Toyota Fortuner: Not only on the road, in the hyper competitive Indian SUV space, the Fortuner rears high —metaphorically and literally..
It is known for its rugged looks that make for a strong road presence, tough build that promises to last long, and great road capability, and over the years the Fortuner has become the answer to the question of which premium SUV to buy for those who believe in ever domineering road presence and commanding performance.
In each update, Toyota has honed that appeal while preserving its core strengths: off-road capability, comfort and brand credibility.
The Fortuner is not the most affordable SUV in its niche, but it remains one of the most aspirational upgrades in the ₹40- 50 lakh segment. Here’s why it is so popular.
Bold and Muscular Design
The build of the Fortuner is rugged and it has aggressive styling and strong street presence, largely thanks to the substantial standing of the vehicle.
Up front, there is big grille, sharp LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs.
The contoured bonnet, flared wheelarches and side steps also enhance the vehicle’s SUV heritage.
The back is straightforward yet sturdy, with split LED tail lamps united by a chrome strip.
18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and body cladding helps with the rugged and premium appeal in the Fortuner.
If you prefer something sportier, the Legender variant is up your alley with a sharper-looking grille, dual-tone alloys and a sportier looking bumper design for that additional bit of flair.
Interior and Features
Inside, and the Fortuner gets a rugged but nice cabin.
The dashboard is simple, and, although its not quite as plush as its competitors, its focus is on durability – and comfort.
The cabin is enhanced by leather seats, soft-touch materials and accents in wood or metal finish, depending on the variant.
Key features include:
8-inch touch screen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Powered front seats
Wireless charger
You could also probably do without the dual-zone automatic climate control.
11-speaker JBL sound system (on higher trims)
Ambient lights and connected car tech
The Fortuner is also gifted with generous cabin space in terms of head and legroom.
Two adults fit comfortable in the second row, and the the third is best for children or for short trips.
Engine and Performance
The engine options offered on the Fortuner are:
2.7L petrol: 166 PS / 245 Nm
2.8L diesel: 204 PS and 500 Nm (with automatic)
Both engines are refined and potent, but the diesel is really quite something.
The Fortuner is also comfortable for city commuting, as well as for highways, depending on whether it is equipped with the 6-speed manual or with the 6-speed automatic.
And it doesn’t shirk on capabilities: Select models are 4×4 capable, with terrain modes, hill assist and a locking rear differential — that makes it a proper off-roader.
For such a burly vehicle, the SUV handles itself quite well on the highway and feels secure at higher speeds.
Its size, though, makes it a little tight on city roads and parking spaces.
Ride and Handling
The Fortuner is constructed on a ladder-frame chassis, reflecting its superb utility capability.
That certainly gives it a healthy dose of off-road capability, though the ride sometimes can become a bit bouncy, particularly on rough roads.
It also handles fairly well for something that weighs nearly 5,000 pounds, but it’s not sporty.
The steering is well weighted when on the move but is light at low speeds.
Safety Features
The Fortuner is installed with various safety features options such as;
Seven airbags
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and (TCS) Combined with Traction Control System
Downhill control and hill assist
ABS with EBD
Parking sensors front and rear
Rearview camera (but no 360-degree view)
Pros
A super reliable and powerful diesel motor
Rugged construction and off-road ability
Roomy and comfy for long trips
Good resale values and brand loyalty
Premium appearance and Legender styling
Cons
Expensive compared to rivals
Does not have state-of-the-art facilities such as a 360° camera or a panoramic sunroof
Ride can be a little stiff on bumpy roads
Adults will find the third row cramped
No diesel-hybrid or high-mileage option to be found
Toyota Fortuner: Conclusion
The Toyota Fortuner is more than a car – it’s a statement. It has a strong presence on the road, to navigate any challenging terrain seamlessly, and will give comfort to knowing that Toyota’s reputation for reliability won’t let you down.
Sure, it might not be the most feature-laden or comfy in its class, but all the things that matter most are there – reliability, performance and cachet.
For an SUV that is as comfortable on the business commute as it is in the Himalayas, the Fortuner makes sense.