Introduction
The MPV/mid-size crossover segment has become one of the most competitive battlegrounds for Chinese carmakers, and Dongfeng’s Forthing brand is pushing hard into it with the M4 U-Tour. Positioned as a practical, feature-loaded family vehicle, the U-Tour tries to undercut established Japanese and Korean rivals while offering a longer equipment list. This review breaks down everything prospective buyers need to know about the 2026 Forthing M4 U-Tour — from its design and engine to reliability and how it stacks up against the competition.
Overview of the Forthing M4 U-Tour 2026
The Forthing U-Tour was first shown internationally at the Munich Motor Show in September 2023 and has since rolled out across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe. It’s built by Dongfeng Motor’s Forthing brand and marketed as a premium compact MPV that seats up to seven. For 2026, the lineup continues with a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine as the mainstay powertrain, with some markets (notably parts of Europe) also receiving a newer hybrid variant that pairs the same 1.5L turbo with an electric motor for a combined output of around 240 hp. In markets like Pakistan, Forthing’s local distributor (Capital Smart Motors) has so far focused on launching the Friday electric/REEV crossover rather than confirming an official M4 U-Tour launch, so buyers in that market should check with the distributor for current availability.
Exterior Design
The M4 U-Tour has a bold, van-adjacent MPV silhouette with a large spindle-style front grille wrapped in chrome, flanked by curvy LED headlamps with boomerang-shaped daytime running lights. The high roofline and large windows give it a spacious, van-like stance while a sloped D-pillar and 18-inch machined alloy wheels attempt to keep the profile from looking too utilitarian. Around back, the tail lamps continue the spindle theme with LED inserts, and door-mounted mirrors along with chrome garnishes along the window line add a touch of visual polish.
Interior Design & Cabin Quality
Inside, the cabin leans into a premium-lite theme with dual-tone upholstery (brown/beige in some markets), leatherette or Nappa leather seat coverings depending on trim, and a wide dashboard dominated by a large widescreen display that stretches across much of the front panel — some markets get a display described as a “4K” panel. Faux-wood trim on the dash and door panels, ambient lighting, and a three-spoke steering wheel with dual digital displays behind it round out the cabin. Higher trims also add a panoramic sunroof and a six-speaker audio system.
Engine Specifications
The core engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit. Depending on market and state of tune, output is quoted anywhere from roughly 177 hp to about 197 hp, with peak torque figures in the 240–285 Nm range depending on the source and trim. Some European markets also get a hybridized version combining the same 1.5L turbo with an electric motor for a combined 240 hp system output.
Transmission & Performance
The petrol version is paired with an automatic transmission — some listings describe it as a dual-clutch unit with up to seven speeds, while others reference a conventional torque-converter automatic depending on market spec. Performance is tuned for smooth, comfortable driving rather than outright speed; it’s adequate for city commuting and highway cruising but isn’t positioned as a sporty vehicle.
Fuel Economy (Mileage)
Fuel economy figures place the U-Tour around 14.7 km/l (roughly 6.6 L/100 km) on the combined cycle for the standard petrol engine, aided by a claimed drag coefficient of 0.3 Cx. With a 55-litre fuel tank, that translates to a real-world range well over 700 km on a full tank for most drivers.
Driving Experience
Owners and reviewers generally describe the ride as comfortable and well-cushioned, suited to family use and long journeys rather than spirited driving. The suspension is tuned to soak up bumps, and the cabin is reported to be reasonably quiet at cruising speeds. It won’t feel especially engaging behind the wheel, but that’s consistent with its positioning as a practical family and business MPV.
Safety Features
The U-Tour comes reasonably well equipped on safety. It has earned a 5-star C-NCAP rating in China, and higher trims include up to 10 airbags along with a suite of driver-assistance features described as an “L2+” package — around 15 assistance systems in total. Standard and available safety kit across markets includes ABS with brake assist, electronic stability/traction control, hill-start assist, lane departure warning and lane-tracing assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, a 360-degree/around-view camera, tyre pressure monitoring, and ISOFIX child-seat anchors.
Technology & Infotainment
The centerpiece of the cabin is the wide dual-screen digital cluster/infotainment setup, paired with connectivity features like Bluetooth. Note that in at least one market listing, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support was flagged as unavailable, so buyers who rely heavily on smartphone mirroring should verify this with their local dealer before purchasing, as specification can vary by market and trim.
Comfort & Seating Capacity
The U-Tour seats seven across three rows and is built around family comfort: seats get lumbar support, the second row offers four-way power adjustment in some trims, and Forthing markets more than 10 different seating configurations along with dozens of interior storage spaces. Individual fold-down desks for rear passengers and multiple USB/power points are part of the pitch toward business and family users who spend long hours in the car.
Cargo Space & Practicality
As a three-row MPV, cargo space with all seats up is modest, but the U-Tour’s foldable rear seats (60:40 split reported in some listings) let owners trade passenger capacity for load space when needed. The tall roofline and boxy rear help maximize usable volume relative to the car’s footprint.
Dimensions
Across most markets, the U-Tour measures approximately 4,850 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,715–1,720 mm in height, riding on a 2,900 mm wheelbase. Kerb/gross weight is reported at around 1,650 kg.
Available Trims & Variants
Most markets currently offer the U-Tour in a single, well-equipped 1.5T trim (sometimes badged 1.5TC I4 FWD), keeping the buying decision simple. Select European markets additionally offer the newer hybrid variant alongside the standard petrol version.
Color Options
Exterior color availability varies significantly by market — some listings show as few as two colors (such as blue and green in one Middle East market), while others reference a broader palette. Buyers should confirm the color range with their local dealer, as it is one of the more market-dependent aspects of the lineup.
Pros
- Spacious, van-like cabin with genuine 7-seat practicality
- Long list of standard comfort and convenience features for the price
- Strong safety kit including up to 10 airbags and a 5-star C-NCAP rating
- Competitive fuel economy for the segment
- Distinctive, upscale-looking exterior design
Cons
- Limited trim/color choice in most markets (often just one variant)
- Some markets lack Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support
- Not the most powerful or engaging vehicle in its class
- Being a newer Chinese entrant, resale value and long-term parts availability are less proven than established Japanese/Korean rivals
- Official availability (e.g., in Pakistan) is inconsistent, so buyers should confirm local distributor support and after-sales network before purchasing
Reliability
Because the U-Tour is a relatively new model in most of its markets, long-term reliability data is limited. Early ownership feedback collected by regional automotive platforms has been mostly positive, with owners praising cabin quality and everyday usability. Independent, third-party reliability ratings in some markets have scored it around 4 out of 5, but as with most recently launched Chinese-brand vehicles, real-world durability over 100,000+ km is still being established, and buyers should weigh this against more proven competitors if long-term dependability is a priority.
Maintenance & Service Costs
Ownership costs are generally described as low, driven by the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and reportedly straightforward maintenance needs. However, as a newer entrant from a Chinese brand, spare parts availability and the size of the authorized service network can vary a lot by country — this is worth checking directly with the local distributor before buying, since it will materially affect long-term running costs.
Price
Pricing varies widely depending on market:
- UAE: approximately AED 115,000–120,000 for the single available trim
- Saudi Arabia: around SAR 105,900
- Philippines: approximately ₱1.358–1.558 million
- Europe (select markets): starting from around EUR 29,990
- Pakistan: no confirmed official retail pricing for the M4 U-Tour specifically has been published as of this review; Forthing’s Pakistani distributor, Capital Smart Motors, has so far concentrated on launching the Friday BEV/REEV crossover, so interested buyers should contact the distributor directly for the latest on U-Tour availability
Competitors
The U-Tour competes against a broad mix of MPVs and mid-size SUVs depending on the market, including the Toyota Innova, Hyundai Staria, Nissan X-Trail, Haval H9, MG RX9, Geely Okavango, Maxus D60/D90, and Haima V70/7x, among others.
Who Should Buy This Car?
The M4 U-Tour is best suited to families or small business owners who need genuine three-row seating, a comfortable and feature-rich cabin, and reasonable running costs, and who are comfortable buying into a newer Chinese brand without the decades-long reliability track record of Toyota or Hyundai. It’s less suited to buyers who prioritize driving engagement, a wide color/trim selection, or a long-established dealer and parts network in their specific country.
Final Verdict
The Forthing M4 U-Tour 2026 makes a strong first impression on paper: a spacious, well-equipped, comfortable MPV at a price that undercuts several established rivals. Its main question marks are the ones common to newer Chinese entrants — unproven long-term reliability, inconsistent market availability, and thinner trim/color choices than segment leaders. For buyers prioritizing value and features over brand pedigree, it’s worth a serious look and a test drive; those who prioritize long-term resale value and a mature service network may want to compare it carefully against more established competitors first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Forthing M4 U-Tour available in Pakistan? There’s no confirmed official retail launch of the M4 U-Tour in Pakistan as of this review. Forthing’s local distributor has so far focused on the Friday BEV/REEV model; interested buyers should contact the distributor for the latest availability.
What engine does the Forthing M4 U-Tour use? A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with output figures reported between roughly 177–197 hp depending on market and tune. Some European markets also offer a hybrid version producing a combined 240 hp.
How many seats does the U-Tour have? Seven, arranged across three rows.
What is the fuel economy of the U-Tour? Approximately 14.7 km/l (about 6.6 L/100 km) on the combined cycle for the standard petrol version.
Does the U-Tour have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto? This varies by market — at least one regional listing indicates it isn’t available, so this should be confirmed with the local dealer for your specific trim.
Is the Forthing M4 U-Tour reliable? It’s too new in most markets for long-term reliability data to be well established. Early ownership feedback has generally been positive, but buyers should treat this as a newer, less-proven alternative to established Japanese and Korean rivals.
What are the main competitors of the U-Tour? The Toyota Innova, Hyundai Staria, Nissan X-Trail, Haval H9, MG RX9, and Geely Okavango are among its closest rivals depending on the market.
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