Toyota Fortuner - What makes it desirable?

Going against the likes of the Mitsubishi Montero, Fort Everest, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Isuzu mu-X, the Toyota Fortuner undoubtedly has a league of its own in the auto market. Toyota Motors Philippines brought in the Fortuner SUV to the country for the first time back in the year 2005. In the local Toyota lineup, it fills the gap between the RAV4 and Land Cruiser Prado.

Post its initial launch, the SUV has had a couple of facelifts and is presently in its 2nd generation. The body-on-frame, seven-seater SUV is built on the same platform as the Hilux pickup but showcases a more premium and upmarket appeal.

In the Philippines, the Fortuner is available with a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines. The diesel mill is offered in both two and four-wheel drive (4WD), while the petrol one is offered in only 2WD option. On the transmission front, the diesel trims are available either with a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission;

the gas variant is tuned with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The base 2.4 2WD G trim kicks things off at Php 1,607,000, while the range-topping 2.8 4WD V trim will set you back by Php 2,260,000. In between there are two more models that retails for Php 1,612,000 (2.7 2WD G) and Php 1,921,000 (2.4 2WD V). Keeping all this information apart, here we are to discuss the select features that make the Toyota Fortuner a desirable four-wheeled companion? Well, let’s get started -

1. Exterior styling

Irrespective of the genre a vehicle belongs to, for a customer, exterior styling remains as one of the most crucial and highly-ranked aspects to consider during the buying process. While some cars are just average when it comes to styling, the Toyota Fortuner doesn’t disappoint.

The second-gen model showcases a more sculpted and sleek exterior when compared to the previous model - however, some folks dig it, while others don’t. However, it’s undeniably a straightforward and modern design, with edgy styling cues mixed well with the upright, butch posture of a true-blue sport utility vehicle.

The revamped front gets Bi-beam LED headlamps with auto-levelling, auto on/off and follow-me-home function (base level trims get halogen projector units), daytime running lights, a chrome-swathed grille featuring bold Toyota logo, lastly the high bonnet-line and beefy bumper with LED fog lamps in fancy housing completes the front look.

Along the side profile, the Fortuner features bold 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/60 fat rubber tyres then there is the sky-high ground clearance, posh chrome accents, deep wheel wells with flared arches, and a distinctive shoulder line that only ups the visual drama. The rear comes with modern LED taillights, a thick chrome bar, and a prominent roof spoiler. Overall, the Toyota Fortuner is an SUV that’ll attract loads of attention on the road.

2. Off-road ability

The Toyota Fortuner gets a robust body-on-frame construction, which means that not only it seems undefeatable on challenging, rough terrain, but it is almost true in the real world situation as well. The four-wheel-drive variant, i.e., the 4X4 V, with its pokey diesel power plant, offers excellent flexibility and driveability - be it in the city or off-beaten path.

Everything one needs and expects from an off-roader is here. The Fortuner off-road ability package includes a selectable 4WD system with a rear locking differential, considerable ground clearance, hill-descent control, and a 700 mm wading depth. Furthermore, the Toyota SUV has a 30-degree approach angle, 23.5-degree ramp-over angle, and 25-degree departure angle. With its depth of capabilities and inherent magnitude, this is an SUV you can count on.

3. Strong diesel motor

On-road performance isn’t one of Toyota Fortuner’s forte, however, its diesel mill is strong enough to bear challenging terrain and carry 4X4’s 2.2-tonne kerb weight. The 2.8-litre four-cylinder that rests under the bonnet has got a company in the form of dual-overhead cams, an intercooler, variable-geometry turbocharger. The end result is 174 hp at 3,400 rpm along with a peak torque of 45 Nm from 1,600 to 2,400 rpm. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential control. It allows the Fortuner to hit 100 kmph in 12.5 seconds and the top speed is 170 kmph.

4. Equipment and safety features

 

The Toyota Fortuner is pretty well equipped with both comfort and convenience and features. Included in its specs sheet are automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, keyless entry & go, power-operated door mirrors with puddle lamps, cooled glove box, leather upholstery,

automatic climate control, 8-way electrically-powered driver’s seat, selectable drive modes, leather-clad multifunction steering wheel, electronic 4WD selector, cruise control, Wi-Fi connectivity, colour multi-information display, all-around parking sensors with reversing camera, and an 8-inch touch-display with Bluetooth, smartphone connectivity, voice recognition, and internet browser.

The Fortuner’s safety catalogue is extensive as well, featuring up to seven airbags, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD and brake assist, active traction control, vehicle stability control, hill-descent control, speed-sensing door locks, front-facing digital video recorder, and ISOFIX anchor points among others.

5. Brand value

Based on customer satisfaction, brand reliability, and resale value, there are only a hand few companies to compete against Toyota. The Japanese auto giant has been topping the charts in the field of dependability and overall market capitalization. In the Philippines,

the Fortuner is amongst the few proper 4X4 that’s on sale by Toyota. And while it’s pricey, it’s still less costly than some of its rivals. Combine that with modern styling, impressive off-road capability, reliable performance, cabin comfort, and commendable safety kit, and the Toyota Fortuner emerges out as a hard SUV to resist.

Also Read:- 2019 Toyota Fortuner to feature Android Auto & Apple CarPlay