Toyota Fortuner 2015 Review

Toyota Fortuner GX and Crusade
Road Test

The three-grade Toyota Fortuner range builds on the competence of the HiLux chassis with a comfortable, off-road focussed family hauler. Well equipped and reasonably priced (at least in view of some contemporaries) the diesel-only seven-seater adds a more capable option to the SUV shopping list. But it's not a bad vehicle around town, either. And with a ready-to-tow attitude and choice of manual or automatic transmissions is a real alternative to the on-road focussed Kluger. The Toyota Fortuner is priced from $47,990 (plus on-road costs).

There are some of us old enough to remember Toyota's previous HiLux-based SUVs. The names Surf and 4-Runner of the 1980s were in many ways a precursor to the Fortuner, building on the competence of the HiLux chassis with a comfortable, off-road focussed family hauler.

Though one look at the new Fortuner will tell you it's quite a long way removed from its second-generation forebear; the sheer number of creature comforts – not to mention the refinement of the driveline – show just how far four-wheel drive wagons have progressed in 30 years. The new Fortuner is a capable progression of its light-commercial derivative, and one that's as confident in urban running as it is off the beaten track.

Rather than reiterate the Fortuner's off-road strengths we decided to spend our time with the car in the concrete jungle. Sampling the entry-grade Fortuner GX (from $47,990 plus on-road costs) and top-shelf Crusade (from $61,990 plus ORCs) we find a vehicle that is both manageable and composed in the hustle and bustle of city traffic, and one that, considering its underpinnings, shows a great deal of refinement.

The Fortuner's driveline consists of the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder found, you guessed it, in the new HiLux. Combined with the six-speed manual transmission there's 130kW at 3400rpm and 420Nm between 1400-2600rpm. Option the six-speed automatic and the torque figure increases to 450Nm from 1600-2400rpm. It's a narrower band, and it feels it. The automatic is certainly smooth enough, but it wouldn't be my pick.

For my money, and considering most buyers are probably going to head off-road, the six-speed manual is a better option. It's a light, precise shift with a set of cogs really well matched to the engine's low-end torque. I also found the manual far more economical than the self-shifter, managing 7.6L/100km against 9.3L in the automatic (figures that are respectively under and over the ADR Combined claims of 7.8L/100km and 8.6L/100km).

Toyota has said previously that the Fortuner could be considered as an off-road focussed, diesel alternative to its seven-seat Kluger. Considering its towing ability exceeds the Kluger's by 1000kg we'd say it's also more likely to appeal to rural buyers or the Grey Nomad set. The body-on-frame Fortuner offers up to 3000kg of braked towing capacity (2800kg on auto models), which incidentally is 500kg more than the LandCruiser Prado. It's also fitted as standard with trailer sway control as an extension of the Fortuner's stability control system.

However, I'd caution that the Fortuner's performance may disappoint if you're cross-shopping Holden's Colorado 7 or the sizzling new Ford Everest (what, too soon?). The Toyota's 2135kg kerb weight places it within reaching distance of its immediate rivals (2175kg and 2370kg), though the lack of torque (-50Nm and -70Nm) is quite evident.

The Fortuner rides on locally-tuned double wishbone (front) and five-link coil (rear) suspension. The latter replaces the leaf-sprung arrangement found in HiLux, also substituting disc brakes over the light-commercial's drums. The ride is settled on well-made roads and freeways, only a slight jarring noticed on hard-edged bumps. The set-up allows the Fortuner enough compliance to be comfortable, and to maintain even-handed dynamics. It's obvious the higher riding SUV won't handle like a Kluger, but it's a trade-off we're prepared to live with knowing how capable the model is off-road.

It's a compromise also felt through the steering. The hydraulic-assisted arrangement is convincing enough, but does present a little of the off-centre 'slack' built into off-road focussed models. It's a momentary lag, and one that isn't so evident as to cause the Fortuner to wander at freeway speeds. It is, however, another evident trait that speaks of the Fortuner's intended purpose – this is a proper four-wheel drive.

So on that note it shouldn't surprise you to know that there are a few compromises when it comes to packaging. With the body sitting high on a ladder chassis, the Fortuner offers the clearance, geometry and suspension travel needed off-road. This in turn means it is quite a step up and into the cabin, and that the second and third rows provide a more 'knees up' seating position, thanks to the higher floor pan.

The third-row seats also fold up to the side of the luggage bay rather than beneath the floor (the spare wheel is located there). This limits cargo space, and rearward vision, especially when reversing from a 90 or 45-degree park. Toyota says the Fortuner offers between 200, 1080 and 1702 litres of cargo capacity depending on seating configuration.

Up front, the Fortuner is very much like its HiLux cousin. Visually it's nearly identical, which also means oddment storage and the number of cup-holders (three, plus a bottle holder in each door) is unchanged. The seats and steering column are adjustable through the usual ranges, and while we found the front pews comfortable, felt a little more thigh support was in order for longer trips.

The Fortuner offers grab handles at all four doors and is available with side steps. Word of warning to manual buyers, though, the automatic is the only model to offer a driver's foot rest.

As a family SUV the Fortuner doesn't disappoint on the equipment front. We've covered the model's spec list in detail previously, but note hightlights such as digital radio, single-zone climate control, 18-inch alloys (on Crusade variants), digital radio reception, sat-nav and powered leather-accented seats. The Fortuner is also equipped with a reversing camera and seven airbags, and achieves a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The Fortuner will of course face stiff competition from a range of similar models, including the Ford Everest (from $54,990 plus ORCs), Holden Colorado (from $47,990 plus ORCs), Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (nee Challenger, from $45,000 plus ORCs). Each has their pros and cons, though if creature comforts are a priority, we reckon the Everest and Pajero Sport are the nearest rivals.

If you plan on spending all of your time on-road, the Fortuner probably isn't for you. But if you live down a dirt road, or have weekends full of adventure, then it's an SUV whose inner-city compromises won't – and shouldn't – discourage.

2015 Toyota Fortuner GX pricing and specifications:
Price: $47,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/420Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 7.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 205g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

2015 Toyota Fortuner Crusade pricing and specifications:
Price: $61,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 228g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Holden Colorado 7 (from $47,990 plus ORCs)
>> Ford Everest (from $54,990 plus ORCs)
>> Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (from $45,000 plus ORCs)