Toyota Fortuner

Overview

Stepping into the shoes of mega blockbusters like Landcruiser LC200 and Landcruiser Prado, Toyota brought the Fortuner back in 2004 to cater to the entry-level full-size SUV segment. Sharing its platform with one of the highest successful pickups, Toyota Hilux, the Fortuner is currently in its second generation avatar. It now looks sleeker than ever before but doesn’t miss out on its immense road presence for which it is known. In the Philippines, the Toyota Fortuner is available in one petrol engine variant (4x2 G AT) and four diesel engine variants – 4x2 G MT, 4x2 G AT, 4x2 V AT and 4x4 V AT. Color options available for the Toyota Fortuner here are Attitude Black Mica, Grey Metallic, Phantom Brown Metallic, Avant Garde Bronze Metallic, Silver Metallic, Freedom White and White Pearl.

Interior & Features

On the inside, the cabin layout of the new Fortuner is a far departure from what the previous generation had to offer. However, the overall dashboard design is still a bit old school, but it is the choice of materials and features on board which prevent it from being dated looking.

Matching the muscular persona of the Fortuner is the three-spoke steering wheel, with thick spokes and silver finish below it lending it a very premium look. The instrument console behind the steering wheel has a simple layout, however, it is the blue backlit theme which makes it look very attractive.

The digital clock stuck between the sleek middle AC vents on the dashboard is a very thoughtful feature. The long vertical center console looks substantial, and with silver and leather finish on its sides, it looks extremely premium to look at as well. The highlight of this center console is the large 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which apart from supporting the audio system, provides displays for reverse camera and navigation as well. The buttons for the dual-zone automatic climate control look a bit dated, though. Other bits like faux wood and silver inserts for transmission tunnel and soft-touch dashboard further lift up the ambience of the cabin.

As compared to the previous generation model, the current Fortuner is quite heavily loaded with comfort and convenience features, the list of which includes 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start with keyless entry, cruise control and rear AC vents. However, it still lacks a lot of features which make its competitors feel more trendy in comparison from the aspect of interiors.

Exterior

In the current second-generation model of the Fortuner, gone is the boxy design which was derived from the Toyota Hilux, and in comes a much sleeker and futuristic design language which looks far more premium than the erstwhile model.

At the front, the Toyota Fortuner has got a rakish profile with slanting front chrome grille with three horizontal chrome slats and two chrome slats on the sides of it. The sweptback headlamps are very sleek in design and come with LED projector units and daytime running LEDs inbuilt within them. Adding some more butch appeal to the front fascia is the large muscular bumper, which comes with big vertical and chrome bathed housing for LED fog lamps.

From the sides, the Fortuner looks like leaps ahead now as compared to the previous generation model. However, it does look like an evolution of the previous model, with a heavily tweaked slanting design for the C-pillar design, which now is an integrated part of the glass area. The chrome garnish on the long shoulder line with a substantial kink from C-pillar onwards as well as the big diamond cut alloys are enough to make the side profile look very posh. The typical old-school SUV traits like roof rails, cladding over wheel arches and side steps are still present on this Fortuner too.

At the rear, the Fortuner again looks like an evolved version of that of the previous generation model, with sleeker tail lamps with LED inserts and thick chrome bar between them. The waistline chrome extends till below the rear windscreen as well. The roof spoiler further enhances the sporty appeal of the SUV.

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

For the Philippine market, the Toyota Fortuner has been made available with both petrol and diesel engine options. The gasoline unit is a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which produces a maximum power output of 163 bhp and peak torque output of 245 Nm. On the other hand, there are two diesel engine options – while the lower three variants come fitted with a 2.4-litre oil burner, the top-spec 4x4 V AT sources its power from a 2.7-litre motor.

The 2.3-litre diesel engine belts out 147 bhp of power and 400 Nm of torque, whereas the 2.7-litre engine pumps out 174 bhp of power and 450 Nm of torque. The petrol engine comes with a standard 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.3-litre diesel engine has the options of a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox, whereas the top-spec 2.7-litre diesel is being offered with a standard 6-speed automatic unit.

Braking & Safety

Like the list of comfort and convenience features, the list of safety features of the Toyota Fortuner feels neither too fully-loaded nor too Spartan. Keeping its price positioning in check, the Fortuner comes equipped with all the essential features like seven airbags, reverse parking sensors, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and Brake Assist.

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.