Toyota Fortuner

Toyota Fortuner has a pretty spacious cabin area and is designed to accommodate 7 passengers easily. The interiors give an instant plush feel with every inch oozing of sophistication. This is due to the high-quality material used on the seats and the plastic dashboard is also of premium quality. The dashboard is quite an attraction of the interiors and it inculcates fascinating features including advanced instrument cluster. The 4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood and silver detailing adds to the overall beauty of the dashboard. Additionally, the other interior detailing like a large glovebox, sunglass holder, AC vents, door panels with black wood finishing and the gear shift know, add to the aesthetics of the cabin. 

The seats are covered with leather or upholstery and adding to the comfort are adjustable head restraints. The second and third rows have reclining/sliding features which makes it easier to travel with heavy luggage. For a comfortable and relaxed journey, the driver’s seat comes with a 6-way power adjustable feature. The instrument cluster on the dash gives you an update on low-fuel warning, digital trip meter, door open warning, outside temperature display etc. Likewise, to add convenience, there is 12V mobile charging socket in front and middle row, remote fuel lid opener, and other ubiquitous elements are also present. 

Additionally, there are a lot of comfort features that have been intricately included in the Fortuner, like the dual automatic air conditioner with rear AC buttons. Blowers have been placed at the ceiling for maximum airflow in the cabin area. The sound system comes with a 6.5-inch LCD monitor with a smart touch function. Total of 6 speakers are embedded inside the cabin space for a theatre-like sound experience. There is also a GPS navigation feature for extra handiness. More comforting aspects include follow me home headlamps, puddle lamps, cargo area light, illuminated ignition key slot, and window winding switches.

The Toyota Fortuner rides on a 2750mm wheelbase giving an efficient suspension. Inside the cabin area, there is ample room for the seaters to have a comfortable journey with sufficient legroom space, headroom, and shoulder room. Adding more convenience is the boot compartment of 296 liters, while it can be stretched to a good above 600 liters with the last row being folded.

The exterior design of the car gives a bold and hulky stance and with the scoop at the bonnet, it reflects an aggressive attitude. The radiator grille at the front with chrome work and Toyota insignia at the center gives all the feel of elegance.

The headlamp cluster has HID headlights with auto-leveling feature and the large colored bumper with wide air dam gives the front an arresting attitude. The radiant fog lamps on the bumper make it all the more appealing. The ORVMs have side indicators mounted on them that come with electric adjust function. The door handles are covered with body-colored paint. One of the catchiest features of the side fascia of the car is the beefed-up wheel arches fitted with neatly designed alloy wheels. The backend B-pillar adds more beauty to this car. The rear fascia has windshield inculcated with defogger and wash/wipe feature. Adding to the styling of the rear side is a set of reflectors that are useful at night for approaching vehicles. The chrome-tipped exhaust pipe also adds to the premium appeal of the SUV.

All three variants of Fortuner have no difference when it comes to the exterior dimensions. The length, width, and height measure 4705mm, 1840mm, 1850mm in that order. 

The previous generation has a glitch for offering a bouncy ride but this glitch was fixed up in the new Fortuner. The Fortuner however, still rides on a ladder-on-frame chassis, the new Fortuner gets double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer at the front and 4-link with coil springs, stabilizer and lateral rod at the rear, which not only gives an efficient suspension and comfortable ride but also controls the body rolling. The braking system is good but given the size and weight of this SUV, the rear drum braking set-up does not do complete justice. 

The petrol type of Toyota Fortuner has a machine at its heart with 2.7L, 2694cc, 4-cylinder in-line 16V DOHC VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing Intelligent) engine technology. This powertrain generates a maximum power of 160 PS at 5200 rpm and peak torque of 241Nm at 3800 rpm. This engine is mated to a gate-type 4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with ECT. Also, the 2.5L, 2494cc diesel mill with 4-cylinder direct injection, and 16V Variable Nozzle Turbo (VNT) with intercooler churns out a max power of 144 PS at 3400 rpm alongside a high torque of 343 Nm at 1600-2800 rpm.

The highest displacement diesel engine, the 3.0L, 2982cc, 4-cylinder, 16V direct injection, VNT intercooler develops a top power output of 163 PS at 3400 rpm together with 343 Nm of pure torque value at 1400-3200 rpm. The diesel powertrains come coupled with a choice of either 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission.

The stylish SUV is also coupled with high-class safety equipment. There are Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) based airbags at the front row for driver and co-driver and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution). Other safety features include 3-point ELR seat belts with adjustable seat anchors, child protection lock system, high mounted stop lamp at rear, side door impact beams, and an advanced security system in the form of TVSS with keyless entry and engine immobilizer. One of the most attractive safety features is the GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) body structure that lessens the impact on occupants in case of collision.

With its revamped exterior design, stylish and sporty looks, classy interiors, the new second-generation Fortuner has surpassed the model it has replaced. While the new set of engines is much more refined than before, the ride quality too has seen a massive improvement over the previous model.

However, the Fortuner still lacks a lot of features which could have made it a bit more premium than what it is now. But with so many comprehensive changes, it is now a step above in terms of premium and luxurious appeal, thus making it an up-to-date vehicle and not just another SUV built on the frame of a pickup.