Toyota Fortuner

King of the Road

What does your ideal garage look like? Perhaps one car that can take you on long highway trips to destinations unknown, keeping you and your loved ones—all seven of you—safe while effortlessly munching miles. Then there’d be the car that puts a smile on your face each time you step on the accelerator, something torquey that doesn’t look like it can ‘go’, but it can well and truly ‘go’. Perhaps the third one would be something stylish, something people notice when you pull up to a five-star hotel. 

And finally, something that you can let your hair down with. A car that you can take to that off-road trail while sipping on a cup of coffee. Maybe this is why the Toyota Fortuner is the best-selling car in its segment. Because what it packs in its over two ton kerb weight, is what you’d get in four cars. Maybe five. Maybe six. What you do get without question, is the King of the road. 

Toyota Fortuner Pros and Cons 

Toyota Fortuner Exterior Design 

The Toyota Fortuner's exterior design is a harmonious fusion of strength and elegance. Its front grille strikes a balance between boldness and sophistication with restrained chrome accents, giving it a clean and commanding presence. While the integrated fog lamps complement the aesthetics, they could have been more proportionate to the robust front fascia. The sleek LED headlights with DRLs lend a modern touch, while the bonnet's artful contours infuse a sense of style. The side profile carries a timeless, old-school SUV appeal, accentuated by an impressive 255 mm ground clearance and sturdy 18-inch rims wrapped in 265/60 tyres. 

Rugged touches like roof rails and step bars beneath the doors further enhance its tough exterior. The chrome detailing on window panes and door handles adds a touch of class. At the rear, the flat profile of the electric tailgate is seamlessly connected by bold and sleek tail lamps, with a strip of chrome running between them and in case it wasn’t clear already, a large FORTUNER adorns the chrome strip. The sporty rear spoiler not only adds flair but also complements the overall side profile. While the Fortuner's design might exude a slightly dated charm, it remains one of the most proportionally handsome SUVs on the road, a testament to its enduring appeal.

Toyota Fortuner Interiors 

While the Toyota Fortuner commands a price tag of over ₹50 lakh on the road, don't anticipate a plethora of cutting-edge features or the latest technology within its cabin. However, what it lacks in tech, it compensates with an aura of timeless sophistication. The all-black interiors exude class and exquisitely demonstrate Toyota's hallmark build quality and attention to detail. The robust fit and finish impart a sense of solidity that promises to stand the test of time, still looking immaculate even after covering countless kilometres with a little tender loving care. 

Leather upholstery graces the seats, adding an extra layer of luxury to the interior ambiance. Nevertheless, one may yearn for a sunroof, considering the Fortuner's prowess in tackling off-road terrain and the desire to relish scenic vistas. Despite this, the SUV offers commendable storage solutions throughout, ensuring practicality and functionality on the road less travelled.

Toyota Fortuner Comfort 

The Toyota Fortuner prioritises comfort with an array of thoughtful features. Ventilated seats keep occupants cool even in scorching conditions, while the dual automatic climate control system ensures personalised temperature settings for everyone on board. Electric seat adjustments make finding the perfect driving position a breeze, contributing to a more enjoyable journey. The steering wheel's versatility, with options for both rake and reach adjustment, ensures that drivers of varying sizes can fine-tune their driving posture. Paddle shifters add a sporty touch to the driving experience. 

Second-row passengers are treated to an exceptionally comfortable environment with reclining seats and ample space for three adults thanks to the broad car design. Roof-mounted AC vents in this row help distribute cool air efficiently. The Fortuner's thigh support mirrors the comfort level of the front seats. 

However, the third row, while suitable for short journeys, may feel cramped for adults due to limited thigh support and headroom. Nevertheless, acceptable kneeroom and additional AC vents make it feasible for road trips, although occasional breaks might be necessary.

Performance and handling

The Toyota Fortuner's engine options bring their own set of characteristics to the driving experience. The diesel engine is quite noisy, and remains audible even at idle and becomes quite prominent at higher RPMs. Opting for the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, which generates 201 bhp and 420 Nm of torque with a 6-speed manual transmission or a remarkable 500 Nm of torque with the 6-speed automatic, provides a powerful and versatile driving performance. 

On the other hand, the 2.7-litre petrol engine, producing 163 bhp and 245 Nm, feels somewhat underpowered for a vehicle that exceeds two tonnes. The steering is notably heavy, contributing to a commanding driving position that makes you feel like the king of the road. The Fortuner's 4 high and 4 low options make it highly capable off-road, although it's worth noting that the AWD variant lacks a low range, which is exclusively available in the 4x4 configuration.

When you do get going, the Fortuner’s ride is plush, and you will find yourself barely slowing down for smaller potholes and speed bumps. The Fortuner feels planted even at highway speeds and you’ll find yourself going farther each time you hit the road for your next road trip. Overtaking is a breeze in the diesel, slingshotting the Fortuner forward and you will find yourself leaving sedans and hatchbacks, that would seemingly be quicker, in the rear view mirror. When the going gets tough is when the Fortuner gets going, handling rough terrains with ease. Whether it's a broken patch of highway, a forest trail, or snow-capped mountains, the Fortuner will likely chug along with one smirk under the bonnet and another on your face. 

Toyota Fortuner Key specifications 

Safety Features

Safety takes centre stage in the Toyota Fortuner, boasting a comprehensive suite of features that instil confidence on every journey. With the assurance of seven airbags, vehicle stability control, ABS, EBD, traction control, and hill assist control, it's clear that Toyota prioritises occupant safety. Yet, what truly sets the Fortuner apart is Toyota's unwavering commitment to build quality. From the choice of materials to the robust chassis and precision-crafted panels, every aspect of this SUV reflects a dedication to excellence. It's not just about cutting costs; it's about elevating quality, ensuring you not only feel secure, but also experience the enduring reliability that defines the Toyota brand. Furthermore, the Fortuner has been rigorously tested by the ASEAN NCAP, achieving a remarkable 5-star rating in the adult occupant protection category. Impressively, it scored an outstanding 34.03 out of 36 points in its frontal-offset crash test, reinforcing its position as a top choice for safety-conscious drivers and families alike.

Technology and Infotainment

The Toyota Fortuner's infotainment and convenience offerings provide a mixed bag of experiences. On the upside, the 11-speaker JBL sound system elevates your auditory journey with its rich and immersive sound quality. However, it's worth noting that the touchscreen display is comparatively smaller than what you'll find in some other vehicles. Nevertheless, it does redeem itself by offering compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enhancing connectivity and infotainment options.

While the Fortuner offers features like hill assist and cruise control to simplify driving, there are notable shortcomings. The absence of a 360-degree camera in a vehicle of this size and price range might leave some customers feeling that Toyota has cut corners in an unacceptable manner. The feature list, in general, seems rather scant. But hey, you do get cup holders, so umm, thanks for that Toyota. 

Is the Toyota Fortuner for you?

It will be harder to find people who don’t like or haven’t heard of the Fortuner than those who do because of its iconic, celebrity-like presence on Indian roads. It may be the quintessential old-school, bare-bones, true-blue SUV that is stuck in a decade where people were still renting DVDs, and iPods were still a thing; but that is also where the charm lies. What the Fortuner does, it does like no other car in its segment. It commands road users to give way by just being there, and it lets you command it to wherever you want to go and it will do just that, go.