► Ford’s small van-based MPV tested
► Funky looks, and it’s a Puma underneath
► Prices start from less than £28k
Ford has a habit of making the seemingly dull stuff drive brilliantly, and the Tourneo Courier is a fine example of that philosophy in action. It might be van-based, there are the bones of the Puma crossover under the skin, and there’s genuine flair to the way this people-mover looks, drives and delivers on practicality.
Whether you’re a family buyer who’s outgrown a supermini or just want a useful people car with some character, this is a cleverly packaged all-rounder.
Should you buy a Ford Tourneo Courier? Yes. If you’re after something sensible that’s also a little left-field, the Courier deserves a closer look. There are more spacious options for the money, but few have this much charm.
Here’s how we test cars, and why you should trust us.
At a glance
Pros: Smartly styled for a van-based car, drives like a Puma-lite, clever storage throughout
Cons: Automatic gearbox is dim-witted, infotainment system isn’t the slickest, Dacia Jogger is cheaper
What’s new?
Ford is now well into its van-based people carrier reboot. This Tourneo Courier replaced a model that was already pretty capable. But this one is a more car-like drive, has funkier looks and there’s a pure-electric version available too.
The Courier brings a dollop of dynamic polish to the practical end of the family car spectrum. The model’s not exactly fresh out of the box anymore, having launched in 2023, but it’s still very much current. It’s built in Romania alongside the Puma and is offered in the UK in Titanium and Active trims. The arrival of the electric E-Tourneo Courier late in 2024 broadens the appeal even further.
What are the specs?
Until recently, the Tourneo Courier was only available with Ford’s 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine, producing 123hp. That’s still on offer, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. But now there’s also the option of going electric with the E‑Tourneo Courier, which uses a 100kW (136hp) motor powered by a 43kWh battery.
The petrol version is punchy and relatively efficient, with up to 44mpg in mixed driving. The automatic gearbox prioritises efficiency, though it’s not the most responsive when you want a quick downshift. The electric version is front-wheel drive only, offers up to 205 miles of range (WLTP), and supports DC fast charging at up to 100kW – enough for a 10-to-80% top-up in around 35 minutes.
All versions are based on Ford’s B2E platform, shared with the Puma, and come with the latest SYNC 4 infotainment system, wireless smartphone mirroring and an impressive list of driver aids. The E‑Tourneo Courier also gets a unique grille and design tweaks, but remains just as practical as the petrol model.
How does it drive?
Overall, it’s a bit of a sweetie. That’s hardly a surprise given it runs on the same platform as the Puma and the late, great Fiesta – two cars always celebrated for their handling. There are tweaks, of course – the Courier gets its own steering geometry and a tougher rear suspension setup to carry more weight – but the DNA still shines through.
Few besides Ford can make a manual gearbox and pedal box this satisfying to use. The clutch bites early, the brakes are firm and progressive, and while the 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost is boosty by nature, throttle response is quick enough. Acceleration feels more than adequate, even when fully loaded – how do we know? We tested Transit Courier versions with a 500kg payload and didn’t notice much performance drop-off.
Body roll is present, but well controlled. The ride is pliant enough to shrug off potholes, and wind noise is impressively low despite the upright, bluff shape. The only real blemish is the dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Designed for maximum efficiency, it upshifts eagerly and generally slurs changes smoothly, but when you need a burst of power – say, at a roundabout or overtaking – it hesitates. No paddles are offered either, which saps some of the fun from what is otherwise a sweetly balanced little car.
What about the interior?
Utilitarian, but not in a dull or overly cheap way. Thankfully, this isn’t just a parts-bin clone of the Fiesta or Puma – Ford’s put thought into making the Courier’s cabin work for its intended audience. There are useful storage cubbies in the dashboard top, behind the instrument cluster and on the passenger side. You’ll even find a slim paperwork or laptop slot near the passenger’s leg, and a handy overhead shelf.
There’s also a curious bit of plastic jutting from the dashboard beside the infotainment screen – not an afterthought, but a dedicated mount point for phone holders, designed in response to feedback from Transit customers. It means you can attach a clip-on holder without sticking it to the windscreen or mangling an air vent.
Physical buttons are few and far between, so SYNC 4 handles most functions. It’s a mixed bag – serviceable, but clunky and menu-heavy. There’s a small strip of shortcuts, a starter button and rotary lighting controls, but climate adjustment and even muting the default speed warning chime require screen-poking.
Driving position is highly adjustable, letting taller drivers sit low and comfortably. AGR-rated seats are available on higher trims, but even standard chairs are supportive and well-shaped for longer journeys. In the back, there’s plenty of headroom and decent legroom even behind tall front occupants. The rear bench is fixed (no sliding or reclining) and split 60/40, with two ISOFIX points.
Boot space is generous, with a square layout, low loading lip and some neat touches – including a hinged, pop-out box for storing muddy boots or smaller items. It lifts out easily and can be washed clean. Ford’s thought about how real people will use this car, and it shows.
Before you buy
The Tourneo Courier is only offered in Titanium and Active trims here in the UK, and both are reasonably well specced. There’s just one petrol engine for now, and two gearboxes to choose from. The electric E-Tourneo Courier is due imminently and will offer more options – but for now, the choice is refreshingly simple.
Prices start just over £28k, which pitches the Courier against the Dacia Jogger, Peugeot E-Rifter and Citroen Berlingo. The Ford feels more modern and polished than the Stellantis offerings and drives better than all of them, but the Dacia remains the value pick. It’s hard to argue with seven seats and a bigger boot for less money.
If you want practicality, a bit of flair and a surprisingly good drive, the Courier delivers. Just weigh up whether you really need an auto and whether five seats are enough for your needs.
Verdict
Ford’s knack for turning utilitarian transport into something you might actually want continues with the Tourneo Courier. It’s not just a smartly styled van with windows – it’s genuinely enjoyable to drive, cleverly thought out and easy to live with. That it manages to bring a bit of Puma-like polish to a family-focused package is a triumph in itself.
The dual-clutch auto may dull the experience a bit, and the Dacia Jogger will continue to cause it problems in the value-for-money stakes, but the Courier is a strong contender. If you like your practicality with a twist of personality, this one’s worth a look.
Specs are for a Tourneo Courier Titanium manual