New Toyota Fortuner: The Legend Returns With a Facelift, More Features, and Better Performance The Toyota Fortuner has been a charismatic and extroverted SUV model on India roads.
With more rugged good looks and bulletproof reliability than any other index on the market, it’s forever etched into the silver screen of SUV fans from coast to coast.
And now the new Toyota Fortuner, has taken it to the next level, with it’s refreshed look and added class-leading features, the Fortuner still remains one of the most popular 4x4s, and you’ll soon see why…
The Toyota Fortuner quality has come a far way from the day they first launched on the road. But in today’s cutthroat SUV segments, does the all-new Fortuner still have that edge? Let’s take a closer look.
Design: More of a statement piece
The latest Fortuner is a beefy design with sharper lines and details to the body that make it feel more premium and meaner.
At the front, it gets a bigger grille with lovely patterns, sleek LED headlamps with DRLs and a masses bumper that enhances its aggressive appearance.
The Legender version takes it further with sportier touches such as dual-tone paint and dynamic alloy wheels.
Stylistically, the side profile is relatively unchanged, featuring strong character lines and a high beltline that emphasizes the rugged persona.
At the back, the tail-lamp and bumper designs are altered slightly to round off the refreshed look. The result is an SUV that turns heads both in the city and out in the wild.
Performance: Power and Ability to Help You Get the Job Done
The new Toyota Fortuner The carry-over Multi-terrain Select system allows drivers to match the power and braking of the Fortuner to the road surface
and conditions, including sand, rock, dirt or mud at the turn of a dial, for instance, for everyday driving, or when towing.
LIKEThe 2.7-litre petrol is still there, but it’s the diesel that most will choose – for the torque and economy.
Teamed with a 6 speed manual or auto box, the Fortuner feels at home along the highway and provides for breezy overtaking and cruising.
The 4×4 variants with dedicated low-range gearing and terrain assist modes should be able to tackle challenging trails, making it an SUV as capable off-road as on tarmac.
Ride comfort is good, the suspension has been set up to take bad patches and speed breakers in its stride but it can feel a bit firm over sharper potholes at low speeds.
Inside and Features: Practical and Upgraded
Hop into the new Fortuner and what you get is a cabin space that focuses on practicality and spaciousness.
The dashboard is fairly clean and gets a soft touch feel in the top-end variants.
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is large and loaded with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and connected car features.
Higher-end models are also eligible for a premium JBL sound system, ventilated front seats, wireless charging and ambient lighting.
The seating is still strong. There’s great space in the first two rows of the Fortuner and, while the third row is now reserved for kids or short trips, it can be folded away to open a huge boot when required.
Safety is solid with seven airbags (in higher trims), ABS with EBD, VSC, hill-start assist and traction control.
Pros
Unrivalled road command: The Fortuner commands respect on city roads and off-road getaways.
Strong construction, and durability: Toyota’s reputation for durability is still intact.
Brawny diesel engine: Good power, especially on the highway and in the hills.
Real off-road capabilities: The4x4 models actually can pull it off in quite rugged road conditions.
Large and flexible interior: Ideal for families, with lots of luggage space when required.
Cons
Costly, particularly in its upper range: The Fortuner is nudging into luxury SUV territory in terms of price.
Interior is missing a few modern luxury touches: There’s no panoramic sunroof or fully digital cluster.
Rigid feel at slow speeds: Imperfections in the city can be jarring.
Petrol version is also underwhelming: Lacks punch or the efficiency of the diesel.
In tight urban quarters, big size can be a bit of a hassle: Be mindful of the need for care while maneuvering and parking.
New Toyota Fortuner: Final Verdict
The updated Toyota Fortuner continues to be the vehicle of choice for anyone looking for a tough and reliable SUV with the real eight-seater capacity, on-road and off-road performance, as well as parking lot and suburban street cred.
Though it doesn’t have bells and whistles (or at least as many as the luxury-tier versions of Waymo’s competition), performance, space, and peace of mind more than make up for a premium price.
If durability, power and go-anywhere capability are at the top of your wish-list, the Fortuner remains a strong choice to consider.