The Toyota Fortuner is a midsize SUV manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan. First introduced in 2004, the Fortuner is now in its third generation after undergoing full model changes in 2015 and 2020.
As an SUV, the Fortuner combines car-like comfort and tech features with the ruggedness and cargo capacity of an off-roader. Its body-on-frame construction gives it better off-road ability compared to crossover SUVs. The Fortuner competes with other midsize SUVs like the Ford Endeavour, MG Gloster, Mahindra Alturas G4, and Isuzu mu-X.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Engine | 2.8 L 1GD-FTV Diesel |
Power | 204 hp @ 3400 rpm |
Torque | 500 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive |
Dimensions | 4795 mm x 1855 mm x 1835 mm |
Wheelbase | 2745 mm |
Ground Clearance | 279 mm |
Kerb Weight | 1975 kg |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 litres |
Additional details:
The latest generation Fortuner has a bold and rugged exterior design reminiscent of Toyota’s iconic Land Cruiser SUV. The imposing front grille with thick chrome surrounds gives it a solid road presence. Flared wheel arches and side body cladding accentuate the SUV’s styling and hint at its off-road tendencies.
Signature design elements like the tapered headlamps, wrap-around rear combination lamps, and floating roof design give it a modern look. The rear gets a roof-mounted spoiler and shark fin antenna adding to the butch silhouette. Large 18-inch alloy wheels shod with highway terrain tyres fill up the muscular wheel arches rather well.
On the practical front, the side-opening rear door offers easy access to the cargo area. Roof rails allow the mounting of luggage carriers and sports accessories. The rear gets a tow ball provision to haul trailers weighing up to 3 tons.
Overall, the Fortuner strikes a fine blend between form and function through its aesthetically pleasing yet rugged design. The high 205 mm ground clearance, 279 mm minimum running ground clearance along with 35° approach angle and 25° departure angle equip it well for Indian roads. Wading depth is rated at 70 cm enabling the Fortuner to tread waterlogged streets without losing stride.
Step inside the Fortuner and the dual-tone black and maroon interior looks quite appealing. High-quality materials are used all around with soft-touch plastics on the dashboard and door pads. The quilted leather seats look classy and provide good comfort over long journeys. Seating space is generous, even for tall passengers.
The driver gets a thick 4-spoke tilt-telescopic steering wheel offering decent grip. Large analog dials and a full-colour multi-information display make up the instrument cluster providing the essential driving info. The centre console gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options. Other features include automatic climate control, parking sensors, auto headlamps, push-button start/stop, and cruiser control.
Storage spaces inside the cabin are adequate with bottle holders and cubby holes all around. The middle-row seats slide and recline to offer flexible legroom for second-row occupants. Split folding seats in both the middle and third rows allow carrying extra luggage as per requirement.
With all three rows seating up, boot space is limited to just 200 litres which is quite less for the segment. But with third-row seats tumbled, it expands to 640 litres letting you pack more bags for road trips or airport runs. Overall, the Fortuner offers good comfort for city runs and long highway journeys, but space utilisation, especially the luggage room, could have been better.
The Fortuner gives an impressive performance both on and off the tarmac thanks to its refined yet powerful 204 hp diesel engine. Power delivery is smooth and lag-free with abundant torque available from just 1600 rpm. In-gear acceleration makes overtaking easy while cruising on the highway. The engine makes light work of tough inclines even when fully loaded.
All drive modes offer brisk acceleration but Sport mode quickens throttle response sacrificing fuel efficiency for performance. Eco mode optimizes engine mapping for maximum mileage – expect around 10-12 km/l in the city and 14-15 km/l on highways when driving sedately. The slick-shifting automatic transmission enhances the driving experience with well-timed gear changes.
Ride handling has improved significantly in the new model with better noise insulation. Undulations and small potholes are absorbed nicely without much cabin disturbance. The chassis offers predictable dynamics around corners with controlled body roll and precise steering feedback. However, the rear suspension setup leads to some up & down motion at highway speeds. Braking performance from the front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes is also confidence-inspiring.
Toyota has packed the Fortuner with a host of active and passive safety systems. Dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags protect occupants in the event of a crash along with ABS and vehicle stability control. The stronger body shell incorporates programmed deformation zones that absorb impact energy effectively.
Additional safety features include hill-start assist, downhill assist control, emergency brake signal, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The SUV also gets parking sensors, a reverse camera, auto-dimming IRVM, and front clearance sonars for trouble-free manoeuvring. Overall, the Fortuner’s safety credentials give it 5-star ASEAN NCAP and 4-star Latin NCAP ratings.
From deserted highways to congested streets, broken country roads to dirt trails, the Fortuner is a versatile SUV that tackles it all in stride. The high ground clearance means tall speed breakers or flooded roads don’t faze it at all. Generous wheel articulation and low-range gearbox help cross ravines or rocky terrain without scrapping its underbelly.
The bulky body does lead to some body roll-around twisty sections but remains planted nonetheless. For the daily urban grind, the light steering makes parking and 3-point turns effortless while a tight 5.8m turning radius adds to the convenience. Cruising on the highways, the Fortuner feels rock steady at triple-digit speeds. Overall, it offers car-like manners around town without compromising its off-road abilities.
Toyota is reputed for the reliability of its vehicles and low ownership costs. The Fortuner is no exception with a standard warranty of 3 years/1 lakh kms. An extended warranty can also be purchased additionally. Service intervals are scheduled at every 10,000 km or 1 year. Each service is priced competitively starting from Rs. 8,000. Consumables like engine oil, oil filters, and brake pads will be extra.
Insurance costs for an SUV usually run higher the sportier sedans. Comprehensive insurance quotes for the Fortuner fall in the Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 1 lakh range depending on coverage. Fuel efficiency hovers around the 12 km/l mark so fuel bills won’t be stingy. But the higher resale value around 60% after 5 years does lower the overall cost of ownership.
Toyota enjoys an untarnished reputation when it comes to reliability and durability. Fortuners clocking over 300,000 km still runs without major issues highlighting its robust build. The engine incorporates special ceramic-coated pistons and turbochargers to withstand higher operating temperatures and prolong life.
Some owners have reported issues with suspension and tyre noise after a few years. Wear and tear parts will need replacement as per the maintenance schedule. Being garaged will avoid damage from extreme weather fluctuations enhancing longevity. The vehicle’s rigid chassis and other components are built to handle the stresses of off-road excursions across its lifetime without failure. Overall, the Fortuner delivers outstanding dependability if periodic maintenance is not skipped.
The Fortuner enjoys high desirability in the resale market due to its go-anywhere capability plus its Toyota badge. Well-maintained vehicles fetch upwards of 60% resale value after 5-6 years translating to lower depreciation costs for first owners. Demand usually exceeds supply keeping resale values buoyant.
While the new generation Fortuner impresses on most fronts, it does have some drawbacks. Third-row space and boot volume with all seats up are lower than key rivals. The basic audio system lacks clarity while higher variants get only a non-touchscreen display for the infotainment unit.
Ride quality especially at the rear leaves room for improvement. Engine noise creeps into the cabin on hard acceleration. Safety equipment misses out on some advanced driver assists like blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist which are finding their way into this segment.
Model | Price (KES) |
---|---|
Toyota Fortuner | 3,700,000 |
Ford Endeavour | 3,000,000 |
MG Gloster | 3,500,000 |
Mahindra Alturas G4 | 4,000,000 |
Priced from KES 3,700,000 (ex-showroom), the Fortuner sits at the higher end against competitors. Optional accessories do not come cheap either making it quite an expensive proposition for many buyers.
The Toyota Fortuner is one of the most well-rounded SUVs blending on-road comfort with credible off-road talent. It builds further on the qualities that made the nameplate popular globally. The butch exterior will appeal to SUV aficionados while the upgraded interior brings it to par with segment benchmarks.
Performance from the engine is effortless be it within city limits or cruising on highways. Generous ground clearance coupled with 4×4 hardware allows exploring terrain less travelled in comfort. Safety systems both passive and active offer peace of mind on family excursions. Toyota’s brand image and after-sales experience further tip the scales in its favour.
For those wanting a tough body-on-frame SUV with seating for seven, the Fortuner warrants a spot on the consideration list. With lower running costs and proven reliability, the ownership experience has been rewarding over the years. Yes, pricing is on the higher side and ride comfort could see improvement. But the Fortuner’s versatility and go-anywhere ability make it a package worth investing in for SUV buyers in the market.