Verdict After nearly 700km of testing with both cars, it’s fair to say that the Tesla is indeed a capable tow vehicle, provided you keep the distances relatively short and plan around charge station locations. Overall average - Penrith to Bathurst to Penrith Fuel and energy consumption will always depend on the driving conditions, which is why we chose different routes for each leg of our testing. Averaged across the two legs, towing the caravan with the Model X used 101 per cent more energy than without, or halved its driving range, which sounds a bit scary. The LandCruiser by comparison added 63 per cent on average, which is still a big difference, but matters less in the real world when its big fuel tanks would still give you about 760km of driving range, which can be refilled quickly at any diesel-stocked servo. So you could do a weekend trip with the caravan from Penrith with one supercharge in Bathurst, but it would’ve been highly unlikely to manage the extra 55km if you were leaving from Sydney CBD. The bottom line is that there’s plenty of things - like smaller camper trailers - lighter than our caravan that will help the Tesla to do the towing job better right now. Compared to the ‘Cruiser, the Tesla is a lesson in the benefits of a lower centre of gravity and road-focused handling. As always, bigger batteries and more recharge points will go a long way to rectifying the Tesla’s towing shortcomings, and I'm sure we'll get there eventually. But no matter what, its acceleration performance under load is simply excellent. Thanks to our friends at Avida for making this test possible with the use of the 17-foot Avida Wave Tourer Electric Pop-Top single-axle caravan. They can also be reached on 1300 428 432. Verdict Within its limited niche, Ford seems to be right on the money with the new Tourneo Custom. Though van-derived, it’s chosen the right one to be based on, with the sophisticated engineering, well-sorted suspension, strong body and sound interior presentation that are the hallmarks of the latest-generation Transit Custom. Of course, we need to try the newcomer out on Australian roads, but it is clear that Ford is on a good thing here. And so are consumers seeking a capable, roomy, comfortable and enjoyable eight-seater MPV. Driving Energy consumption is just one element of a tow vehicle though, with stability, braking and acceleration performance being the most important details. The big ‘Cruiser is always a safe bet for towing heavy loads, but it's fair to say its off-road ability, tall body and short wheelbase mean it could be better on the road, and the Tesla goes some way to proving that. With all those batteries mounted nice and low, the Tesla is significantly more stable with 1.7 tonnes on the back than the LandCruiser, in all conditions. It’s also helped by that longer wheelbase. The Tesla’s airbag suspension is another surprise advantage, and while it can be a bit choppy around town over minor bumps, bigger bumps on the highway are soaked up really nicely and it all settles quicker than with the LandCruiser - even with the caravan on the back. Tesla is famous for instant acceleration at any speed, and this effect remains when towing. The LandCruiser’s twin-turbo V8 (with max torque available from 1600-2600rpm) has long been a benchmark for tow vehicles, but the Model X makes it feel sluggish by comparison. You know how caravan vehicles are usually the slow ones up hills? This time, we were the ones doing the overtaking, even up the steep bends heading out of Lithgow. To overtake, it just takes the slightest flex of your right foot. Clearly there’s a big caveat though when it comes to how much energy it’s consuming while you’re enjoying that performance, and it’s deceptive because it doesn’t make any more noise like a conventional engine when you’re pushing it. You’d also think the weight of the van would overcome the engine-braking effect of the regenerative brakes, but they are still very effective at conserving your brakes downhill and preventing the car from running away from you, and no doubt giving the batteries a bigger boost at the same time. On that note, the LandCruiser’s cruise control also does a great job of witholding speed on downhill runs, proactively dropping gears to engine brake enough to keep the Avida Wave in check. Driving The Tourneo Custom drives as you'd expect. It's a large but very manoeuvrable boxy wagon with light steering, responsive handling and a hunkered-down road stance. Under that snub bonnet is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine. This is a single-turbo version of the unit we find in the Ranger, and after a moment’s hesitation due to turbo-lag, it powers forward eagerly. Just like in the Aussie-developed Ford ute. Backed up by the slick-shifting eight-speed auto, around town, the Tourneo Custom feels easy and light on its feet, and seems to find the right gear as required. Aiding its urban capabilities are a tight turning circle, excellent vision afforded by the huge windows, lofty seating, a clear camera and large mirrors. There was plenty of sound deadening in our test vehicle, because the engine sounded muffled and distant, as it responded strongly at speed to throttle inputs. With just one person to carry around, you’d call the Tourneo Custom’s performance strong. How it feels with all seats occupied, we’ll have to wait and see. There’s a decent wedge of torque, though, and most diesel rivals offer similar engine outputs without too much trouble. Again, we’ll have to wait and see on Australian roads what it feels like with the Brady Bunch being carted around out back! Where the Tourneo Custom shines compared to other van-based rivals is that it’s more enjoyable to drive and better to ride in, with natural and linear steering, accurate handling, reassuring grip and a settled ride. Part of the reason why is that Ford has introduced a specially-tuned independent rear suspension system across the Tourneo Custom range, meaning it seems to dodge the all-too well-known fidget and harshness normally associated with van-based MPVs. There is some road drone coming through from the back, and the ride can become a little bit busy over some imperfect surfaces anyway. But, generally, for an airport-run style eight-seater people mover, the Ford does the job with plenty of aplomb. Refined and fun to drive, the Tourneo Custom could turn out to be the driver’s – as well as the passenger's – pick of eight-seater MPVs in Australia. Again, only local testing will confirm that, but first impressions over in Europe are promising. Interested in a Tesla Model X? Insurance Quote