Foton announces Australian return with new Tunland hybrid ute range
Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer Foton has confirmed its all-new Tunland hybrid ute will arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2025.
The Tunland previously made headlines for its resemblance to features found in America's best-selling ute, the RAM 1500.
And now more details on the company's hybrid ute have been revealed.
There has been a growing number of Chinese utes entering Australia, and the Tunland will join this line-up, which includes the JAC T9, LDV Terron 9, and GWM Cannon.
RAM 1500 TRX and Foton Tunland V9
motoring ram foton slider - Before
motoring ram foton slider - After
Glen Cooper, General Manager of Foton Australia, said the new Tunland is a 'Goldilocks' ute that delivers a compelling blend of performance, technology, and value, tailored specifically to the Australian market.
'The all-new Tunland is a fresh and capable new contender in the ute segment, offering commercial-grade space and toughness, combined with the comfort and technology modern drivers expect,' he said.
Chinese copycat utes confirmed for Australia
New brand Foton has borrowed the styling from Ford and RAM for new models due in 2025, as David McCowen explores.
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Chinese copycat utes confirmed for Australia
more more styling from Ford and RAM for new models due in 2025, as David McCowen explores.
New brand Foton has borrowed the...... ... more
2025 Foton Tunland. Picture: Supplied
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'We've backed that up with tens of thousands of kilometres of local testing to ensure it's tuned for Australian conditions and built to deliver exactly what drivers need — whether it's for work, play, or everything in between.
'We see real potential for the Tunland to shake up the category by delivering greater versatility, space, and refinement in a truly value-packed offering.'
2025 Foton Tunland. Picture: Supplied
While final features and specifications are yet to be confirmed, Foton has revealed four trim levels that will be available across two model lines: the V7 and the V9.
The V7 will be available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, catering to buyers seeking either a work-related vehicle or a more capable off-roader.
Meanwhile, the higher-spec V9 will only be available in a 4x4 configuration and will come in two versions: the more comfort-focused V9 L and the sportier V9 S.
2025 Foton Tunland. Picture: Supplied
2025 Foton Tunland. Picture: Supplied
MORE: 'Outrageous': car bargain of 2025 revealed
The base model will start at $39,990 plus on-road costs, while the flagship V9 S will begin at $49,990 plus on-road costs. This pricing is slightly higher than competitors like the JAC T9, which is available for a drive-away price under $50,000, and the GWM Cannon, priced at $49,900 drive-away.
Foton Tunland model line-up Model Price before on-road costs V7-C 4x2 $39,990 V7-C 4x4
$42,990 V9-L 4x4
$45,990 V9-S 4x4
$49,990
Under the bonnet, all Tunland models will be powered by a 2.0-litre Aucan turbo-diesel engine paired with 48V mild-hybrid technology and a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.
Foton also fulfils the essential criteria for selling a ute in Australia.
The Tunland has an impressive braked towing capacity of 3,500kg and a payload capacity exceeding one tonne.
2025 Foton Tunland. Picture: Supplied
MORE: China unveils plan to smash Tesla in Aus
Additionally, it is equipped with a range of driver safety features, ensuring both power and protection on the road.
Foton originally entered the Australian market in 2012 with the first-generation Tunland ute, but exited in 2017 after changing local distributors three times. Now, the brand is back, hoping for a more substantial and stable return with a much more refined and competitive product.
Originally published as 2025 Foton Tunland price and specs revealed
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