Family favourite Fortuner GR-Sport stars in test
While we tested the newly fangled Toyota Fortuner GR Sport a few months back, we had it away from home base and were unable to test ti. We promised we’d get round to that and revert, because of all that new grunt, it was ony fair to put it to the full Auto Test. Well, we’ve now done that, and it’s passed with, quite literally, flying colours.
As reported at our first bite back in May, Fortuner has stepped up to something we have never seen before . Lo and behold: a sports version! It nicks its uprated 165 kW and 550 Nm 2.8-litre GD four-pot from its Hilux GR-S sibling to deliver an even better blend of performance, economy and quietness. Well matched to its familiar 6-speed automatic, our Fortuner GR-S also brought even crisper, stronger throttle response.
That classic four-pot Toyota diesel burble continues unchanged, but there’s a subtle offset in economy. It averaged a little more than 9 litres per hundred in mixed driving on our watch, a little more than the stock 150 kW version. That thicker wad of power and torque is sent to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox, making this the most powerful Fortuner variant to date. Performance is brisker too. Far brisker. The best of any Toyota GD6 yet, as the numbers attest down at the bottom.
GR-Sport Sets record Fortuner Performance
But there’s more to it than just a few ponies. Fortuner GR-Sport also gets sporty monotube shock absorber suspension to further enhance driving dynamics, while still delivering exceptional ride comfort and precise handling. Whether tackling off-road trails or cruising on the highway, the GR-S strikes the perfect balance between power and performance. Interestingly we achieved far better performance out of Sport mode.
But that’s not all. Fortuner GR-Sport also looks different inside and out thanks to a Gazoo Racing makeover. A dynamic new front bumper and reworked lower grille bring a more aggressive poise, further underwritten by a black front spoiler, new fog lamp bezels, and streamlined rear diffuser. Riding on 18-inch black GR alloy wheels, our platinum pearl white GR-S looked the part too. We also enjoyed the body colour badging to complement those hallowed Dakar, Le Mans and WRC-bred GR logos.
Step inside, and Fortuner GR-S offers a refined, motorsport-inspired environment. A black-and-red interior theme is complemented by smoke silver metallic and matte carbon trims exuding a sleek, modern aesthetic. Exclusive GR perforated leather and suede upholstered sports seats are finished with striking red stitching and GR-branded headrests. They offer outstanding comfort and support.
Fortuner GR-Sport trinkets across the cabin
The GR multifunction steering wheel gains red centre mark, there’s a GR-start button and aluminium sport pedals too. The Multi-Information Display Infotainment with seamless CarPlay, Auto, Bluetooth, USBs, and the rest, dominates the dash. We dig the main function buttons and big knobs for the main climate and control functions. Bravo!
GR-Sport carries over the VX-spec 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system with Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify and SoundCloud music library access. Navigation has been deleted. That’s a dying breed in cars with the upsurge of far more effective mobile maps.
The GR-Sport is the latest step in Toyota’s incessant efforts to keep Fortuner abreast of South African wants and needs. This new flagship tops the Fortuner range, which sits above Urban Cruiser, Corolla Cross, C-HR and the RAV4, and under the Prado and Land Cruiser 300 in Toyota’s extensive crossover range. Our GR-Sport tester now shares its athletic tag with the more subtly enhanced Corolla Cross, Hilux, and Land Cruiser 300. Not to be confused with the full cream GR86, GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR Supra.
Fortuner fits a growing GR-Sport portfolio
We missed a mobile charging pad that’s now become expected in-car. Along with a few more USB ports and maybe a C version too. Other lagging old Fortuner habits include steering adjustment that’s hardly telescopic. The orchestra of chimes is a bit much, that dodgy old IMV central locking still baffles actual logic and but those third row seats still hang off the sides of the boot. But let’s not split hairs now!
The missus will however be happy that the Fortuner, and especially this GT-Sport version, is easy to drive. Improved ride quality is also a boon. That creamy turbodiesel has even more power and torque and seems even better matched to its six-speed automatic box. Did you know that the six in that Toyota’s GD6 nomenclature actually denotes the number of ratios in the car’s gearbox?
Its bakkie heart still delivers a slightly noisy ride and the engine is a tad rowdy under power and relatively thirsty versus some smaller, perhaps less versatile SUVs at the price. Quiet when cruising, performance is even better now, with a subtle compromise in fuel economy, bit still well in this class ballpark. But Fortuner GR-Sport cruises even easier and feels better connected to the road.
Adds GR spice to South Africa’s staple SUV
Click it into 4×4 mode, take on a desert dune, a muddy mountain pass or a rocky riverbed, and Fortuner GR-S is unstoppable. A 29-degree approach, 25-degree departure and a decent break over angled, a 219 mm ride height and 700 mm wading depth make it as good as pretty much anything. An all-rounder of note, Fortuner VX even packs a 3.3 tonne braked towing capacity. That’s more than ample.
All of which leads us to conclude that this GR-Sport will go a long way to ensure that Fortuner remains dominant this crucial South African market niche. Always a stylish, versatile, practical and most capable 7-seater SUV, this dash of record breaking Gazoo Racing spice now opens it up to an even broader audience. All of which simply ensures that the Toyota Fortuner will long remain South Africa’s staple SUV. – Michele Lupini
Images & testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 GR-S
Engine: 165 Kw 550 Nm 2.8-litre turbodiesel I4
Drive: 6-speed automatic 4x4
Braked Trailer: 3300 kg
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 3.91 sec
0-100 km/h: 8.77 sec
0-120 km/h: 11.91 sec
0-160 km/h: 22.83 sec
400m time: 16.2 sec @ 139 km/h
80-120 km/h: 5.83 sec
120-160 km/h: 10.47 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 180 km/h
Fuel: 8.4 l/100 km
CO2: 221 g/km
Range: 950 km
Warranty/Service: 3y 100K/9s 90K km
LIST PRICE: R999K
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