Toyota Fortuner

The cabin of the Toyota Fortuner is a mix of practicality and premium bits. The robust dashboard gets strong horizontal lines that give it a bold, purposeful look. Higher trims like the GR-Sport get soft-touch leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching, brushed aluminium inserts, and piano black trim. The standard models come with durable plastics. The use of ambient cabin lighting adds a sense of refinement.

The Toyota Fortuner is a seven-passenger car. The front seats are large, well-bolstered, and electrically adjustable in higher trims. The GR Sport variant gets ventilated front seats. Second-row seats offer ample legroom and headroom. They can slide and recline, enhancing long-journey comfort. The third row seating, while functional, is best suited for kids or short trips. Access requires a tumble mechanism from the second row.

The dual-zone automatic climate control in the Toyota Fortuner lets front passengers personalise comfort levels. Roof-mounted vents serve second-row and third-row passengers with a dedicated blower control. A cabin filter adds comfort and functionality. The SUV gets heated outside rear view mirrors (OVRMs) in higher trims.

The cabin of the Toyota Fortuner remains well-insulated from road noise, though the diesel engine remains audible, particularly while revving.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Functional cabin

Cons: Cramped third-row

Features and Technology

The Toyota Fortuner gets a high-resolution touchscreen infotainment system, available in 8.0-inch and 10.1-inch sizes depending on the variant. The user interface is clean but not the most fluid. Response time slightly lags compared to modern systems. The system supports seamless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth connectivity and multiple USB ports ensure that all passengers remain connected. For audiophiles, the Fortuner offers a premium JBL audio system with up to 11 speakers, delivering a crisp and immersive sound quality. The higher models support voice recognition, enabling hands-free control over calls, messages, and media playback.

The Fortuner's instrument panel combines traditional analogue dials with a multi-information display (MID) unit, providing real-time data on fuel efficiency, trip details, and tire pressure. Higher trims get a fully digital instrument cluster. A head-up display (HUD) projects information like speed and navigation directions directly onto the windshield.

Pros and cons

Pros: Pratical MID unit

Cons: Touchscreen’s response is delayed

Boot Space and Storage

The Toyota Fortuner offers a standard boot capacity of approximately 296 litres with all three rows up. With the third row folded, the cargo space expands to about 716 litres. With both the second and third rows folded, the SUV gets a massive flat cargo area. But the third-row seats fold up vertically to the sides rather than flat into the floor, which eats into some lateral space compared to competitors with underfloor fold-flat seats.

The cabin of the Toyota Fortuner is equipped with practical storage solutions. It features a cooled glovebox, ideal for keeping beverages chilled. The central console armrest doubles up as a storage compartment for personal items. Additional conveniences include a rear seat center armrest, and 60:40 split-folding second-row seat. 

The third row gets limited storage options but it’s still useful for light items and gadgets

Pros and Cons

Pros: Spacious boot

Cons: Third row storage options limited

The Toyota Fortuner measures 4,795mm in length, 1,855mm in width, and 1,835mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,745mm. 

The upgraded Toyota Fortuner presents a commanding and refined exterior design, blending ruggedness with modern sophistication. In the front, the SUV sports a bold, trapezoidal grille adorned with chrome highlights, complemented by a pontoon-shaped bumper with an integrated skid plate. The sleek LED headlamps get distinctive line guides and integrated daytime running lights (DRLs).

On the sides, the pronounced wheel arches and newly designed alloy wheels, available up to 20 inches, contribute to a muscular stance. The elevated ride height and integrated side steps facilitates easy entry and exit and also reinforces the SUV's rugged appeal. 

At the back, redesigned split LED combination lamps extend into the tailgate, providing a premium appearance. A sculpted bumper with an integrated faux-skid plate underscores the Fortuner's off-road capability. A shark-fin antenna, and a subtle rear spoiler with integrated brake light complete the rear profile.

The top-level Toyota Fortuner Gazoo Racing (GR) Sport comes with dusk-sensing headlamps, chrome-plated door handles, and a fully automatic power back door with height-adjust memory and jam protection.

The Toyota Fortuner is available in Super White II, Silver Metallic 3, Gray Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Platinum White Pearl Mica, and Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine colour options. Two-tone models are also available.

Pros and cons

Pros: Commanding road presence

Cons: Overuse of chrome in base variants

Despite its powerful engine, the Toyota Fortuner maintains respectable fuel efficiency. The SUV returns an average mileage of 12.3 kmpl under light traffic conditions, with highway figures reaching up to 17 kmpl.

Pros and cons

Pros: Efficient powertrain

Cons: Some rivals offer better highway mileage

On city streets, the Toyota Fortuner's ladder-frame chassis and high ground clearance helps the SUV to easily glide over potholes and rough roads without breaking a sweat. However, at low speeds, especially on uneven or patchy tarmac, the ride can feel a bit bumpy. There’s some vertical movement from the rear, particularly when the car is relatively empty.

The Toyota Fortuner is mounted on a double wishbone suspension up front and a four-link coil spring setup at the rear. While this works great for durability and rough-road capability, it doesn’t absorb smaller imperfections as gracefully as monocoque-based SUVs.

Being a tall body-on-frame SUV, the Fortuner’s body roll is noticeable in corners. But it's well-controlled for the segment. Quick lane changes or spirited cornering reminds of the Fortuner’s size, but it never gets unstable. On highways, the Fortuner stays well-planted and composed. Even with a full load, it doesn’t wallow or feel floaty.

The four-wheel-drive variants come with low-range gearing, hill descent control, and a locking rear differential that can tackle steep inclines, rocky trails, and deep water with confidence.

Pros: Superb highway stability

Cons: Firm low-speed ride

The Toyota Fortuner comes with two engine options. The entry-level models are equipped with a 2.4-litre diesel engine that produces 147PS/400Nm. The 2.8-litre diesel engine in the higher trims produce 201PS/500Nm. All variants come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission (AT), except for the entry-level G variant, which comes with a six-speed manual. The 2.8-liter engine offers impressive acceleration. Its power delivery is smooth and linear, with a noticeable surge beyond 2,500rpm, making highway overtakes effortless.

Toyota has improved the steering of the Fortuner. It now gets variable flow control, providing lighter steering at low speeds for easier manoeuvrability and a heavier feel at higher speeds for improved stability. The SUV combines robust performance with commendable driving dynamics.

Pros and cons

Pros: Efficient powertrain options

Cons: Easy steering

The Toyota Fortuner comes with a parking camera along with sensors in the entry-level models. Higher models get a 360-degree camera system that provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings. But it has some limitations like blind-spots in the 360-degree view that can reduce its effectiveness in certain scenarios.

The SUV comes with an anti-theft alarm with an ultrasonic sensor and a glass break sensor that enhances vehicle security.

The higher models of the Toyota Fortuner come with an in-built navigation system that offers real-time route guidance, landmarks, and estimated arrival time. It has voice command support. The offline map functionality comes hin andy during off-road travelling or rural drives that have weak mobile signals.

Pros and cons

Pros: Comprehensive safety system

Cons: 360-degree camera has some limitations

Competitor Comparison

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is one of the closest competitors of Toyota Fortuner. Both are rugged, midsized SUVs, popular for their off-road capabilities and spacious interiors. The Montero Sport is hauled by a turbocharged, 2.4-litre diesel engine that produces 178 PS/ 430 Nm, with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the Fortuner is equipped with a turbocharged, 2.4-litre diesel engine that produces 201 PS/500 Nm. The motor is paired with a six-speed automatic. While the Fortuner shines with its superior power and brand reputation, the Montero Sport offers a more affordable option with good tech and comfort features. Both are reliable choices for adventure-seekers.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Toyota Fortuner is a solid choice for those seeking a rugged, reliable SUV with commanding road presence and off-road capability. While it may lack some modern luxuries, the Fortuner’s durability, strong resale value, and trusted performance make it a dependable companion for both urban drives and adventure enthusiasts.