Skip advert
Advertisement

New Ford Tourneo Custom Active 2020 review

The van-based Ford Tourneo Custom Active MPV adds SUV looks to the range

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,084 off RRP*
Find your Ford Tourneo Connect
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Verdict

The Tourneo Custom is Ford’s most convincing Active model yet. It’s a versatile people carrier with a less van-like look, while adding the mechanical diff and all-weather tyres gives it as much off-road ability as you’re ever likely to need. Add in a lofty driving position and high spec, and it’s a great alternative to an SUV if you want to stand out from the crowd.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you need any more evidence that SUVs are permeating every sector of the new car market, then just take a look at the Ford Tourneo Custom Active. Ford has taken its van-based, eight-seat MPV and added some off road-inspired design touches to the mix, in the same vein as Active variants of the Fiesta and Focus.

As ever, the Tourneo Custom Active is based on Ford’s top-selling Transit Custom van, but it gets a car-like interior that’s fully carpeted and packed with handy features. The Active builds on this with a rugged new look.

There’s grey body cladding outside, a new grille, extended running boards, roof rails, diamond-cut 17-inch alloys and Active branding. Step inside, and the seats are part-leather with Active branding, while the six rear chairs can be positioned individually or removed completely. Ford also offers an internal bike carrier that locks into the seat mounts, giving the Tourneo Custom an edge over Ford’s other Active-branded ‘lifestyle’ models.

We drove the 182bhp diesel manual variant (Ford’s new PHEV drivetrain isn’t currently available in Active spec), and it’s a set-up that packs excellent punch, although the Tourneo Custom’s tall driving position does a good job of disguising your speed. This van-based MPV is also surprisingly agile, with positive steering for such a large machine, and a slick gearshift.

Our car’s optional all-weather tyres and £660 Quaife mLSD limited-slip differential boost the Tourneo Custom even further. While it’s no substitute for four-wheel drive, the extra traction provided by the mLSD set-up (a system that’s taken from the Focus and Fiesta ST hot hatchbacks) helps the Tourneo Custom find grip, especially when trying to make a quick getaway.

There’s no extra ride height for off-roading, so this really is a set-up that’s designed to get you moving in slippery conditions. However if you drive a passenger-carrying van so that you can carry mountain bikes or other outdoor equipment, then it’s going to give you the extra traction you need when heading off the beaten track.

Model:Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0 EcoBlue 185 Active
Price:£46,841
Engine:2.0-litre 4cyl diesel
Power/torque:182bhp/415Nm
Transmission:Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Economy:35.7mpg
CO2:207g/km
On sale:Now
Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

New & used car deals

Ford Tourneo Connect

Ford Tourneo Connect

RRP £31,719Avg. savings £2,084 off RRP*Used from £20,917
Ford Tourneo Courier

Ford Tourneo Courier

RRP £28,320Avg. savings £282 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Citroen Berlingo

Citroen Berlingo

RRP £21,890Avg. savings £3,573 off RRP*Used from £13,475
Dacia Jogger

Dacia Jogger

RRP £18,255Avg. savings £675 off RRP*Used from £11,699
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025