The Toyota Hilux is the Japanese manufacturer's terrain-beating off-road truck that has gained popularity over the years for its endurance capabilities and mechanical toughness. Having conquered terrain ranging from icy Antarctica to the sandy Sahara desert, the Hilux is something of an off-road monster. In production since 1968, the Hilux continues to be the off-roader of choice for people needing extreme reliability and sturdiness.
You may be wondering, why are we telling you about a truck?
Well, it's because to better understand the Toyota Fortuner, you must first know a little bit about the vehicle that underpins it. The Fortuner, first launched in 2005, is built on the Hilux's pickup truck platform. Now, 11 years later, the company has finally launched the second generation model that you see here.Exterior
The exterior of the new Fortuner is much improved and is now more in line with Toyota's latest generation of vehicles. The sharp front face is headlined by the radiator grille with thick, slanted front accents, which creates a muscular and modern profile. Chrome trimmings add to the car's new and contemporary look.
You may be wondering, why are we telling you about a truck?
Well, it's because to better understand the Toyota Fortuner, you must first know a little bit about the vehicle that underpins it. The Fortuner, first launched in 2005, is built on the Hilux's pickup truck platform. Now, 11 years later, the company has finally launched the second generation model that you see here.Exterior
The exterior of the new Fortuner is much improved and is now more in line with Toyota's latest generation of vehicles. The sharp front face is headlined by the radiator grille with thick, slanted front accents, which creates a muscular and modern profile. Chrome trimmings add to the car's new and contemporary look.
The Fortuner cuts a strong and aggressive figure on the road. It has certainly moved away from the more boxy appearance of its predecessor to a figure that is much more stylish and handsome to look at.
If there is one thing the Fortuner certainly is, it is big. At 4,795mm x 1,855mm x 1,835mm (L x W x H) and with a ground clearance of 279mm, the car has ample road presence and sits incredibly high off the ground.
However, entry into the vehicle is ungainly, especially for the vertically-challenged among us. There is a handle along the A pillar that you will have to use to pull yourself up into the car rather unceremoniously.
If there is one thing the Fortuner certainly is, it is big. At 4,795mm x 1,855mm x 1,835mm (L x W x H) and with a ground clearance of 279mm, the car has ample road presence and sits incredibly high off the ground.
However, entry into the vehicle is ungainly, especially for the vertically-challenged among us. There is a handle along the A pillar that you will have to use to pull yourself up into the car rather unceremoniously.
Interior
The Fortuner boasts a plush and comfortable interior, with a generous lavishing of Brown/Chamois leather all around the cabin that contrasts nicely against the dark trimmings.
There's definitely enough space for five adults and two kids in this seven-seater SUV. Once you're in, benches are ergonomic and comfortable, while all-around visibility is great, which instils much needed confidence in pint-sized drivers.
A fair amount of utility can be had with the Fortuner. The third row seats can be folded to the side, creating a flat loading area for more boot space. Fold the second row of seats upwards and luggage space expands once more, and will capably fit a couple of bicycles in there.
The Fortuner boasts a plush and comfortable interior, with a generous lavishing of Brown/Chamois leather all around the cabin that contrasts nicely against the dark trimmings.
There's definitely enough space for five adults and two kids in this seven-seater SUV. Once you're in, benches are ergonomic and comfortable, while all-around visibility is great, which instils much needed confidence in pint-sized drivers.
A fair amount of utility can be had with the Fortuner. The third row seats can be folded to the side, creating a flat loading area for more boot space. Fold the second row of seats upwards and luggage space expands once more, and will capably fit a couple of bicycles in there.
The 8.0-inch InTouch infotainment system comes with motion-detection, which allows you to adjust the volume, as well as change music tracks with a simple wave of the hand. It is an easy-to-use system, and also allows you to use voice commands for convenient access to navigation functions.
The Fortuner also has a newly developed air-conditioning system that is compact, lightweight and more powerful. And with three rows of air-con vents, all your passengers will definitely travel cool.
The Fortuner also has a newly developed air-conditioning system that is compact, lightweight and more powerful. And with three rows of air-con vents, all your passengers will definitely travel cool.
The Drive
The 'commanding presence' that Toyota touts certainly makes you feel like nothing can stand in your way. It's indeed quite something to pull up behind a BMW X5 and still be able to look right over its roof.
Speaking of size, Toyota has increased the size of the suspension shock absorber cylinders, which allows for quicker stroke performance. That's when you are reminded that there is a Hilux chassis underneath as it can get slightly jittery on the road and rides hard over high bumps.
We did briefly take the Fortuner off the beaten track, and it definitely feels more in its element on uneven gravel roads. Its stellar off-road credentials really come to the fore, with the improved suspension doing its job well.
When you put your foot down, you are reminded that this car weighs almost two tonnes (it tips the scales at 1,920kg). You certainly feel the inertia, with the 163bhp 2.7-litre engine working hard to haul it along. Once you pick up speed and get past around 40km/h, acceleration is smooth and the car picks up well.
Handling is acceptable for a car its size. While there still is body roll, due to the sheer mass of the thing, the car doesn't feel overly cumbersome.
Conclusion
It's difficult to judge the Fortuner - by usual car standards, it has its shortcomings. But the Fortuner isn't like any other SUV in the market.
This, then, isn't a car for everyone. Fortuner drivers will swear by the car, and we get it. It offers the driver an imposing figure that can dwarf other cars around him, and possesses all of the Toyota safety, reliability and usability in a premium, high-riding body.
If you are after a commanding vehicle with stellar all-terrain capabilities that will dominate on the roads, whilst boasting a luxurious and comfortable interior, the new Toyota Fortuner will certainly fit the bill.
Conclusion
It's difficult to judge the Fortuner - by usual car standards, it has its shortcomings. But the Fortuner isn't like any other SUV in the market.
This, then, isn't a car for everyone. Fortuner drivers will swear by the car, and we get it. It offers the driver an imposing figure that can dwarf other cars around him, and possesses all of the Toyota safety, reliability and usability in a premium, high-riding body.
If you are after a commanding vehicle with stellar all-terrain capabilities that will dominate on the roads, whilst boasting a luxurious and comfortable interior, the new Toyota Fortuner will certainly fit the bill.
