Toyota Fortuner 2017 Review

Returning Champion
In last year’s running of our large off-road SUV comparison, the HiLux-based Toyota Fortuner took out the title thanks to its combination of four-wheel drive capability, value for money and overall levels of comfort.

In mid-spec GXL trim, the Fortuner is priced at the top of our pack, on par with the base-grade Ford Everest Ambiente.

Like the Ford Everest, specifications for the Fortuner are largely unchanged since our last country comparison, so we were interested if it could still hold its own against updated models from both Holden and Isuzu and model-year changes on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport when tested in an even tougher environment.

Sales-wise, the Fortuner languishes significantly behind both its Kluger and LandCruiser Prado siblings, and its direct competitors. So far this year 1225 Toyota Fortuner models have been sold, down almost 50 per cent on the same period last year. This represents less than a third of Mitsubishi’s Pajero Sport sales (3899) which is the best-selling vehicle of this ute-based SUV sub-segment.

Off-road Credentials
Powered by a meaty 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Toyota Fortuner generates 130kW/450Nm.

While it is not the most powerful in our field, its torquey engine powers across a wide rev range, generating peak torque as low as 1600rpm to deliver more than adequate power in normal driving conditions, or more tricky off-road challenges.

Like each of the vehicles on test, the Fortuner tackled all of our terrain challenges with relative ease. It boasts impressive off-road stats with an approach angle of 30 degrees, 23.5 break-over angle and 25 degrees departure angle.

When traversing steep inclines and declines, the Fortuner cleared obstacles with ease, proving surprisingly agile and easy to navigate through tight sections. Its ground clearance of 279mm is head and shoulders above the rest of the pack, ensuring confidence in most off-road technical sections.

The Fortuner’s dual-range transmission affords for easy vehicle control and paired with a competent chassis and relatively communicative low-speed steering, it was among the best of our pack of off-roaders. The inclusion of hill descent control and a rear differential lock adds more versatility to this four-wheel drive.

On gravel roads, the Fortuner’s Bridgestone Dueller All-terrain tyres offered decent grip levels, minimising slippage and delivering confident road-holding. Its locally-tuned suspension managed lengthy stretches of corrugation well, minimising jolts through the cabin even from substantial surprise pot holes.

On-road, the Fortuner’s suspension felt planted but not as settled as the Everest on tarmac at highways speeds. We also found that steering feel fell away at higher speed, leaving us less connected with the Fortuner on the open road.

Mid-spec price, mid-spec features
Packaging-wise, the Fortuner, like other models on test lacks satellite-navigation, an omission which becomes more obvious once out of range of mobile data on unfamiliar tracks. Navigation is only available on the highest specification, the Crusade model so a separate navigation unit is required should you be planning on heading to Outback Australia.

While the Fortuner misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its technology doesn’t feel lacking with intuitive controls available through the 7.0-inch colour touch-screen. There are no USBs in the rear for charging but a 12-volt socket is provided for second-row passengers. There’s no 220-volt socket as found in the Ford Everest, however, it is available on the higher spec Crusade model.

The cabin feel in the Fortuner is comfortable, and while it is equipped with cloth seats and therefore misses out on heated seats, it is clearly rugged enough to cope with the dirt and dust thrown at it on an Outback adventure.

Boot space is limited in comparison to the capacious Everest’s maximum 2010 litres of storage with 200 litres available with the third-row seats in play, extending to 1080 litres with the second row 60:40 seats folded forward.

Towing is as on a par with the Everest, Trailblazer and MU-X with 3000kg braked towing capacity, however, claimed fuel economy is 8.6L/100km putting it at the back of the pack. In practice, the Fortuner finished middle on fuel usage for the trip, averaging 12.4L/100km.

Conclusion
Last season’s winner was still very much a contender in this five-way comparison. If the judging had come down to off-road credentials then it’s likely the Fortuner would have taken out the title once again.

However, it’s lack of amenities for the price does see it marked down, particularly against the value offered in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

It’s three-year/100,000km warranty is on a par with that of the Everest and Trailblazer and five-year/100,000km warranty offered by Mitsubishi. But is bested by the five-year/130,000km warranty offered by the Isuzu MU-X.

Conservative service intervals will also see you visiting your mechanic more frequently than the Ford and Mitsubishi. In fact, Toyota would like to see you every six months/10,000km.

For the Fortuner, its grunty, rugged outdoorsy character makes it at home in the Outback, but is what fails it in the translation to a city setting.

Even with its reversing camera and rear parking sensors, the Fortuner is a cumbersome vehicle to park. It’s no surprise that with the more polished and accessible Kluger and Prado in the Toyota SUV family, that the Fortuner doesn’t have more appeal for suburban buyers.

With on-road manners which are a little less refined than the Everest, and less value for money than the Pajero Sport, it’s also understandable that the Fortuner doesn’t quite reach the top of the pile in our comparison this time around.

2017 Toyota Fortuner GXL pricing and specifications:
Price: $54,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/450Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.6/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 228g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP