In this latest video by an Aussie expert, he details the issues with the Toyota Fortuner. The Fortuner, a robust 7-seat off-road SUV, has gained significant popularity in various global markets. In countries like Australia and South Africa, it shares its underpinnings with the Hilux pickup. Interestingly, the Hilux made its debut first, followed by the Fortuner. However, the scenario is reversed in India, where the Fortuner arrived before the Hilux, cultivating a substantial fan base for the SUV in our nation. In Australia, it is often perceived as an SUV variant of the Hilux. Here are some problems with the SUV.
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Aussie Expert Details Toyota Fortuner
This video comes from CarSauce on YouTube. The host has the Fortuner for a thorough review. He starts with the exterior styling. While there are no particular shortcomings in the overall design and exterior elements, it doesn’t feel the most modern. It is based on the Hilux pickup and there have been no updates to the styling for a couple of years now. The story on the inside is even worse. The cabin and features feel dated. In fact, the reviewers are disappointed with the hard plastics in every corner of the SUV, the seats are not the most comfortable, the third-row seats fold sideways which compromises some boot space, the infotainment screen is tiny and the features list is quite basic. Therefore, it doesn’t stand a chance in comparison to its rivals.
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Drive Review
Things don’t get too better on the road either. While the engine is sufficiently powerful, the giant SUV feels difficult to manoeuvre. It is underpinned by a ladder-on-frame chassis which makes the body roll quite pronounced. The team also performed a 0 to 100 km/h test and the results were just about decent. It did the job in 11.3 seconds. Apart from that, the occupants were feeling a lot of vibrations when the host took the car to a dirt track on the side of the road. That compromises the ride comfort of the SUV. Therefore, one doesn’t even get the confidence to go fast on the corners. All in all, the SUV feels big and sluggish on the road and just about adequate on off-road tracks.
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Specs
For the Australian market, the 7-seat SUV comes with a 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which generates a decent 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm of peak power and torque. The transmission duties are carried by a 6-speed automatic gearbox. There are options of 4×2 and 4×4 configurations with a dedicated 4L and 4H system. The drive-away price Down Under is $65,022 AUD for the GXL trim including the Luxury Pack. The reviewers feel that there are more compelling options at this price point.
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Author’s Note
We comprehend the perspective of the reviewers. In a market such as India, where viable alternatives are scarce, the Fortuner’s immense popularity, despite its high price, is understandable. However, in other countries with intense and enticing competition, it seems illogical to invest in a vehicle that appears outdated compared to contemporary options. SUVs like the Ford Everest have undergone substantial updates in their latest versions, making them more sensible choices. Ultimately, the enduring appeal of the Fortuner’s classic interior is diminishing, signalling a need for the Japanese automotive giant to address this issue before it becomes a critical concern.
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