Foton quietly launches all-new Tunland ute range in New Zealand

Foton has quietly re-entered New Zealand’s ute market, revealing its all-new Tunland V7 and Tunland V9 at Fieldays without the fanfare typically associated with a new-model launch.

Rather than hosting a dedicated media event or teaser campaign, the Chinese brand simply displayed the new dual-cab utes on its stand at Mystery Creek, complete with pricing and specification details.

The launch marks Foton’s return to New Zealand’s ute segment after the previous-generation Tunland, powered by a Cummins diesel engine, disappeared from local showrooms in 2021. While the ute range was withdrawn, Foton continued selling commercial trucks locally through Foton New Zealand.

The new two-model Tunland lineup enters one of the country’s most competitive vehicle segments, though it takes a slightly different approach to many established rivals.

Foton says both models share the same platform and wheelbase, however the V7 is aimed more at fleet and commercial buyers, offering a payload of more than 1000kg, while the V9 prioritises comfort and refinement thanks to a multi-link rear suspension setup.

At 5617mm long and 2000mm wide - or 2090mm wide in V9-S guise - the Tunland is substantially longer and wider than mainstream dual-cab utes such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Its dimensions place it somewhere between a traditional ute and a full-size American pickup, like the Ram 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Pricing starts at $48,990 plus on-road costs for the Tunland V7-C 4x2. The V7-C 4x4 is priced from $51,990 plus on-road costs and adds a rear locking differential while retaining a payload of more than 1000kg.

Topping the range is the V9-S 4x4, priced from $57,990 plus on-road costs. It replaces the V7’s leaf-spring rear suspension with a coil-sprung multi-link arrangement designed to improve ride quality.

The styling also differs between the two models, with the V7 adopting a look reminiscent of the Ford F-150, while the flagship V9 draws inspiration from larger Ram pickups.

Powering the range is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 120kW of power and 450Nm of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF is standard, while four-wheel drive models feature Auto, 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3500kg across the range.

Inside, every variant features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with power-adjustable front seats, a surround-view camera with integrated dashcam, ambient lighting, and a 220V power outlet.

The V9-S adds a front locking differential, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding mirrors, six-speaker sound system, sports bar, and gloss-black 18-inch alloy wheels.

All New Zealand-delivered Tunlands also receive heated front seats as standard, an upgrade over equivalent Australian-market models.

Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, trailer stability control, and a driver monitoring system.

Off-road credentials include 240mm of ground clearance, a 700mm wading depth, and approach and departure angles of 28 and 26 degrees respectively.

The comfort-focused V9-S gives away some carrying capacity, offering a payload of 995kg compared with up to 1115kg in the V7-C 4x2.

Foton backs the Tunland range with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and seven years of roadside assistance.

Foton, part of the Chinese BAIC Group, has positioned the new Tunland as a value-focused alternative to established ute rivals, while offering the size and styling cues typically associated with larger American pickups.

With pricing starting below $50,000 and a mild-hybrid turbo-diesel powertrain fitted across the range, the Tunland arrives as another challenger in New Zealand’s increasingly crowded Chinese ute market.