We have compiled here a range of videos which shows the Toyota Fortuner undertake a few challenging off-road activities and see why its the best off-road SUV in its segment.
The Toyota Fortuner is a very capable SUV and has been very popular in the Indian market right from its first generation. The Toyota Fortuner also makes for a very capable off-roader and one that will take you literally anywhere. It is also an ever raging debate if the Fortuner is better off the road or the Ford Endeavor and while that’s a topic for another story, here we have compiled a series of off-road videos that shows how capable the Fortuner really is. Enjoy!
The Classic River Crossing
Here we can see the a Toyota Fortuner sailing through the Sutlej River, well literally. The Fortuner has absolutely no difficult in wading through the water with its massive 220mm of ground clearance. The exhaust manifold of the SUV has always been positioned high up to ensure that water does not enter the exhaust pipe and cause a shut down. The Fortuner has an intelligent 4×4 system with Active Traction Control which keeps the wheels spinning at all times. The low-end grunt of the SUV also helps it through.
Driving Through Deep Snow
Driving through deep snow has to be one of the toughest challenges for any 4×4. This video was shot in Chanshal Pass is Himachal Pradesh which is one of the most isolated and challenging mountain passes in India. You can see the SUV is shod with snow chains on all four wheels for better traction through this unpaved snow. The Fortuner is in 4×4 High mode and you can see the SUV makes steady progress through the deep snow. Good ground clearance and very high low-end torque is what keeps this SUV going even in such a hostile condition
Dune Basing on Some Sand
Dune bashing is a very popular off-road sporting activity and this video was filmed at the launch event of the Toyota Fortuner in UAE. Although relatively easier than other off-roading activities like snow driving or a hill climb, it is extremely fun too. All you need to do is just drop your tire pressure to prevent the wheels from sinking in the sand and you are good to go. Keeping the SUV in 4H mode should suffice for most times while you might need to engage low-ratio only during extreme conditions. Here again, the Toyota Fortuner makes it appear like a breeze, acing on the sand.
The Infamous Hill Climb
Hill Climbs are one of the most grueling test for an off-road SUV. All factors which essentially make for an off-roader come into play during a hill climb. That includes your wheel articulation, ground clearance, low-end torque, approach and departure angles and much more. Although the Fortuner is slightly modified here with a after market bumper, snorkel and off-road tyres, it is mechanically identical to the stock car. As you can see in the video, the surface is very jagged and uneven and the low-range transfer case is what comes into play here to pull the SUV up the slope. Also, the Fortuner offers Hill Assist Climb that ensures that the SUV does not roll back once the brake is engaged on the climb.
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Driving Through Slush
This is another challenging but extremely fun off-road activity. Driving through slush can be tricky at times as you can be left struggling for grip and going the right direction can also be tricky. However, the Toyota Fortuner makes it look very easy in the video above because of its good low-end torque and easy drivability. The Fortuner can also been seen doing a range of other off-road activities in what appears to be an off-road camp organised by Toyota.
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Stair Climb
Although not a legit off-road activity, this Toyota Fortuner shown here going up and down a steep set of stairs also highlights a few capabilities of the Fortuner. In this video, the approach, departure and breakover angles of the SUV come into play and the Fortuner is able to go up and down the fleet of stairs without scrapping any body panels or its underbody. Also, the Fortuner comes equipped with Hill Assist Control. Switching it on prevents the SUV from rolling backwards. Of course, the grunty engine plays a huge role in helping the Fortuner climb up such steep inclines easily.
