The Toyota Fortuner is a mid-size SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2004. Built on the Hilux pickup truck platform, it features two/three rows of seats and is available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configuration. It is a part of Toyota’s IMV project for emerging markets. Here’s a look at the Fortuner’s variants, and let’s find out which of these offers the most value for money.
Toyota Fortuner: Top Competitors
The top rivals of the Toyota Fortuner in India include the Ford Endeavour, the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and the Skoda Kodiaq.
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Toyota Fortuner Variants
The Toyota Fortuner comes in 7 variants, which are listed below along with their prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):
Variant | Price |
Fortuner 4×2 | Rs 32.59 lakhs |
Fortuner 4×2 AT | Rs 34.18 lakhs |
Fortuner 4×2 Diesel | Rs 35.09 lakhs |
Fortuner 4×2 Diesel AT | Rs 37.37 lakhs |
Fortuner 4×4 Diesel | Rs 38.93 lakhs |
Fortuner 4×4 Diesel AT | Rs 41.22 lakhs |
Fortuner GR S 4×4 Diesel AT | Rs 50.34 lakhs |
Toyota Fortuner: Quick Review
Design and features: The Toyota Fortuner has a robust exterior with muscular lines and strong contours. The Fortuner has a distinctive grille with chrome accents. The sleek LED headlights and fog lights seamlessly integrate into the front fascia. It also has prominent wheel arches.
Moving along the sides, the Fortuner’s elongated profile, a sweeping roofline, and sculpted character lines create an aerodynamic look. The integrated roof rails add functionality.
At the rear, the Fortuner features stylish LED tail lights. The rear spoiler has chrome accents, and the large tailgate and wide opening make loading and unloading cargo effortless.
The Fortuner’s features include a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, keyless entry and push-button start, automatic climate control, LED lighting, and premium upholstery.
Engine and performance: The Toyota Fortuner comes with either a 2.7L, 4-cylinder petrol engine or a 2.8 L, 4-cylinder diesel engine. The engines are mated to either 5-speed manual transmission, or 6-speed automatic transmission. The petrol engine generates 163.6 BHP and 245 Nm of torque, while the diesel engine produces 201.15 BHP and 420 Nm of torque.
The petrol engine is known for its smooth and responsive performance, offering ample power for both urban driving and highway cruising. Moreover, the engine remains quite noiseless in various driving conditions.
The diesel engine typically provides excellent low-end torque, making it well-suited for off-road adventures and towing.
Ride and handling: The Toyota Fortuner SUV features a well-tuned suspension system that effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a smooth and controlled ride, even over uneven surfaces.
The Fortuner’s handling on paved roads is stable and composed. The vehicle maintains good stability during turns and maintains a planted feel. The steering is responsive and provides adequate feedback.
The Fortuner’s off-road capability is one of its standout features. The vehicle’s high ground clearance, robust suspension system, and advanced four-wheel drive technology enable it to tackle challenging terrains with ease.
The Fortuner’s strong chassis and capable powertrains allow it to handle towing with ease.
Some Fortuner variants offer selectable driving modes that allow drivers to adjust the vehicle’s performance characteristics according to their preferences or driving conditions. These modes can optimize throttle response, transmission shifting, and traction control settings.
Comfort and space: The Toyota Fortuner provides ample space for both front and rear passengers. The cabin offers generous legroom and headroom for occupants of varying heights. With its three-row seating configuration, the Fortuner can accommodate up to seven passengers.
The Fortuner features well-padded and supportive seats. The driver’s seat is designed to offer proper ergonomics. Depending on the trim level, the Fortuner may offer power-adjustable seats, including lumbar support and memory functions.
Besides, the Fortuner comes equipped with a capable air conditioning system. The availability of dual-zone or multi-zone climate control ensures that both front and rear passengers can adjust the air conditioning settings according to their preferences.
The Fortuner offers versatility when it comes to seating and cargo configurations. The second and third-row seats can be folded down to create a flat loading surface, allowing for increased cargo carrying capacity.
The Fortuner provides numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, including door pockets, cup holders, and a center console.
Safety: The Toyota Fortuner is equipped with a range of safety features, which include multiple airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), rear parking sensors/camera, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Mileage: The Toyota Fortuner offers an overall mileage range of 8 km/l to 12.3 km/l, depending upon the variant.
Concluding remarks: The Toyota Fortuner is a robust and capable SUV that offers a combination of rugged off-road performance, comfortable on-road handling, and a range of modern and advanced features.
Toyota Fortuner: Most Value for Money Variants
The most value for money (VFM) variants of the Toyota Fortuner are the Fortuner 4×2 Diesel (FWD capability), and the Fortuner 4×4 Diesel (for those who want a 4WD capability). The former is priced at Rs 35.09 lakhs, and the latter is priced at Rs 38.93 lakhs (both ex-showroom, Delhi).
Most VFM Variants in Comparison with Base and Top-end Variants
While most of the features are common across variants, the top-end and 4WD VFM variants get 18-inch alloy wheels (17-inch alloy wheels in base, and FWD VFM variants). The top-end and 4WD VFM variants also have dual tone dashboards, and audio systems with 11 speakers, while the other two get 8 speakers.
Moreover, the top-end variant gets wireless charging, which other variants lack.
Since most of the features are shared across variants, the most value for money variant for those who require a FWD vehicle is the Toyota Fortuner 4×2 Diesel. For those who need the 4WD capability, the most VFM variant is the Fortuner 4×4 Diesel.
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