TEST DRIVE: 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G 4x2 TRD Sportivo - Tweaks That Does Wonders

When we cannot be the jack of all traits, we must focus on what we can improve on, in order to present or market ourselves. One needs to compensate what you lack in character. You lack skills, you put in diligence, you’re low in intelligence, you add more on other strength.

But when you have enough, does that mean, you need not grow?

When Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) presented the Fortuner to the market, it has already shown some its strengths that the market almost instantaneously grew in numbers. With the sales figures last year, there should be no reason to make any changes since it has received quite a reassuring value.

However, just like any prototype, there are points where it needs to be improved, and Toyota made sure that its current Kaiju possesses the needed developments. And with the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G 4×2 TRD Sportivo, the tweaks were done in a very distinct fashion.

The reliable 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine remains intact since it can deliver good numbers on performance (148 hp and 400 Nm) and mileage (around 11-12 kilometers per liter on city drive on normal mode) and seems to have the same response when you push the throttle. With the current version, the ride seems to be more planted on the ground than the previous one.

Depending on one’s preference, the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G 4×2 TRD Sportivo has eco and sport mode to suit your driving style.

A slight delay on the response time can be experienced with the transmission and it felt like like it was asking approval from the driver whether it will shift upwards or downwards which could have been caused by the weight (a tad heavier than the first-generation). But to be fair, it only releases very little shift shocks--even from high to low gear

Ride-wise, the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G 4×2 TRD Sportivo is asking for more passengers to provide more comfort. Front passengers are given much leeway when it comes to that aspect. However, when seated at the rear, the broken patches on the road could remind you that it shares the platform of the Hilux.

It's in the looks department where the major adjustments were made.

For the exterior, the TRD kits and 18-inch alloy wheels made the overall look sportier and more aggressive. Add to that the black grilles and fog light housings. Though it would have been perfect if they would choose the cleaner--meaning no sticker screaming Sportivo--at the doors.

The inside is a mix of comfort and elegance with a more futuristic appeal. The mix of dark brown fabric for its seats, faux wood panel on the transmission panel, leather and wood steering wheel give the overall look inside cozier compared to the lighter shade of fabric that was once fitted on the previous generation Fortuners.

The busy--yet flat--design of the Fortuner gives it a more futuristic appeal while giving the driver more control of infotainment system--though if I would have it my way, I would keep the steering wheel as sacred and free from the numerous buttons where your co-passenger could do it anyways.

Another pet peeve would be the absence of rear view camera, which, to my opinion, should be included already even at the base models. And since it has that look already, it could use a little more innovation like automatic rear door for the rear to complete the premium look.

With the price tag of PHP1.791 million for this spec, the added hefty sum of money would be like paying for the comfort and beauty features that the somehow similar to the higher models.

If the there are some room for improvements that the previous model variants lack, the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G 4×2 TRD Sportivo almost had it all, thereby focusing on what it could excel more.

Pros

+ More comfortable than previous generation
+ Body kits are not overly-done
+ Touch of leather
+ Black/brown/leather finish gives it more elegance
+ Low NVH levels despite diesel engine

Cons

- Fabric seats
- Rear ride still needs to be refined
- No rearview camera
- Manual door opening for the rear
- Busy steering wheel that could keep eyes from looking straight on the road