Given the Toyota HiLux has lengthy been Australia’s favorite new automobile (till the Ford Ranger supplanted it final yr), you’d suppose an SUV model can be a sure-fire hit – effectively, you’d be fallacious.
Notice: This text relies on our most up-to-date evaluation of the Fortuner, as there have been no main modifications to pricing or specs since its publication.
We have now up to date the article with the hottest info accessible, and you’ll learn our most up-to-date pricing and specs article right here.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of the 2021 Toyota Fortuner Campaign
Whereas well-liked in different components of the world, the Toyota Fortuner has by no means had the identical love from Australians because the ute on which it’s primarily based, regardless of incorporating just about similar mechanicals in addition to carrying the coveted Toyota emblem on its nostril.
For context, Toyota registered 3619 gross sales of the Fortuner in 2023, equating to a miniscule 2.9 per cent share of the sub-$70,000 massive SUV market section. The Ford Everest, in the meantime, notched up 15,071 registrations and an 11.9 per cent share.
Maybe a part of the issue is the very fact Toyota additionally affords the much more well-liked LandCruiser Prado in the identical section, which for a bit more cash brings extra refinement and a bespoke design, along with a much bigger and plusher cabin. And with an all-new Prado imminent, the hole between the 2 nameplates is more likely to widen.
So with that in thoughts, why do you have to purchase a Fortuner?
Nicely, the Toyota Fortuner Campaign on take a look at right here is the cream of the crop, being absolutely the flagship and arguably probably the most luxurious tackle the Fortuner/HiLux formulation.
If you happen to’re available in the market for a stable off-roader and never in want of a tray, may this upmarket Fortuner be a greater wager than a HiLux SR5 or Rogue, or different dearer rivals just like the Ford Everest? And does it deserve a bit extra love from the Australian shopping for public? Learn on to search out out.
How does the Toyota Fortuner examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Toyota Fortuner in opposition to equally sized automobiles.
Toyota
Fortuner
How a lot does the Toyota Fortuner price?
Whereas the Fortuner vary opens at just below $54,000 earlier than on-roads, the flagship Campaign on take a look at right here lists for $66,755 plus on-road prices.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| Toyota Fortuner GX 4×4 | $53,775 |
| Toyota Fortuner GXL 4×4 | $58,895 |
| Toyota Fortuner Campaign 4×4 | $66,755 |
To see how the Fortuner traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
What’s the Toyota Fortuner like on the within?
Not like most ute-based SUVs that successfully carry over their business automobile cabins, the Fortuner will get distinctive inside bits in comparison with the HiLux.
All the pieces from the steering wheel to the buttons and controls are typically the identical, however the Fortuner sports activities a extra car-like cockpit with a greater built-in touchscreen and an upright centre stack that blends HiLux and Prado designs collectively.
You additionally get extra upmarket, padded supplies like some stitched parts on the dashboard, both aspect of the centre console the place your knee involves relaxation, in addition to trimming atop the instrument cluster.
Carryover parts from the HiLux embrace the telescopically-adjustable multifunction steering wheel, in addition to the gear shifter, 4×4 dial, local weather management cluster, entrance tweeters close to either side mirror, and A-pillar seize handles.
All of it feels stable, if a bit old-school and dated in areas. The clunky gated automated shifter and thick guide handbrake lever are examples of the platform’s advancing age, as is the pretend woodgrain trim – which I don’t thoughts…
The Fortuner is nowhere close to as digitised because the Japanese model’s newest merchandise, just like the incoming next-gen Prado.
The blue-coloured analogue dials are a pleasant flash of color in comparison with the associated HiLux, and the multifunction show within the center affords key info but in addition harks again to Toyota and Lexus fashions of outdated.
In the meantime, the central infotainment system remains to be operating older software program, that means it has wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and slower {hardware} that leaves a bit to be desired alongside one thing like an Everest. It does retain bodily buttons and dials for varied shortcuts and controls, which makes it simple to make use of.
Embedded navigation does function, which is helpful should you frequent areas with out mobile service, and there’s commonplace DAB+ digital radio for the GXL and Campaign. You additionally get a subscription to a number of the Toyota Related Providers – together with entry to the myToyota app, Stolen Automobile Monitoring, Computerized Collision Notification, and SOS Emergency Name.
Second row house is ok with out being standout. Leg room is nice, although head room and toe room are on the tighter aspect for the section.
There are roof-mounted air vents, plus cupholders, a coat hook, foldable seize handles, and each 12V and 220V energy shops.
Different facilities embrace map pockets, a fold-out centre armrest, in addition to ISOFIX youngster seat anchors on the outboard seats.
The fold-out third row can also be on the smaller aspect, and finest left for youths. However the truth that these stay models that fold into the perimeters of the boot space means you’re restricted for boot house in addition to visibility out of the rear quarter home windows.
Toyota doesn’t really state a boot capability determine for the Fortuner, however unbiased figures quote 200L with the third row in use, 716L with the third row folded, and 1080L with the second row folded. As you possibly can see from the photographs, it’s fairly hindered by these rear seats once they’re not in use.
You additionally get a full-size spare wheel, which is an 18-inch alloy unit within the Campaign and a 17-inch metal unit in decrease grades.
| Dimensions | Toyota Fortuner Campaign |
|---|---|
| Size | 4795mm |
| Width | 1855mm |
| Top | 1835mm |
| Wheelbase | 2745mm |
| Cargo capability | 200-1080 litres |
To see how the Fortuner traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Fortuner is powered by the identical 2.8-litre turbo-diesel because the HiLux and LandCruiser Prado.
| Mannequin | Toyota Fortuner |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8-litre 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Energy | 150kW (3000-3400rpm) |
| Torque | 500Nm (1600-1800rpm) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated |
| Pushed wheels | 4-wheel drive (2H, 4H, 4L) |
| Weight | 2110kg (kerb) |
| Gas financial system (declare) | 7.6 litres per 100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 9.9 litres per 100km |
| Gas tank dimension | 80 litres |
| Emissions | 201g/km |
| Kerb weight | 2190kg |
| Gross automobile mass | 2800kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3100kg |
Our noticed gas determine from the Fortuner’s journey laptop took place from combined driving together with peak-hour commuting, which isn’t actually this automobile’s favorite circumstances. Nonetheless, it got here in beneath the 10L/100km mark.
To see how the Fortuner compares with the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
How does the Toyota Fortuner drive?
Form of like a HiLux, naturally…
The Fortuner fires up with a diesel grumble and feels suitably old-school from the get-go in comparison with one thing like an Everest. It undoubtedly provides off extra of a workhorse vibe.
Clatter is sufficiently subdued but it surely by no means actually goes away, and the heavy and clunky controls are a reminder of the Fortuner’s age and its agricultural roots. However for a lot of, that might be a superb factor.
With the extra muscular 500Nm tune launched in 2020, the Fortuner remains to be aggressive with four-cylinder diesel benchmarks together with the Everest Bi-Turbo, and affords extra pep on paper than the Isuzu MU-X.
The two.8-litre oiler has been round for years, powering a whole bunch of 1000’s of HiLux and Prado automobiles, in addition to Fortuners and HiAces. Mixed with the usual six-speed auto on this off-road 4×4 wagon, it affords sturdy and comparatively easy progress.
Round city it’s obtained that form of relaxed, lazy vibe that quite a lot of ladder-frame SUVs have in day by day driving.
It’ll get a bit shouty should you work it onerous, but it surely additionally has sufficient grunt to get you as much as freeway speeds or carry out overtakes with relative ease. In our current 4WD SUV Mega Check, the Fortuner proved itself to be one of many higher performing four-cylinder diesel choices within the section – it beat all its direct rivals in efficiency testing bar the Everest Bi-Turbo.
The heavy hydraulic steering isn’t super-friendly in carparks or city environments, but it surely at the least feels correct and affords first rate suggestions. Consumers of the Campaign trim additionally get a 360-degree digital camera that makes putting this 4795mm lengthy, 1855mm vast household wagon a bit simpler in tighter areas.
Can’t actually complain about normal visibility both. The mirrors are massive, as are the home windows, and it’s all fairly excessive off the bottom so you’ve a superb view out.
Like most ladder-frame 4x4s, the Fortuner feels extra at residence on the open street, the place it will probably lean on its torque-rich drivetrain and gentle tuning to eat up freeway miles with none stress.
The diesel engine settles properly into the background with the auto transmission in sixth, and there’s typically good insulation from street noise. Wind noise generally is a little noticeable off these chunky aspect mirrors, although.
Gas use on the freeway will drop dramatically however, given the Fortuner nonetheless lacks idle cease/begin tech, predominantly metropolis and concrete use will see the indicated readout method 10L/100km and past.
The steering can really feel a contact obscure at velocity, significantly about-centre, that means you’re usually making very small corrections to maintain it heading straight. It may well really feel a contact boaty – no extra so than an equal HiLux, however undoubtedly extra so than newer rivals like the newest Everest, Isuzu MU-X and even the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Whereas Toyota has completed effectively to repeatedly replace the Fortuner with lively security techniques over time, the tech suite nonetheless isn’t a patch on the Everest and MU-X.
As we’ve talked about with different ladder-frame Toyotas nonetheless fitted with hydraulic steering and but emigrate to the newer TNGA-F structure, the Fortuner’s lane preserve help through braking is usually overzealous and may be unsettling when the automobile immediately jabs certainly one of its inside wheels and veers away from the lane marking it thinks you’re about to float over.
That is exacerbated by the Lane Hint Help perform that’s meant to actively preserve the Fortuner centred in its lane. If something, it’s simply consistently twitching and making corrections, which doesn’t encourage confidence.
I not often should do it nowadays, however I usually discovered myself totally taking on and doing all the steering work myself on something apart from completely straight marked freeways.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are helpful inclusions, although they shouldn’t be restricted to the Campaign and their audible warning is an annoying high-pitched beep that can make you wince every time it sounds.
The Toyota claws again floor off-road, the place its succesful DNA shone by means of eventually yr’s 4WD SUV Mega Check. Right here’s a rehash of what we discovered:
“The Fortuner slipped again barely on the rollers in 2H, earlier than the traction management figured issues out. It barely moved again in any respect in 4H, driving off with a minimal of fuss.
“Physique rigidity was spectacular in our flex take a look at, with no catching from the door.
“After a touch of wheelspin from the hanging wheels, the traction management did a superb job of permitting the Fortuner to clamber out of the offset moguls. Just like the HiLux, the Fortuner went about its enterprise with a minimal of fuss.
“It effortlessly scaled Mogul Mountain in 4L with the rear differential unlocked, even on freeway tyres.”
| Off-road dimensions | Toyota Fortuner Campaign |
|---|---|
| Floor clearance | 216mm |
| Strategy angle | 29 levels |
| Departure angle | 25 levels |
| Ramp breakover angle | 23.5 levels |
| Wading depth | 700mm |
To see how the Fortuner compares with the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
What do you get?
Three grades can be found – we have now the flagship Campaign on take a look at.
Fortuner GX highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Metal spare wheel
- Aspect steps
- Variable Circulate Management steering
- LED headlights
- LED daytime operating lights
- Air-conditioned cool field
- 6-way driver seat guide alter
- 4-way passenger seat guide alter
- 8.0-inch color touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 6-speaker audio
- Parking sensors entrance, rear
- Reversing digital camera
- Sensible entry, begin (keyless)
- Toyota Related Providers (3yr)
- myToyota Join app
- Stolen Automobile Monitoring
- Computerized Collision Notification
- SOS Emergency Name
Fortuner GXL provides:
- Downhill Help Management
- LED fog lights
- Premium steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Digital radio
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Rear privateness glass
- Roof rails
- Chrome rear door garnish
- Chrome exterior door handles
Fortuner Campaign provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Full-size alloy spare
- Premium grille end
- Bi-LED headlights
- Door courtesy lights
- Energy tailgate
- Leather-based-accented upholstery
- 8-way energy entrance seats
- Woodgrain-look instrument panel
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- 11-speaker JBL premium audio
- 220V accent connector
- Panoramic View Monitor (360 digital camera)
Choices
The mid-range GXL is out there with an non-compulsory package deal.
Premium Inside Choice Pack: $2500
- Black leather-accented upholster
- 8-way energy alter entrance seats
Is the Toyota Fortuner secure?
The Fortuner has a five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on 2019 testing of the associated HiLux ute.
| Class | Toyota Fortuner |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 95 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 84 per cent |
| Weak street person safety | 88 per cent |
| Security help | 78 per cent |
Commonplace security techniques embrace:
- Adaptive cruise management (excessive velocity)
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection (day, evening)
- Bicycle owner detection (day)
- Lane departure warning
- Reversing digital camera
- Street Signal Help (velocity indicators solely)
Fortuner Campaign provides:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
How a lot does the Toyota Fortuner price to run?
The Fortuner is roofed by Toyota Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Hold to your service schedule, and Toyota will warrant the engine and driveline for as much as seven years.
| Operating prices | Toyota Fortuner |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres – automobile 7 years – prolonged engine, driveline |
| Roadside help | From $99 per yr |
| Service intervals | 6 months or 10,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | As much as 3 years or 60,000 kilometres |
| Complete capped-price service price | $1740 |
To see how the Fortuner compares with the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota Fortuner
The highest-spec Fortuner has its deserves, however doesn’t really feel like the perfect choose of the vary, nor the section during which it competes.
It rides on confirmed underpinnings, and affords the peace of thoughts that comes with shopping for a Toyota. It’s additionally not as cumbersome because the Prado should you’re eager on extra city-friendly dimensions.
However actually, that’s the place its good fortunes begin to finish. The Fortuner is just not as highly effective or sensible as section benchmarks, and it’s actually beginning to fall behind on the tech entrance.
It’s additionally not all that refined, and the driving expertise is a bit heavy and old-hat. Possibly that’s why so many Australians simply leapfrog the Fortuner and head straight to the Prado, the all-new model of which can make the disparity much more obvious.
Then once more, the redesigned Fortuner can even be a significantly better automobile and will lastly be a stable contender on the worth finish of its class. We’ve seen loads of wonderful developments with Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, and the inevitable migration of the Fortuner to it ought to deal with the present mannequin’s key shortcomings.
So a brand new Fortuner can’t come quickly sufficient for Asian markets together with Australia. Maybe higher nonetheless, simply deliver North America’s new 4Runner right here already!
Curious about shopping for a Toyota Fortuner? Get in contact with certainly one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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