The Toyota Fortuner, originally introduced into the world market in 2006 has certainly itself a formidable name in the SUV market. The Fortuner brings affordable and comfortable off-roading wrapped in a stunning SUV package to the masses, at a truly special price. Special it is, and this is clearly evident by the increasing number of Fortuner’s we are seeing on our roads. Toyota has certainly got a winning formula going.

Based on the same platform as the Hilux, the Fortuner is a robust and no-compromise vehicle that opens up the fun and enjoyment of SUV motoring to a new segment of buyers. It boasts a stylish, modern interior and dashing good looks that emphasize the sporty and sleek nature of the SUV, and combined with Toyota’s rock-solid reliability, the Fortuner is topping SUV sales in SA. 

One of the highlights of the Fortuner is quality and feel of the interior surfaces. We were pleasantly surprised on the build quality and overall feel of the Fortuner, noting that the designers set out to create a luxury ambience. There is amble storage space as well as lots of cupholders (11 in total). Seating comfort is more car-like than anything else. There are two corseting seats up front, while the second row of seats provides space for three adults. It also features a 60/40 split with a tumble function to provide easy access to the two rearmost seats. The latter have a 50/50 split configuration and can be folded away independently. However only the young and agile will be able to take full use of them. The vehicle is equipped with a Climate control system for the 2nd row as well as the 3rd row of seats.

What disappointed hugely on the Fortuner was the below-par audio system that seemed to spend more time distorting music that actually playing it. Even with the standard settings, it struggled immensely. 2009, sees some changes to the Fortuner, with the replacement of the standard 16″ wheels with attractive chunky 17″ alloys. The front end has also gone under the knife, with more streamlined headlights – more in line with those of its Landcruiser relatives. The addition of projector headlights improves visibility significantly. The taillights were also changed to semi-clear crystal lights that appear brighter at night and dull conditions. The size of the fuel tank was apparently also increased to allow a greater cruising range.

The Fortuner is available in either a petrol or diesel derivative. The petrol lump being the highly rated 4.0-litre V6 1GR-FE with VVT-i that is good for 175kW and 376nm of torque. Our test unit was fitted with the 3.0-litre 1KD-FTV Turbodiesel with a common rail variable geometry turbocharger. This engine is shared with the Hilux 3.0 D-4D, and flattens mountains with 343nm of torque that is available from just 1,400rpm to 3,200rpm. Peak power is 120kW and this is achieved at 3,400rpm. With the Fortuner weighing close to 1.8 tons, the 3.0 D-4D is always facing an upwards battle from the line. It does however pull strongly once it is up and running. The driveline is sweet and smooth, with sufficient power and response for most driving situations. Fuel consumption is competant with the diesel motor returning around 10L/100kms.

The general ride of the Fortuner is very impressive. It absorbs rough road surfaces with only minimal unpleasantness to the occupants. For a vehicle with such ground clearance and proper 4×4 tyres, the Fortuner exhibits minimal body roll. The steering is also precise and accurate. It is fairly lightly weighted, this being done to cater to the amount of possible female drivers that would choose the Fortuner, making it perfect for cruising at speed or navigating a busy shopping mall parking lot. The turning circle is also fairly small and this makes parking the large Fortuner a breeze. Oddly enough, the Fortuner did not feature a vanity mirror on the driver’s sun visor.

This is a purpose built 4×4 vehicle with all the necessary hardware to tackle the beaten track. But I am not a 4×4 enthusiast and have little knowledge in taking a 4×4 into the unknown as safely as possible; therefore I am unable to provide to you a review on how the Fortuner tackles the route less travelled. However I can say that a short half hour trip off road in 2 wheel drive mode produced a ride that did not hurt my back with its well padded seats, tackled some rather harsh landscape with the minimum of fuss and on soft gravel and the tyres and suspension worked well to keep me on my course. I can safely atest that a contractor, surveyor, project manager or site engineer will appreciate the Fortuner’s robust good looks, comfortable interior and ability to get them to the work site and back to the city for dinner at a fine dining restaurant without any hassle.

The Fortuner comes standard with a three-year/90 000 kilometre service plan, and warranty cover is three years or 100 000 kilometres. For additional peace of mind, free 24-hour roadside assistance is just a phone call away during the warranty period.

For a rather interesting selling price starting at around R320,100, the Fortuner is a lot of car for the money. Not only does it have size on its side, it’s also very well-equipped, with a multifunction trip computer, digital climate control, steering wheel controls for the stereo, and a rear air-conditioning system all being on the standard equipment list. It is also a superbly built, highly-equipped car. What you see in the showroom is largely what you get on the road – quiet, smooth and comfortable. I feel that the Fortuner offers space, rugged good looks, commanding on road presence and go anywhere ability when needed. In 2006, Toyota laid a successful claim to the midsize SUV arena with the Fortuner. Three years later, despite the arrival of numerous competition, it remains the benchmark in the midsize SUV class.