The Foton Tunland pick-up truck is poised for a Malaysian return but prior to its official launch, the two trucks were on display at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Exhibition (MCVE) being held in the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC). This time around, the Tunland will be available in two variants, the Tunland V7
The Foton Tunland pick-up truck is poised for a Malaysian return but prior to its official launch, the two trucks were on display at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Exhibition (MCVE) being held in the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC).
This time around, the Tunland will be available in two variants, the Tunland V7 (silver model) that is aimed at more commercial applications, and the Tunland V9 (red model) that is for the consumer with an active lifestyle.
Despite the different names, both are essentially identical, only separated by which American pick-up truck’s front end is was ‘inspired’ by. Measurements are the same for both at 5,617 mm long, 2,090 mm wide and 1,955 mm tall with a 3,355 mm wheelbase.
If they appear huge in the photos, it is not an optical illusion. The Tunland twins are 292 mm longer, 190 mm wider and 140 mm taller than the current eighth-generation Toyota Hilux. Physically, this places them between the compact pick-up trucks sold in Malaysia and full-sized ones that ply American roads such as the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra.
Being almost identical, both are unsurprisingly motivated by the same powertrain. That is an Aucan 4F20 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that was co-developed with Cummins. It features a variable geometry turbo (VGT) and a 48-volt mild hybrid system with a lithium-ion mild hybrid battery.
You get 163 PS and 400 Nm of torque from the engine with the electric motor contributing an additional 12 PS and 50 Nm of torque.
Linking the engine and electric motor to all four wheels is an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Of course, low-range is available for rougher terrain. Exclusive to the V9 though is a rear locking differential and electric power steering, with he V7 running traditional hydraulic assistance for the steering.
Drive modes comprise six separate settings that include Mud, Sand and Snow. Both driving modes and drivetrain settings are electronically selectable via two rotary knobs in the centre console. With mild hybrid assistance, fuel consumption is rated at 8.1 litres/100 km.
Despite the larger dimensions and American-inspired styling, the Tunland twin’s payload is lower than the usual one-tonne rating offered by most pick-up trucks here. The max rating is only 895 kg and could boil down to the V9 running a coil-sprung solid rear axle though the V7 keeps the standard leaf springs.
Visually is where they differ, as well as in terms of equipment. The V7’s front end is a tribute to the F-150 with the V9 opting to take a few leaves out of the Dodge Ram 1500’s design book.
At the rear, the V9 gets full-width LED taillights, a sports bar in the bed and fender flares. Conveniently, both get a tailgate damper but the V9 has a nifty slide-out step built into the tailgate for easier access to the bed. Both ride on black 18-inch wheels but with distinct designs.
Once again, the cabins are largely indistinguishable. The V7 gets an analogue instrument cluster with a multifunction display in the middle while the V9 goes fully digital with a 12.3-inch instrument display. Infotainment is the same with a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with only Apple CarPlay.
In the rear, you get a folding rear bench and 60:40-split seat base that flips up, just like Honda’s Ultra Seats. Rear air-conditioning vents are standard but the V9 gets a three-pin power socket just like those used with household appliances, and USB-A ports.
Drivers will sit on a ten-way power-adjustable seat but only the V9’s has a memory function with the front passenger also getting four-way powered adjustment.
Completing the rest of the kit count for the V7 are:
- push-start button
- keyless entry
- pulsing ambient lighting
- cruise control
- reverse camera.
The V9 gets some extras in the form of:
- dual-zone air-conditioning
- a 360-degree camera
- rear windscreen defogger
- heated door mirrors
However, it appears the biggest disparity between the twins is with safety, or rather a lack of it for the V7. It makes do with just two airbags, standard stability control and hill-descent control
On the other hand, the V9 has six airbags and ADAS that comprises autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a camera-based driving attention monitoring system.
Both will be launched on 20 May 2026 with the initial units being CBU before CKD operations commence in Q4 2026 in Johor. Exact pricing will be revealed during the launch but for now, estimated pricing will be RM 128,888 for the V7 and RM 148,888 for the V9.