Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
I was able to “overrule” my husband, Lester, when Foton Motor Philippines (FMP) lent us the Foton Tunland V7 for a weeklong test drive in April 2025. I reasoned that it was time to show that women (like me) can drive large full-size pickup trucks around our crowded metropolis just as easily as men. I had a great deal of fun driving that big pickup truck especially since it was finished in a dark shade of metallic purple. I even chose to wear clothes that match the Tunland V7’s color! The analytics of this website showed a large number of female readers appreciated my story, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Too”, which is an homage to Cindy Lauper’s ‘80s hit song.
Shawie had fun with the dark purple Foton Tunland V7 when we test drove it in April. Her cats liked it, too, when it was parked in our garage.
It seems that our friends from Foton Motor Philippines, especially Chairman Rommel Sytin, Vice Chairman Kenneth Sytin, General Manager Levy Santos, and Corporate Communications’ Rhea Mangune liked my story, too, that they arranged a test drive of the 2025 Foton Tunland V9 as soon as it was available. Sir Levy even hoped that Lester could be able to drive the Tunland V9 this time, especially since he’s actually the motoring journalist in our family. After all, I’m just the motoring journalist’s wife. (Actually, she’s the real boss because she holds the purse strings, hahaha – Ed.)
We fitted the large Foton Tunland V9 into our small 2-car garage for a brief test drive from September 29th to October 2, 2025.
Isn’t It the Same Pickup Truck?
From my point of view, the Tunland V7 and V9 looked almost the same. If you ask me, I might even think that the Tunland V9 was the minor change model of the V7. But Lester told me that they are distinct variants of the Tunland model lineup and according to Google A.I., “the Tunland V7 has a boxier front fascia, resembling the Ford F-150, with larger vertical LED headlights and a more prominent rectangular grille while the Tunland V9 features a more streamlined design, inspired by the Ram 1500, with a bolder grille and distinct quad LED headlights”. See? I know where to get information. (Uh-oh… I’m afraid Google A.I. will be taking over my job real soon. – Ed.)
A more streamlined design, with a bolder grille and distinct quad LED headlights? Check.
Everybody got out of Shawie’s way when they saw that big, bold impressive honeycomb grille coming their way.
After I learned that the Tunland V9 is a distinct variant from the V7, my dear husband tried to confuse me by saying that the V9 is a full-size, mild-hybrid pickup truck capable of towing up to 3,500 kilograms and is powered by a 2.0-liter Aucan turbodiesel engine with a 48-volt hybrid system, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, with a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty. Wait… Isn’t that exactly the same specifications as the Tunland V7? So, if it has the same specs, then, is the V9 just a facelifted version of the V7? I’m getting a bit confused. (Good. We’re trying to confuse you. Heh-heh-heh – Ed.)
2.o-liter Aucan turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine gets a boost from a 48V electric motor to make 161 hp and 450 Nm of torque.
The Difference is at the Back and in the Drive
Lester enlightened me by explaining that the V9 is the more refined, premium Tunland variant. He said that the V9 features a more sophisticated five-link independent rear suspension with coil springs for more comfort and a more refined ride. He added that the V9 has power-folding side mirrors, a complex rear tailgate with hydraulic damper and a built-in retractable ladder that the V7 does not have. Better still, the Tunland V9 features Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which will allow the driver (mostly me) to focus more on steering while ACC keeps a safe distance from the vehicle in front, especially when driving steadily on the highway.
The V9’s multi-link independent rear suspension makes the ride much more refined, smoother and supremely comfortable for a full-size 4×4 pickup truck.
Complex rear tailgate with hydraulic dampers and built-in retractable step ladder opens up to a voluminous cargo bed.
“Oh, so it’s more comfortable on the highway during long drives”, I remarked. It just so happened that I needed to conduct an ocular inspection of the Waltz Convention Center and the Monarch Hotel in Calasiao, Pangasinan with the officers of the Motorcycle Federation of the Philippines (MCPF), headed by Arturo “Atoy” Sta. Cruz so I had an excuse to drive the Tunland V9 over 200 kilometers on the tollways taking the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). And, yes, of course, I will let my dear husband drive it since he loves to drive long distances.
The V9’s 3.4-meter wheelbase works with the 265/70R18 tires, and the front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension system to provide a smooth, comfortable ride.
Smooth, Powerful and Safe on the Highway
All the refined features of the Tunland V9 – the multi-link independent rear suspension, ACC, premium cabin, and even the large 14.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen display – all contribute to a comfortable, smooth, refined, and dare I say “luxurious” ride on the highway. I took the front passenger seat while Lester was behind the wheel so that Sir Atoy, MCPF staff Jojo Navajas and I can discuss the details of the planned “Day of Remembrance” global event to commemorate the riders who perished in motorcycle accidents that will be held on November 16, 2025 at the Waltz Convention Center in Calasiao. (Did you just segue a plug of your event in this test drive review? – Ed.) (Yes, I certainly did! Heh-heh-heh – Shawie)
The premium cabin consists of bolstered soft leather seats, ergonomic design, and great NVH insulation for a smooth, quiet ride.
Three rear passengers can travel quite well over long distances sitting on the spacious rear benchseat. Two can travel comfortably with the folding armrest in between them.
Even in full-screen wide-angle mode, it’s hard to get a proper selfie with Sir Atoy Sta. Cruz and Jojo Navajas of MCPF in the backseat, and ourselves in front because of the Tunland V9’s spacious interior.
In between discussions with our two backseat passengers from MCPF, Lester was telling me that the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine gets an additional boost from the 48V electric motor to produce 161 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, which allows our 3,055-kilogram full-size pickup truck to accelerate quickly like it had a powerful V8 gas engine under the hood. Its 8-speed automatic gearbox shifted unperceptively and the multi-link rear suspension made the ride smooth enough that we didn’t notice the time nor the distance. We stopped for long, hearty lunch at Victor’s near Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac and made it to Calasiao before 2:00 PM.
The view in front over the big hood is impressive and so is that 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The big smile on Lester’s face is not just because of the great driving experience with the V9, but because he finally got to drive it at speed on the tollways.
Easier to Drive with the Latest Technology
Our Tunland V9 test unit was the 4×4 variant but we didn’t have time to take it off-road. Instead, we allowed the ACC take us for a 2H (two-wheel drive high) ride on the highways. The sensors of our premium Foton pickup truck kept the distance between it and the vehicle in front within a safe distance – slowing down when the vehicle in front slows down and accelerating gently to the selected speed (100 km/h, really? – Ed.) as the vehicle in front accelerates or when the road ahead is clear. Lester even took his foot off the pedals and tucked it near his seat to show me that it was the V9’s ACC that was doing all the accelerating and slowing down while we were on the tollways.
At the SCTEX and TPLEX, Lester set the cruise control at 100 km/h and let the ACC take care of accelerating and braking. He realized that one day, drivers may no longer be needed. (Uh-oh…)
If we hadn’t stopped for a long, filling lunch in Tarlac, we could have taken only 2 and 1/2 hours from QC to Calasiao, Pangasinan via the tollways.
Lester added that it also felt reassuring that our V9 was equipped with ESP (electronic stability control), ABS (anti-lock brakes) with ventilated disc brakes on all four corners, EBD (electronic brake force distribution), VDC (vehicle dynamic control), TCS (traction control system) and other safety features. He joked that the V9 is also equipped with six airbags, but hoped that we don’t get to test these. (Glad you didn’t – Ed.) He drove all the way to Calasiao and back but as soon as we reached the Centris commercial complex in Quezon City, where we dropped off our backseat passengers from MCPF, I reclaimed the driver’s seat when the FDR (fatigue driving reminder) indicated that my dear husband was tired after driving 400 kilometers in just a couple of hours.
The emblems at the tailgate says it all: This top-of-the-line full-size Foton Tunland V9 hybrid vehicle that is exempt from the MMDA numbers coding.
It was already very late when we got back from our trip but Shawie still enjoyed driving the full-size V9 at a fast clip.
I Love This Brute! (And I’m Not Talking About My Husband)
I got into the driver’s side, sat behind the wheel, and adjusted the electronic 8-way driver seat while Lester reclined the 4-way electronically adjustable front passenger seat. My mobile phone remained charged thanks to the wireless charger in the center console. The 12.3-inch analog and LCD instrument panel in front of me displays useful navigation, ACC, Bluetooth, vehicle and entertainment information while Lester talked about the other nifty exterior features that tour V9 has, such as spray-on bed liner, inner tie down tabs, off-road side step, overfenders, and those useful tailgate steps. His words, however, just flew by me because I was already sold on the V9.
Shawie drove the Tunland V9 most of time when it was in our custody. Lester only drove it during the trip to Pangasinan.
Shawie loves the dark aquamarine blue color of our Tunland V9 media test drive unit as much as she likes its tough, full-size American pickup truck vibe.
Aside from the annoying cut-off timing of the Auto Engine Idle Off/On feature, the only issue we have with the Tunland V9 is that it won’t fit in a short single space in the parking area of most malls.
After all, I love driving this full-size Foton pickup truck! I especially love its aquamarine-like dark blue metallic finish that transitions somewhat from dark blue to blue with a greenish tint under different lighting conditions. I especially love that its diesel-hybrid powertrain exempts it from the MMDA’s number coding restrictions. At price point of almost Two Million Pesos, I don’t need to be a corrupt congressional representative, or a greedy DPWH regional engineer, or a complicit contractor to enjoy a smooth-running, full-size American truck experience. All I need to do now is to convince my husband that we need a large 2025 Foton Tunland V9 for our small start-up business. (He’ll be happy to have a V9 except, with your small parking space, where do you intend to park this large behemoth? – Ed.)
Special thanks to Sir Guanson Lo and The Waltz Convention Center for allowing us to take photos of the 2025 Foton Tunland V9 in their complex.
The rugged and tough Tunland V9 looks classy enough to drive to elegant venues like The Waltz Convention Center in Calasiao, Pangasinan.
Specifications
Vehicle Type: Front engine, 4WD, 4-door double-cab full-size 4×4 pickup truck
Price: P1,998,000
Engine: Aucan 2.0L inline 4 Turbo Diesel Hybrid
Displacement: 1968cc
Maximum power: 161 hp @ 3600 rpm
Maximum torque: 450 Nm @ 1500-2600 rpm
Transmissions: ZF 8-speed automatic
Fuel tank capacity: 76 liters
Wheelbase: 3355 mm
Length: 5617 mm
Width: 2090 mm
Height: 1910 mm
Cargo box dimensions: 1577 mm x 1650 mm x 530 mm
Cargo floor height: 890 mm
Payload: 875 kg
Towing capacity: 3500 kg
Minimum ground clearance: 240 mm
Maximum wading depth: 700 mm
Approach / Departure angle: 28° and 23°
Gross vehicle weight: 3055 kg
Front suspension: Independent, double wishbone with coil springs
Rear suspension: Independent, 5-link with coil springs
Front brakes: Ventilated discs, ABS + EBD
Rear brakes: Ventilated discs, ABS + EBD
Steering system: Rack & pinion with hydraulic power assist
Wheels: 18-inch 12-spoke 6-lug black aluminum alloy
Tires: 265/70R18
Active & Passive Safety Systems:
ESP – Electronic Stability Program
ABS – Anti-lock Brake System
EBD – Electronic Brake Force Distribution
VDC – Vehicle Dynamics Control
TCS – Traction Control System
HBA – Hydraulic Brake Assist
HHC – Hill Start Hold Control
HDC – Hill Descent Control
HBB – Hydraulic Brake Boost
BLF – Brake Lamp Flasher
TPMS – Tire Pressure Monitoring System
FDR – Fatigue Driving Reminder
ACC – Adaptive Cruise Control
ASLC – Adjustable Speed Limit Control
ADL – Automatic Differential Lock
