Ford Tourneo Custom Sport Review: An Elevated People-Mover to Suit Your Lifestyle

After years of working as an Editor and writer for…

If you’re considering investing in the Ford Tourneo Custom, you now have even more choice with an expanded line-up introducing two exciting models; the dynamic Tourneo Custom Sport, as well as the range-topping Tourneo Custom Titanium X. The new additions retain the Tourneo Custom’s exceptional space and configurability but elevate the people-mover segment with trend-setting style. They are both offered in short wheelbase configurations but retain the eight-seater layout, where the Active and Trend use the long wheelbase platform with additional luggage capacity.

The Tourneo Custom Sport is a more dynamic performance-oriented model with a dash of athletic design flair. The addition of the Tourneo Custom Sport offers even more motivation to invest in the people mover as a family or lifestyle vehicle with all the space for activities. The Sport derivative may just be the ideal pick for buyers who are image-conscious professionals looking for a vehicle that is both a practical tool and a reflection of their success.

As the more dynamic addition to the Tourneo Custom range, the new Sport model echoes many of the eye-catching design cues that were introduced on the Transit Custom Sport van. It appeals to the buyer who is constantly pushing the limits and needs a vehicle to get them to the trail, the racetrack, or the training ground with energy and confidence.

Its dynamic styling includes the distinctive Sport honeycomb-style grille and full body-colour front bumper, Sport body kit with an assertive rear spoiler, as well as bold dual black and blue sport stripes that run from the front bumper over the vehicle and down the rear door and bumper. This is complemented by side decals that add to the more athletic appearance, along with standard LED tail lamps. Fitted as standard are 17-inch sport alloy wheels, with the option of 19-inch versions.

Behind the wheel of the Tourneo Custom Sport

Powered by Ford’s single-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, the Sport delivers 125kW of power and maximum torque of 390Nm, compared to the 100kW/360Nm outputs of the Active and Trend derivatives. Drive is delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with five drive modes to optimise performance and efficiency, comprising Normal, Eco, Slippery, Tow/Haul and Sport.

Driver assistance features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), and dual heated mirrors make the Sport a pleasure to drive.

Cruising around in the sport you forget you’re driving an 8-seater van. The drive is smooth, and the car handles like an SUV. Besides being more vigilant about the van’s size and length, there’s no extra elbow grease or driver skill needed to manoeuvre the Sport around town. Independent rear suspension and the powerful engine deliver a smooth, comfortable ride and impressive fuel efficiency.

Parking, reversing, and navigating tighter spaces is made easier and is very manageable, thanks to front and reverse parking aids and Reverse Brake Assist. The vehicle’s overall height of under two metres makes it easy to access garages and multi-storey car parks, so there’s no extra thought necessary when parking in unfamiliar places.

Inside the Custom Sport

Inside the Sport, passengers are treated to the Sport trim level’s more vibrant character, featuring a leather-trimmed steering wheel, blue accent stripes for the seats and partial leather trim. This is matched to premium piano black surrounds for the multi-function display and centre console.

The standard infotainment system includes the large 13‑inch landscape touchscreen, which is equipped with Ford’s Sync4 communication and infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with 10 speakers.

Further front cabin space and increased instrument panel storage are achieved by the front passenger airbag being mounted on the roof. This enables customers to keep laptop or A4 folder-sized items in covered dashboard storage, and means portable electronic devices can now be safely fitted closer to the driver.

A lower floor height and a new integrated sidestep make loading luggage and passengers easier. Plus, a flexible track-mounted seating system in the second and third rows enables maximum adaptability when arranging the cabin for people and luggage. The tracked seating enables drivers to slide seats forward or back along notched tracks set into the rear cabin floor, or to lift seats out completely.

The new seats are lightweight, and the second row features integrated seatbelts, so reconfiguring the cabin can be done more quickly and easily. ISOFIX points are available on all three seats in the second row, as well as the two outboard seats in the third row.

Enjoy the benefits of FordPass

Elevating the ownership experience is FordPass, which offers a suite of convenient features accessible directly from a smartphone. With the FordPass app, owners can remotely control their vehicle, including starting and stopping the engine, locking and unlocking doors and even scheduling starts to pre-condition the cabin’s climate.

The app also allows owners to check vital vehicle information such as fuel levels, oil life and tyre pressure from their smartphone, helping to ensure the vehicle is always ready for its next journey.

If the SUV life isn’t for you but you love the idea of having plenty of space to load everything but the kitchen sink and still have room for your family to stretch out, then the Ford Tourneo Custom Sport is worth a look. It’s a great car for anyone who needs space but still wants a comfortable drive and a luxury interior.