Toyota Fortuner

Exterior and Interior

It’s big, bold and in your face. If that’s how you like your SUVs, you’ll warm up to the new Fortuner in no time. Admittedly though, it has lost a bit of its old school charm. There are many who prefer its older boxy shape. That, however, does not mean that the Fortuner has lost its trademark presence. It’s something you’d instantly give way to if you spotted it in your rearview mirror. Those large projector headlamps, the massive chrome-laced grille and the high-set nose means business. Depending on the variant, you get a choice of 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior highlights include LED indicators on the wing mirror, and LED tail lamps and fog lamps.

Climb inside (yes, you have to climb) the cabin of the Fortuner, and you’re in for a pleasant surprise. While the old version of the SUV took a strictly utilitarian approach to design, the new Fortuner amps up the luxury quotient. We’re talking about a chic looking dash, a coloured multi-information display in the instrument cluster and leather upholstery levels of luxury. There’s a bucketload of features to go with, too. This includes a touchscreen infotainment system (without Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, sadly), automatic climate control, a powered driver’s seat and an electric tailgate. If you’re looking at the Fortuner to be your next chauffeur-driven chariot, you shouldn’t have an issue with space. But, in case you’re looking at it for being a road trip companion for the extended family, bear in mind that the third row is cramped, and best suited for kids.

Specifications

Toyota’s Fortuner is available with two engines - a 2.7-litre petrol, and a 2.8-litre diesel paired with manual and automatic transmissions. While the automatic is a 6-speed unit, the manual transmission is a 5-speed with the petrol and a 6-speed with the diesel. Further, it’s only the diesel that gets Toyota’s 4WD tech. The petrol motor makes 166PS of power and 245Nm of torque. The diesel, on the other hand, makes 177PS of power and 420Nm (MT) / 450Nm (AT) of peak torque.

Variants

Toyota’s big SUV is available in a single fully-loaded variant. You do get to choose between drivetrain options, though. We’d recommend sticking to the diesel, unless usage is going to be negligible. Opt for the 4x2 automatic variant if you (like most owners) will be using the SUV within the city and for occasional road trips. If you’re sure you want to go mud-plugging, the 4WD MT is the way to go.

Competitors

Isuzu mu-X: It’s not the most feature-loaded SUV of the lot but is a good option for someone looking for a no-frills 7-seat SUV at a more affordable price than the Fortuner or Endeavour. It is plenty capable off-road too.

Skoda Kodiaq: The Skoda Kodiaq combines the opulence of a luxury sedan with SUV-like capabilities. The Kodiaq is far from a hardcore off-roader but makes a strong case for itself as a premium and feature-loaded 7-seat SUV. It is an easy-going upmarket SUV for the whole family that also gets all-wheel drive for the occasional sticky or slushy situation.

Volkswagen Tiguan: The VW Tiguan is a well-loaded, premium crossover for five. While it may not be the first alternative on a Fortuner/Endeavour buyer’s radar, it’s more than ideal for the urban jungle.

Ford Endeavour: Ford’s Endeavour is a very capable machine and a large SUV with an imposing road presence. Anyone who ranks luxury and off-road capability above all else should definitely consider the Ford Endeavour.

ZigSays

The Fortuner is still an old-school ladder-frame SUV but is easier to live with thanks to the improved kit list. There are more premium alternatives available but it makes a strong case as a reliable, practical and capable machine. Plus, chances are you’ll get half of your money back when you part ways with it. Not a bad deal, eh?