Toyota Fortuner

Overview

How long a single generation model, in this fast-changing face of the automobile industry, could survive? It is full nine years and counting, for the admirable Toyota Fortuner SUV. And it's not only about lingering around just like that but surviving triumphantly amid serious competition in the Philippines. Here the Japanese firm and one of the largest carmakers, Toyota Motors, too deserve a round of applause for creating such a ground-breaking product for the world. Based on the Toyota Hilux pickup truck platform, the mean looking SUV possesses imposing stance, roomy cabin space and is presented with a range of engine variety to choose from. Debuted in the Philippines in the year 2005, the SUV was positioned above the famous Toyota RAV4 and below Toyota Prado. The fascinating roadster comes in three powertrain guises namely 2.7G gasoline, 2.5G diesel, and 3.0V diesel. Besides the conventional 5-speed manual transmission gearbox, the mean-machine is also available with 4-speed Automatic transmission instrument. The first facelift of Fortuner came in 2009 and by the end of 2011, Toyota introduced another upgrade of Fortuner, this was the same year that also witnessed the launch of facelift Toyota Hilux in the Philippines. Over the years, with constant advancement, the driving and handling abilities of the SUV have improved. Known for the toughness and reliability quotient, the mid-sized SUV competes with the likes of Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, and Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV.

Interior & Features

The cabin space of Toyota Fortuner is pretty airy and the interior can seat in 7 passengers easily. Looking at the interiors, one can sense premiumness as the material used on the seats and plastic on the dash is of reliable quality. The dual tone dashboard appears attractive and incorporates fascinating aspects such as improved advanced instrument cluster and 4-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel that has wood and silver inputs. Other facets include AC vents, large glove box, and sunglass holder; whereas the gear-shift knob and black-wood finished door panels provide the cabin with a gist of an elegant look. Depending upon the trims, the well-cushioned seats are either covered with leather upholstery or fabric and are integrated with adjustable head restraints. Leaving the first row, 2nd and 3rd-row seats have reclining/sliding feature that comes handy when the luggage is on the heavier side and available boot space seems less. Caring for the driver, the driver’s seat comes with a 6-way power adjustable mechanism. The advanced instrument cluster indicates low fuel warning, digital trip-meter, outside temperature display, door open warning etc. Likewise, to add convenience, there is 12V mobile charging socket in front and middle row, cup/bottle holders, front seatback pockets, remote fuel lid opener and many more.

There are numerous comfort features present in the Toyota Fortuner. The dual automatic air conditioner that has rear AC buttons and blowers at the ceiling are meant for maximum airflow in the cabin. The audio system comes with a 6.5-inch LCD monitor that has a Smart Touch Function. The player supports Bluetooth connectivity, DVD, CD, Tuner, USB, AUX, iPod etc. There are as many as 6 speakers embedded inside the cabin for surround sound to all occupants. There is also GPS navigation feature for extra handiness. The leather-wrapped tilt adjust steering has mounted switches for music/audio, cruise control and call related control. Some more comforting aspects include follow me home headlamps, puddle lamps, cargo area light, illuminated ignition key slot, and window winding switches.

As the wheelbase of Toyota Fortuner is as high as 2750 mm, the inside measurements are ought to be large. The occupants are bestowed with very sufficient legroom, headroom and shoulder room that makes longer journeys less hectic. Adding more convenience is the boot compartment of 296 liters, while it can be stretched to a good above 600 liters with the last row being folded.

Exterior

The overall exterior design of Toyota Fortuner truly lives up to the mark of a butch stance SUV, and one can easily wonder, does it hold any relation to mammoth Land Cruiser? The front looks bold and at the same time aggressive, while the scoop at the bonnet reflects arresting attitude. The radiator grille with all chrome work appears premium alongside company insignia at the centre. The headlamp cluster has HID headlights with auto leveling feature, while below is body coloured large bumper that has wide air dam. The stylish yet sporty front bumper with a pair of radiant fog lamps looks appealing. The sides have body coloured door handles and ORVMs that have mounted side indicators and come with electric adjust function. One of the high points of the side profile is the beefed-up wheel arches fitted with neatly spoked alloy wheels. Moreover, the blackened B-Pillar adds to the glamour of Fortuner. The rear has a windshield that comes incorporated with a defogger and wash/wipe feature. The sporty spoiler comes with high mounted stop lamp located at the centre. The rear bumpers have a set of reflectors that comes handy at night for approaching vehicles and the chrome-tipped exhaust pipe hints premium appeal of the mid-sized SUV.

All three variants of Toyota Fortuner have no difference when it comes to the exterior dimensions. The length, width and height measure 4705mm, 1840mm, 1850mm in that order. Furthermore, the wheelbase is truly long at 2750 mm.

Ride & Handling

The previous generation Fortuner had a kink in its armor for offering a bouncy ride quality on board, however, this very trait has been taken much care of by a big margin in the new Fortuner. Still sitting on a ladder-on-frame chassis, the new Fortuner gets double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer at the front and 4-link with coil springs, stabilizer and lateral rod at the rear, which not only imparts a supple ride quality but also control the body roll too. The braking part is adequate as well, however, for an SUV of this size, the rear drum braking setup feels like a cost-cutting attempt.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The petrol type of Toyota Fortuner is armed with 2.7L, 2694cc, 4-cylinder in-line 16V DOHC VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing Intelligent) engine technology. This powertrain generates a maximum power of 160 PS at 5200 rpm and peak torque of 241Nm at 3800 rpm. This engine is mated to a gate-type 4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with ECT. Moreover, the 2.5L, 2494cc diesel mill with 4-cylinder direct injection and 16V Variable Nozzle Turbo (VNT) with intercooler churns out a max power of 144 PS at 3400 rpm alongside a high torque of 343 Nm at 1600-2800 rpm. Lastly, the highest displacement diesel engine, the 3.0L, 2982cc, 4-cylinder, 16V direct injection, VNT intercooler develops a top power output of 163 PS at 3400 rpm together with 343 Nm of pure torque value at 1400-3200 rpm. The diesel powertrains comes coupled with a choice of either 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed AT.

Braking & Safety

The sturdy SUV is supplied with some commendable safety elements for the security of the occupants under any mishap. There are Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) based airbags at front row for driver and co-driver and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution). Other safety features include 3-point ELR seat belts with adjustable seat anchors, child protection lock system, high mounted stop lamp at rear, side door impact beams and an advanced security system in the form of TVSS with keyless entry and engine immobilizer. To add more, the Fortuner comes with GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) body structure that lessens impact on occupants in case of collision.

Verdict

With its revamped exterior design and plusher and more premium interiors, the new second generation Fortuner feels miles ahead in comparison to the model it has replaced. While the new set of engines are much more refined than before, the ride quality too has seen a massive improvement over previous model. However, the Fortuner still lacks a lot of features which could have made it a bit more premium than what it is now. But with so many comprehensive changes, it is now a step above in terms of premium and luxurious appeal, thus making it an up-to-date vehicle and not just another SUV built on the frame of a pickup.