Good reasons why Fortuner remains the family favourite
The Toyota Fortuner needs no introduction. South Africa’s most popular SUV resonates perfectly with local lifestyles. Not just because it so effectively delivers those old Toyota chants of quality, dependability, and reliability. But also, because Toyota South Africa continuously responds to customer feedback and their ever-evolving needs in the pursuit of producing an ever-better Fortuner.
The way tings work right now, the Fortuner is not a global platform. Initially developed in Thailand, it’s been built in Toyota SA’s Prospection, Durban plant ever since. Toyota sells the 4Runner in the ‘States and some other markets. Which is interesting, because the next Hilux is expected to share its guts with the new US market Tacoma. So, the Fortuner may very well get 4Runner guts too. But this is now, so let’s concentrate on what we already do know.
Toyota consistently fettles Fortuner to SA needs
Throughout its life, Toyota has consistently fettled the Fortuner to keep it abreast of South African wants and needs. This, plausibly final IMV-based Fortuner was launched just over a year ago. Stylishly enhanced, Fortuner now 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 VX tester now borrows its premium VX badge from its top RAV4, Prado and Land Cruiser 300 siblings. Denoting the highest specification level on offer.
This one’s latest ‘catamaran’ style brings a broader, more stylish look from most angles. It works. More lateral lines, a new grille between four-bar daylight running light full LED headlights with sequential turn signals in the 2.8 models, atop a far more gaping lower grille give Fortuner a far more contemporary look. Add a more sculpted rear bumper, revised taillights, and darkened garnish. All topped by this one’s black on white bi-tone finish and a fresh iteration of face-polished wheels.
Step aboard to that familiar, proven and user friendly cabin. Ours had plum inserts of to break the black leather monotony. Pretty neat, 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!
Fortuner has a familiar, user friendly cabin
Our VX-spec MID system had a splendid 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. Some things have not changed though. Like the third row seats that still hang off the sides of the boot. They belong in the floor. Come on now, Toyota!
We also missed a mobile charging pad that’s since become expected in-car. Or just a few more USB ports and maybe a C version too. Other lagging old Fortuner habits include steering adjustment that’s hardly telescopic. And is it necessary to sound an orchestra of chimes should you be so bold as to simply open a door? Or turn the car off? Never mind that dodgy old IMV central locking logic? But let’s not split hairs now!
Jumping under the bonnet, this 150 kW 500 Nm 1GD four-pot still delivers a great blend of performance, diesel economy and quietness. Well matched to its familiar 6-speed automatic, our Fortuner delivered crisp, strong throttle response and that classic four-pot burble. It averaged less than 9 litres per hundred in mixed driving on our watch.
A sufficiently powerful GD6 turbodiesel
So, what’s Fortuner like to live with? Well, despite seeming cumbersome, it’s easy to drive. The missus will be happy with that. Improved ride quality is also a boon. That creamy turbodiesel has sufficient power and torque and remains well 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?
Fortuner’s bakkie heart still delivers a slightly noisy ride and the engine is a tad rowdy and relatively thirsty versus some smaller, perhaps less versatile SUVs at the price. Performance and fuel economy is right in this class ballpark. Fortuner cruises with ease and feels well connected to the road. It’s a bit noisy while accelerating, but quiet when cruising. We’d even say Fortuner has taken another good step forward in noise, vibration and harshness.
Click it into 4×4 mode, take on a desert dune, a muddy mountain pass or a rocky riverbed, and Fortuner 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.
Fortuner’s SA’s staple SUV for good reason
All of which leads us to conclude that Toyota still has this crucial South African market niche pretty well taped with the Fortuner. A runaway success since inception back in 2006, albeit now in the twilight of its third generation, this 7-seater SUV’s most popular mix of style, versatility, off-road prowess, and practicality keeps it the favourite, no matter what else may be out there.
All of which quite simply still makes the Toyota Fortuner South Africa’s staple SUV. – Michele Lupini
Testing & images: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 VX AT
Engine: 150kW 500 Nm 2.8-litre turbodiesel I4
Drive: 6-speed automatic 4x4
Braked Trailer: 3300 kg
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 4.44 sec
0-100 km/h: 9.95 sec
0-120 km/h: 13.52 sec
0-160 km/h: 25.20 sec
400m time: 17.0 sec @ 135 km/h
80-120 km/h: 6.64 sec
120-160 km/h: 11.68 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 180 km/h
Fuel: 7.9 l/100 km
CO2: 209 g/km
Range: 1,010 km
Warranty/Service: 3y 100K/9s 90K km
LIST PRICE: R950K
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