Ford Tourneo Custom Review: The Ultimate Family Road Trip Vehicle?

When it comes to family adventures, few things are as exciting (or as chaotic) as a road trip. Between packing for the kids, making space for the dog, and ensuring there’s room for all the souvenirs you swear you won’t buy, the right car can make or break the experience. For families that love a road trip, and packing everything but the kitchen sink, the Ford Tourneo is a people-mover that’s as stylish as it is practical. This “mini-van” is so much more than just a soccer mom car and is quite possibly the best-kept secret for families on the go.

I had the pleasure of taking the new Ford Tourneo on a four-day road trip with a group of six media professionals, with a love of adventure and a weakness for wine and trinkets. Our journey from Cape Town to the breathtakingly beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve and then to the charming Montagu Country Hotel, was only made sweeter by the oh-so-comfortable Ford Tourneo.

Along the way, we collected memories, and a fair stash of goodies slowly filling up the boot with additional cargo we simply had to have. The Tourneo proved to be the perfect car to carry our group, all our luggage, and every bottle and trinket we picked up. Here’s why it’s a dream ride for South African parents with kids, pets, and a love of adventure.

Space, Glorious Space

Let’s start with the obvious: Space. With a family, pets, and all the gear that comes with them, you need a car that can handle it all. The Tourneo doesn’t just offer space; it redefines it. Engineered for maximum versatility, this multi-activity vehicle boasts a generous cabin with a flexible track-mounted seating system that lets you arrange up to eight seats in endless configurations.

On our trip, we had six adults, a mountain of luggage, and more wine than we’d care to admit – and the Tourneo swallowed it all without breaking a sweat. The lower floor height made loading and unloading a breeze, especially when we were juggling bags and boxes at our scenic stops. And with the overall height reduced to under two metres, we never had to worry about squeezing into tight parking spots or navigating low-clearance areas, a blessing when you’re exploring quaint towns like Montagu.

Comfort that Keeps Everyone Happy

Long drives with kids and pets can test your patience, but the Tourneo’s comfort features made our journey a joy. Growing up, I was one of 4 kids in a family that loved road trips. We didn’t have a mini-van, and the scars of having to pile into a sedan with my 3 older brothers still live on. This car will save not only your sanity as a parent but will ensure each child has their own space on family journeys.

The seats are plush and supportive, perfect for those stretches between Cape Town and De Hoop Nature Reserve, where the scenery is stunning but the roads can twist and turn. The cabin is surprisingly quiet, too, which meant we could chat, laugh, and even enjoy a few moments of peace while imagining the kids napping or the dog snoozing in the back.

For pet owners, the Tourneo is a dream. The spacious interior means there’s plenty of room for a pet carrier or a comfy spot for your furry friend to stretch out. Plus, the easy-to-clean surfaces are a lifesaver when you’re dealing with muddy paws or the inevitable spill from a juice box.

Tech to Connect, Protect, and Entertain

In today’s world, staying connected is non-negotiable, even on a road trip. The Tourneo’s 13-inch central touchscreen with SYNC 4 infotainment system kept us entertained and on track throughout our journey. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay meant we could switch between playlists, navigation, and hands-free calls without missing a beat. For the kids? The multiple USB-C ports and 12V socket in the third row is a godsend for keeping devices charged and tantrums at bay.

One standout feature is the Rear View Camera, which made reversing and parking in tight spots effortless. After a long day of exploring, the last thing you want is to stress about reversing into a narrow space, the Tourneo’s tech takes care of that for you.

Plus, the minibus comes with an impressive list of standard safety equipment. This includes LED headlights and daytime running lights, Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist, as well as Hill Launch Assist.

This is supported by the Driver Assistance Pack comprising Intelligent Speed Assistance with cruise control and Speed Sign Recognition, Collision Mitigation System, Driver Impairment Monitor, Lane Keeping Aid, front and rear parking sensors with digital rear view camera, and Ford’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

The minibus is also equipped with front and side airbags for the diver and passenger, rear curtain airbags and three-point seatbelts all round. ISOFIX points are available on all three seats in the second row as well as the two outboard seats in the third row. Standard security features comprise keyless entry and start, a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system, immobiliser, two-stage door unlocking and power door dead-locking functions.

Performance that Handles it All

The Tourneo isn’t just about space and comfort; it’s a pleasure to drive. Powered by a grunty 2.0-litre diesel engine, it’s more than capable of handling the demands of a fully loaded family car. You’d expect a minibus to feel laborious and sluggish but being behind the wheel of the Tourneo felt more like steering a rocketship — even with all our luggage, passengers, and treasures.

The Tourneo tackled the open roads to De Hoop with ease, and when we hit the gravel roads leading to De Hoop and inside the nature reserve, it stayed composed and confident.

For those keeping an eye on fuel costs, the Tourneo’s claimed average consumption of 7.4 L/100 km is impressive for a vehicle of its size. We didn’t quite match that figure (thanks to our heavy load and a few too many stops for roadside snacks), but it was still economical enough to keep us smiling.

Family-Friendly Features

What really sets the Tourneo apart for families is its thoughtful interior design. The flexible seating lets you configure the interior to suit your needs. Whether that’s creating extra space for car seats, pet carriers, or giving the kids room to spread out. The third row can be pushed back for maximum legroom, and even with all seats occupied, the load bay remains capacious. Trust me, it’s more than enough for a family’s worth of luggage and those inevitable souvenir hauls.

For pet owners, a small but clever detail: the side windows on the sliding doors don’t open, preventing curious paws from accidentally hitting the button. And the rear-seat climate control ensures everyone (including your four-legged friends) stays cool and comfy, even on scorching summer days.

A Road Trip to Remember

Our journey took us from the rugged beauty of De Hoop Nature Reserve, where we marvelled at the dunes and wildlife, to the historic charm of Cape Country Route’s Montagu Country Hotel, with its Art Deco elegance and tranquil gardens. Throughout, the Tourneo was our trusty steed, handling everything from coastal highways to mountain passes with aplomb.

If you’re a parent juggling school runs, weekend sports, and the occasional family adventure, then the Ford Tourneo is a revelation. It’s not just a car; it’s a sanctuary on wheels, designed to make life easier, more comfortable, and infinitely more enjoyable. From its spacious interior and family-friendly features to its impressive performance and tech, the Tourneo ticks all the boxes for South African families who need a vehicle that can keep up with their busy lives — kids, pets, and all.

So, whether you’re planning a road trip to the coast, a weekend getaway to the countryside, or just need a reliable car for the daily grind, the Ford Tourneo is ready to roll. Just don’t blame me if you end up always packing more luggage than you’d planned, with this much space, it’s hard to resist!

Pricing:

Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0L LWB Bus Trend – R1,104,500

For more information on the Ford Tourneo, visit the Ford South Africa website.