Overview

There’s plenty to draw you in with a van-shaped people carrier (MPV): usually there’s plenty of useful space, lots of storage areas and, despite being quite boxy, they’re remarkably easy to live with. The Ford Tourneo Courier is a perfect example of the breed.

It’s smallest of three Tourneo-branded MPVs from Ford, slotting below the Tourneo Connect and larger Tourneo Custom in the model range. Ford says its smallest van-shaped MPV is designed to look a bit more like a trendy SUV, and is available with some colourful paint combinations and the option to paint the roof a different colour.

Besides the surface-level niceties, though, the Tourneo Courier hides a secret: it’s built using the same parts as the Puma SUV and the now-departed Fiesta – two cars that, more than anything else, are known for being fun to drive and among the best in their class.

Unlike other MPVs of its kind, the Tourneo Courier does without lots of different engine, trim and size configurations, though – with Ford hoping its solitary size is enough to convince many to make the switch. Rivals include fellow van-shaped MPVs like the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter as well as Ford’s own Tourneo Connect (which isn’t that much larger than the Courier) as well as Dacia’s value-focused Jogger.

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What’s it like inside?

Overall, it’s a sensible and relatively tidy layout. Given the Courier’s Fiesta and Puma-based DNA, it also – happily – feels very car-like to sit in. There’s plenty of standard adjustment in the driver’s seat and you’re able to sit quite low down if that’s your preference. The dashboard itself feels solid, but this isn’t the kind of car to offer you a luxurious or style-over-substance dashboard design.

Every Tourneo Courier gets a digital instrument display and a central touchscreen infotainment system, with the interior featuring very few physical buttons save for a set of shortcuts for the most used functions. Frustratingly, that means no physical climate control switches, which are relegated to a messy menu within the touchscreen system.

Ford’s put some thought into storage, offering cubbies behind the driver’s instruments and in front of the passenger, as well as large door bins, overhead storage for larger items and a small paperwork holder in the passenger footwell.

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Rear space is good, with reasonable legroom and a lot of headroom for even tall adults sitting in the back seats. However, the rear seats themselves aren’t all that flexible; they only split 60:40, they don’t slide or recline and there are only two sets of Isofix points for child seats.

Ford says the Courier has a 570-litre boot space from the floor to the parcel shelf with the rear seats in place, or 11,88 litres with it removed. Tumble the rear seats forward and that space expands hugely to 2,162 litres. Unique details are few here, but Ford has included a cool washable pop-out box in the side of the boot area. This can be used to hold small items or dirty items (like muddy shoes), preventing them from rolling around in the boot area.

Ford Tourneo Courier engines

There is only one engine available for the Tourneo Courier: a 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine developing 125hp. You can, however, choose from a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Performance is fine, but not much to shout about – Ford says the Courier sprints to 62mph in 13.0 seconds in manual form, or 11.1 seconds for the automatic. As for fuel economy, Ford claims between 32.2 and 35.6mpg, which isn’t particularly impressive.

What is impressive is that it doesn’t feel like the small engine will perform much slower when heavily laden. We tested a Transit Courier with a 500kg payload on board and acceleration didn’t feel dulled.

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What’s it like to drive?

In short, quite fun. Because the Courier uses the same parts as the Fiesta and Puma, the Courier is the best small van-based MPVs to drive. While that might sound like a tenuous accolade – it can go a long way for those who want something that’s satisfying to drive, and it is a rare quality to find with this class of car.

The steering feels accurate and is weighted well, and the suspension manages to create a comfortable enough ride – even dulling lumpy potholes. The Courier is also remarkably quiet – something that’s rare when driving a boxy van-shaped vehicle. In quick corners, the car has a fair bit of bodyroll, but it’s well controlled and doesn’t detract from the overall experience.

If you can, try to specify the manual gearbox. Like many of Ford’s other cars, the clutch is smooth and bites early and the gearshift itself feels satisfying. The automatic, meanwhile, might make the Courier quicker on paper but that’s not always the case in the real world. The transmission likes to change up whenever it can and remain in high gears. That makes it slow to change down if you need to overtake, or take advantage of a gap at a junction or roundabout, which can be frustrating. 

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What models and trims are available?

There are two trims in the UK for Tourneo Courier: Titanium and Active. Titanium features plenty of standard equipment including front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, keyless start, a heated driver’s seat, automatic lights and wipers and Ford’s ‘Quickclear’ heated windscreen. Active, meanwhile adds a specific set of design elements including chunky bodywork, larger alloy wheels, adaptive cruise, satellite navigation, a reversing camera and more safety aids.

Unlike the larger Ford Tourneo Connect, or some of the Courier’s rivals, there is only one body size and it’s only available as a five-seater.

What else should I know?

There are no diesel engines available – although the Transit Courier panel van can be had with one – but Ford has confirmed that an all-electric E-Tourneo Courier is due towards the end of 2024.