carrying capacity without compromising on comfort or reliability.
We bought our Tourneo for our large family and it’s been absolutely brilliant. The space is incredible and it drives much better than I expected. Loading everything for holidays is so easy with those sliding doors. Best family car we’ve ever owned.
The Ford Tourneo stands out as an honest, practical solution for families and businesses needing serious passenger capacity. It combines Ford’s reliable engineering with thoughtful design touches that make daily use a pleasure. The flexible seating arrangements, generous storage space, and car like driving dynamics create a package that’s genuinely useful in the real world.
You choose the Tourneo when you need maximum space without compromise. Its distinctive styling and van heritage might not suit everyone, but for those who value function over form, it delivers exactly what it promises. Whether you’re running a taxi service, managing a large family, or need a versatile vehicle for work and play, the Tourneo offers unmatched capability at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for buyers seeking cars under £10,000 in the used market, where older Tourneos represent exceptional value.
A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
