by Rebaneilwe Semakane
Toyota has seen a lot of success with the Fortuner, and it is not hard to see why. In June 2023, the bakkie-based SUV sold 1639 units, placing it 4th on the top 30 sales charts. The Fortuner was updated earlier this year and getting my hands on it was such a treat.
The Fortuner is powered by a 2.8GD-6 engine that produces 150kW and 500Nm, which is the same powerplant found in the Hilux. It is seemingly a winning formula for Toyota, this engine, as it is shared across two platforms and manages to be such a star on the road. The torque comes in almost instantaneously and the power retention in this car is super, considering how large and bulky it is. The pre-facelift model felt very cumbersome to drive but here is mildly improved and felt much more refined. Handling this mammoth was as you’d expect it to be, there’s no hiding from its size. Despite this, the turning circle is not bad, and the steering is highly responsive. I was doing about 11.3l/100km during my test period and I always think that when you buy a car of this caliber, fuel economy is the least of your worries.
Toyota has retained that dated interior, some even commented saying it looks like the interior of a 2009 Fortuner, perhaps some more fancy tech and disco lights should be put in place? There is probably a reason why Toyota has kept things so old-school – their consumers perhaps enjoy this very grown-up and bland interior. I mean, if you want something modern, the Everest does exist, although that aims to take on the Prado now.
I think the Fortuner looks better than before, slimmer and sharper LED headlamps, contrasting black roof, sharpened and enlarged lower grille and the indicator lights being by the edges of the bumper just elongated and pronounced the front of the vehicle much more. and even with some retained and dated elements, it adds to the premise and mandate of the vehicle – to be a robust family SUV. It drives well, smoothens out bumps on the road and takes on the off-road quite nicely, albeit a guzzler, it is a very graceful drive. The VX model will set you back R953 400, which to be honest is not wholly affordable. Considering the number of new ones, we see on our roads there surely is a market, and I think one doesn’t really need the top-spec VX. There are some things you can omit, but get the 2.8GD-6 engine, that’s the cream of the crop.
Hats off to Toyota for this stunner of a vehicle. I suggest you give it a thought if you are looking for longevity and durability.