The mid-size SUV Toyota Fortuner, sometimes referred to as the Toyota SW4, has been produced by the Japanese carmaker Toyota since 2004. It is based on the Hilux pickup truck platform, has two or three rows of seats, and may be driven with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. It is a part of the Hilux and Innova as well as Toyota’s IMV programme for developing markets.
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What American equivalent exists for the Toyota Fortuner?
You’ll be shocked by how much the Fortuner resembles the 4Runner, one of Toyota’s most well-known SUVs in North America. Sadly, it’s not available here.
Given that it is a multinational company, Toyota produces a wide range of products. The midsize SUV Toyota Fortuner is one such option. You might be startled to learn how similar it is to one of the most well-known Toyota vehicles in the North American market—the 4Runner—since many of you would be hearing about it for the first time.
Yes, depending on the market, the Fortuner has practically the exact same dimensions and the same powerful engine as its North American cousin. The SUV, like the 4Runner, is positioned as a utilitarian vehicle with tough exterior styling and exceptional off-road skills.
The Fortuner is almost indestructible, you may say. Remember the old Top Gear segment where they attempted to destroy a Hilux pickup? The truck keeps avoiding everything that is thrown at it thanks to the engineering wizardry of Toyota. The in question SUV is built on the Hilux chassis and shares many characteristics with the aforementioned pickup.
The 2022 Toyota Fortuner will be covered in-depth in this article, including discussions on the interior, exterior, available engines, and more. We also briefly discuss the reasons Toyota never released the Fortuner on the American market.
Does the Toyota Fortuner resemble the 4Runner?
The Fortuner is initially more expensive than the car with the same name, the 4Runner. The starting price of the 2021 4Runner is reported to be around $37,500, which is about $1,500 more than the Fortuner. The 4Runner, on the other hand, comes with a 4.0-liter V6 gas engine rather than a turbo-diesel. This V6 has more horsepower but less torque than the Fortuner, with ratings of 270 hp and 278 lb-ft.
Both versions are extremely comparable SUVs when it comes to off-roading. According to Car and Driver, the 4Runner is equipped with traction control and a locking rear differential as standard equipment. Like the Fortuner, the 4Runner performs admirably off-road in tests, especially in its TRD configuration. Consequently, both Toyota SUVs have fairly similar off-roading abilities, despite the possibility of some minor variances in the end.
However, there is one area where they diverge: the interior. The Fortuner and 4Runner are both considered mid-size SUVs. The 4Runner lacks third-row seating, although the Fortuner does. Owners of Fortuners can therefore transport more passengers on an off-road excursion than owners of 4Runners. Additionally, the Fortuner has a significant torque advantage over the 4Runner, allowing it to haul substantially more weight.
The Toyota Fortuner is the finest because…
It is unquestionably the greatest SUV in its category. A strong 2.8 liter D4D engine with 450 nm of torque is found within the Fortuner. When compared to its competitors, the powerful SUV’s body on frame chassis offers unparalleled comfort. The after-sales support is the best feature of owning a Toyota automobile. This vehicle’s reliability cannot be compared to that of any of its competitors, such as the Endeavor or Alturus. The Fortuner manages to take the title of most popular and favored SUV in the Indian market despite lacking features like a sunroof, memory-adjustable seats, and some additional tech gadgets.
Yes, the Fortuner is the best SUV, but it lacks two to three features compared to the Honda Crv, the Endeavor, the Mahindra Alturas, and others. However, the drive quality and appearance are also solid. and calming.
No.
It’s decent but not the best overall.
In my opinion, the 2019 Ford Endeavor Facelift offers a superior driving experience to the Fortuner.
It is the finest if you have one. It’s too tough to demonstrate its value just by comparing the specifications and cost
Does the Toyota Fortuner resemble the Highlander?
The Highlander is 155mm longer, 75mm wider, and has a 105mm longer wheelbase than the Fortuner in the Indian market. The Fortuner, however, is 22mm taller than the Highlander and is 106mm taller overall. Overall, the new Highlander sports a striking, modern design with recognizable Toyota stylistic characteristics.
Do Toyota Fortuners sell in the United States?
The Toyota Fortuner’s interior hasn’t undergone any alteration for 2021. Eight inches have been added to the touchscreen infotainment system, up from seven.
Additionally, it now includes an additional powered subwoofer in addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Consequently, you can have a blast while conquering the trails.
For more comfortable use, the touchscreen has been updated with quicker shortcuts and commands. Additionally, the front seats are heated and ventilated to keep you comfy.
The top-of-the-line trim, the Toyota Fortuner Legender, comes with a variety of extras, including two-tone seating, ambient lighting, an electronic rearview mirror, wireless charging, additional USB ports, and a sensor that opens the tailgate when your hands are free.
The third row is quite roomy, and the second row has plenty of room for people. However, taller people could have trouble getting enough knee room. The 4Runner’s third row is only big enough for kids.
The Toyota Hilux and Fortuner, for example, aren’t available in the United States because they don’t meet the country’s stricter pollution regulations. They would need to be substantially altered. But given that we already have the Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner, why would Toyota do it?
Which Fortuner model is the best?
The 2.4 GD-6 Automatic Toyota Fortuner is the model that sells the most new cars and will hold its resale value the best. The 2.8 GD-6 Epic is the next model, followed by the 2.8 GD-6 4X4 Epic. The 2.4 GD-6 4X4 Automatic is the fourth most popular model.
The Toyota Fortuner is dependable.
Toyota engines are incredibly more dependable than other brands. The Fortuner has two reliable engine options that have been tried and true; they can easily endure for 2-3 lakh kilometers and, with proper maintenance, should last for more than 5 lakh.
Is the Fortuner challenging to drive?
Highway travel is all about clocking up the miles, which the Fortuner did admirably. With a little coaxing, the 2.8-liter diesel engine can be persuaded to stay within the torque band that begins at 1500, and with a healthy 450Nm, you can be going three digits all day without getting out of breath.
As we previously stated (and as is also somewhat obvious in the photo), there is enough capacity for four people to go across long distances, and there is also place for two more, provided the passengers are children or adults who are ready to make due with the relatively restricted legroom. A significant loss in available boot space is the cost of having all three rows up.
The Fortuner is not the most elegant vehicle to drive, but it will get the job done without causing you undue stress. A car of this size should handle as you would anticipate. It just about accomplishes the task despite rolling in the corners and generally dead steering. Paddle shifters and a color TFT display between the gauges, which provides a wealth of additional information like the distance to empty and driving style, further enhance the driving experience. The vehicle has an eco-mode that evaluates your driving technique and assigns you a score.
Is the Fortuner impenetrable?
Top diplomats, heads of state, businessmen, celebrities, and other VVIPs like bulletproof cars, which come in a variety of configurations. Customized versions and factory-fitted variants are also options provided by OEMs. This customized Toyota Fortuner that has been completely bulletproofed is an illustration of the former.
Fortuner Legender bulletproof SUV
The modifier employed Legender kit for the bulletproof SUV to assure a high-end appearance. This kit is also available for typical customizing tasks. The top of the line Fortuner variation, the Legender, has a sportier profile. It comes only with the 2.8-liter diesel engine and has a few extra features.
Speaking of practical characteristics, the SUV sports strong bulletproof glass at the front, side, and back. Although the exact size has not been disclosed, it is probably at least 2-3 inches wide. Additional rubberized padding has been added to the door frames to cushion the protruding inside edges of the thick glass. Every every bulletproof window is a fixed, immovable piece.
The SUV’s doors appear to be conventional models, but they are lined with a fiber layer that is bulletproof. A fiber sheet is lighter than a metal sheet in comparison. The reduced risk of shrapnel injuries is another advantage of fiber sheets. It is able to withstand the full force of the bullet without being torn apart. The Fortuner Legender Bullet Proof thorough walkaround video can be found below. It is credited to the Turbo Xtreme channel.
The SUV’s regular tailgate is located at the back. But when the tailgate is opened, a straight wall made of heavy metal sheet is seen. To gain access to the luggage space, bolts are located on both ends of the object. The luggage space is less than that of a conventional Fortuner due to the modifications.
The SUV’s underside has strong metal paneling to guard against minor explosions. Although the degree of blast protection has not been determined, it might be effective against a grenade attack.
Improvement areas
This specially made bulletproof Fortuner Legender may appear intimidating, but it has a significant flaw. Since the roof is unprotected, it is vulnerable to attacks from both gunshots and sharp items. It doesn’t seem outlandish to imagine an assassin scaling the roof and using assault rifles like the AK-47 to kill people at traffic lights or crowded areas.
The modified SUV’s weight is another issue to be concerned about. The SUV has gained 1500 kg in weight due to the addition of thick glass, metal sheets, and other upgrades. If we assume 7 passengers weighing 100 kg apiece, this is over twice the carrying capacity.
The extra weight makes the SUV feel a little heavy to drive. Speed and acceleration are probably going to be affected because the steering wheel has gotten harder. The 204 PS and 500 Nm of the Toyota Fortuner’s diesel engine don’t seem to be enough for this beast. Additionally, it is uncertain if the SUV contains essential components like run-flat tires, an emergency oxygen supply, etc.
What are the Toyota Fortuner’s typical issues?
The utility vehicle is suspended firmly. Since it is a hefty automobile that may be driven off-road, this is done to reduce body roll (sideways movement). It also has a frame-on-ladder chassis because it is a conventional SUV. A rough ride is the result of the suspension and chassis working together.
The majority of those who used the old Fortuner stuck to the pavement and never used it for recreational purposes. The rough ride is most frequently felt here.
The front seats of a Fortuner are where you can find the most comfort. They have enough bolstering and sit low. The seating posture only increases from this point onward to the back. People who are taller than, say, 5’7″ will not find enough under-thigh support in the middle seats. Once you’ve been sitting in the seats for approximately 30 minutes, this starts to bother you.
Never consider placing an adult on the very last row. It is incredibly high, crowded, and lacks any space for the knees. Longer car journeys are the ideal setting for motion sickness.