Toyota Fortuner - Which variant to buy?

Fortuner currently has two trim levels and six variants sold in the Philippines market, including the latest Toyota Fortuner G TRD Sportivo. You can get the mid-sized SUV in manual or automatic transmission and can opt for a diesel or gas model. Choosing between Toyota Fortuner variants can be confusing. In this guide, we'll help you find out which variant to buy.

Toyota Fortuner G vs. Toyota Fortuner V

First up, are the two basic trim levels - Fortuner G and Fortuner V. The G trims are mostly within the Php 1.6M price range, while V trims can cost you Php 1.92M upwards.

TRD Sportivo, which was recently added to the line, is being offered at a different price point. Although technically a G-trim variant, a Php 1.79M price tag means it isn't quite as affordable as its siblings, or as expensive as V trims.

The price difference is a good deciding factor to start with if you're on a budget. You can opt for the lower-priced Fortuner G, the mid-tier TRD Sportivo, or the high-end Fortuner V.

Vios engine, suspension, and chassis

All three variants of Fortuner G will be in two-wheel drive. Depending on the model, you either get a 2.4L D-4D engine that runs on diesel or a 2.7L VVTi inline-4 gas mill. Diesel variants will also be available in manual or automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the two V variants of Toyota Fortuner get the two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes. One has a 2.4L D-4D engine similar to the G variants. The other has a larger 2.8L D-4D engine, which is unique to the line. Both models will only be available in AT configuration.

Here’s a closer look at Toyota Fortuner specs, variants wise. 

Specifications	2.4 G 4x2 MT	2.4 G 4x2 AT	2.4 G TRD Sportivo AT	2.4 V 4x2 AT	2.7 G 4x2 AT	2.8 V 4x4 AT
Engine type	2.4-liter 4-cylinder In-Line DOHC 16 valve				2.7-liter 4-cylinder In-Line Dual VVT-i DOHC 16 valve	2.8-liter 4-cylinder In-Line DOHC 16 valve
Fuel type	Diesel				Gasoline	Diesel
Transmission	6-speed manual		6-speed AT with sequential controls and paddle shifters
Maximum power output	147 hp at 3400 rpm				163 hp at 5200 rpm	174 hp at 3400 rpm
Maximum torque	400 Nm at 1600-2000 rpm				245 Nm at 4000 rpm	450 Nm at 1600-2000 rpm
Drivetrain	2WD					4WD
Front suspension	Double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer
Rear Suspension	4-link with coil springs, stabilizer and lateral rod
Front brakes	Ventilated discs
Rear brakes	Drum brakes		Ventilated discs
Steering	Rack and pinion
Wheels	17-inch alloy			18-inch alloy	17-inch alloy	18-inch alloy

Fortuner G, TRD Sportivo, and Fortuner 2.4 V 4x2 AT are the most fuel-efficient variants. In spite of having the lowest power output, they have impressive torque, which makes them good enough to drive in cities and great for off-road driving.

Now, if you want to see more power, you can get more out of the Toyota Fortuner 2.7 G 4x2 AT. It provides better power output for lower torque, making it ideal for driving in cities as well as high-speed driving. Unfortunately, it’s also a gas guzzler and has poor off-road performance.

The range-topping Toyota Fortuner 2.8 V 4x4 AT combines the best of both worlds. It’s fuel-efficient, has the highest top speeds, and the most torque in the line. It can perform well in all three categories - city driving, high-speed driving, and off-road.

Toyota Vios interior features

Visually, Fortuner G variants have one significant difference from Fortuner V – they’ve replaced the premium leather seating and door trim with fabric. Fortuner G, which includes the TRD Sportivo, also skimps on a few features.

Below, you’ll find these differences. Note that we highlighted the best-in-range features.

Features	2.4 G 4x2 MT	2.4 G 4x2 AT	2.4 G TRD Sportivo AT	2.7 G 4x2 AT	2.4 V 4x2 AT	2.8 V 4x4 AT
Driver seat	Manual sliding, reclining, and vertical height adjust				Power sliding, reclining, and vertical height adjust
Seating material	Fabric				Leather
Door trim	Fabric with silver accent				Leather with silver accent
Paddle shifters	No		Yes
Smart entry	No				Yes
Sunvisor	Driver and passenger, includes ticket holder and mirror				Driver and passenger, includes ticket holder, mirror, and vanity lamp
Cup holders	10		12

 

Other than these variations, Fortuner G shares similar aesthetics and features as the higher-priced V trims including:

• Chrome door inside handles
• Leather steering wheel with wood and silver accents, audio, and MID switch
• Leather instrument panel and center console with wood and silver accents
• Leather shift knob and parking break with silver and chrome accents
• Leather console box
• Tilt + telescopic adjust steering column
• Glove box with lamp
• Map lamp (front and back)
• Cool box and room lamps
• Eco power switch driving mode

Toyota Vios exterior features

The exterior features of Toyota Fortuner G and Toyota Fortuner V have some notable distinctions. TRD Sportivo is a middle-ground between these two and has a lot more in common with Fortuner V.

Features	2.4 G 4x2 MT	2.4 G 4x2 AT	2.7 G 4x2 MT	2.4 G TRD Sportivo AT	2.4 V 4x2 A	2.8 V 4x4 A
Headlamps	Halogen projector			Bi-beam LED with auto-leveling, auto on/off, auto cut, and follow-me-home system
Daytime running lights	No			Yes
Front fog lamps	Halogen			LED
Door outside handle	Chrome			Color-keyed
Outside rear view mirror	Color-keyed with turn signal lights			Color-keyed with turn signal and puddle lights
Door belt molding	Black			Chrome

 

However, Fortuner G and Fortuner V share the following features:

• Side step, rear spoiler, and roof rail
• LED stop and brake lamp
• Fin type antenna
• Rear window defogger and rear windshield wiper

Pricing 

Fortuner variants	Price
2.4 G 4x2 MT	Php 1,607,000
2.4 G 4x2 AT	Php 1,612,000
2.7 G 4x2 MT	Php 1,697,000
2.4 G TRD Sportivo AT	Php 1,791,000
2.4 V 4x2 AT	Php 1,921,000
2.8 V 4x4 AT	Php 2,260,000

 

Verdict 

We recommend Toyota Fortuner G 4x2 MT and Toyota Fortuner G 4x2 AT to drivers who are looking for the most affordable variants. They have excellent fuel efficiency and are perfect for city and off-road driving.

If you prefer speed but don’t want to compromise your budget, the gas-guzzling Toyota Fortuner 2.7G 4x2 AT is a decent choice. However, keep in mind that the long-term costs of this variant outweigh your initial spending. Since it runs on gas and is less fuel-efficient, expect to spend more on refuels.

The Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G TRD Sportivo AT is an excellent middle-ground for people who want fuel efficiency and an overhauled exterior that’s both sporty and classy. It performs well in the city and in off-road conditions.

For buyers who want a premium Fortuner with high-end features, the Toyota Fortuner 2.4 V 4x2 is an okay choice as long as you don’t mind the weak horsepower.

Lastly, you can’t go wrong with top-of-the-line Toyota Fortuner 2.8V 4x4 if you want power, fuel efficiency, and the best-in-range features. As long as you’re willing to pay the price, we don’t see why you shouldn’t get it.

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