Toyota Fortuner Review: Rugged SUV with a Premium Price Tag

The Toyota Fortuner is a well-known name in the SUV segment, admired for its rugged design and durability. This SUV has managed to secure a strong foothold in the market, with over 2,000 units sold monthly. But despite its popularity, the Toyota Fortuner isn’t without flaws. In this review, we’ll explore whether the Toyota Fortuner is worth its premium price tag, the performance it offers, and how it stacks up against competitors in the same category. We’ll also look into the pros and cons of owning a Toyota Fortuner and answer some frequently asked questions about this SUV.

Price Range and Is It Overpriced?

The Toyota Fortuner is available in a wide range of variants, with prices starting at ₹40 lakhs for the base petrol 4×2 manual variant and going up to ₹62.16 lakhs for the top-end GR Sport 4×4 diesel automatic variant (on-road, Mumbai). Given the lack of direct competition and the Toyota brand’s strong reputation, the Fortuner commands a hefty price. However, when compared to its rivals, such as the MG Gloster, Ford Endeavour (before it was discontinued), and Mahindra Alturas G4, the Fortuner appears to be significantly overpriced.

The biggest gripe with the Toyota Fortuner is its lack of features, especially considering its premium price point. Unlike its competitors, the Fortuner doesn’t offer modern amenities like a panoramic sunroof, electric parking brake, or wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These omissions are particularly glaring when you consider that SUVs priced much lower offer these features. Despite its robust build and reliable performance, the Toyota Fortuner’s high price tag seems unjustified when weighed against what it lacks.

Performance Overview

Performance-wise, the Toyota Fortuner does deliver in several areas. It comes with two engine options: a 2.7-liter petrol engine and a 2.8-liter diesel engine. The diesel variant is the more popular choice, delivering 204 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. This engine is known for its power, especially in low-end torque, making it ideal for off-road adventures and towing. However, the engine is quite noisy, and the refinement leaves much to be desired. The gearbox, while functional, is slow with downshifts, which can be a downside during high-speed overtakes or when climbing steep terrains.

In terms of handling, the Toyota Fortuner maintains its old-school SUV charm with a heavy hydraulic steering that provides a good driving feel. The body-on-frame construction results in noticeable body roll, especially during sharp turns. The ride quality isn’t the most comfortable, as the SUV tends to transmit road imperfections into the cabin, a common issue with body-on-frame vehicles.

Mileage

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Toyota Fortuner doesn’t shine. The diesel variant delivers a mileage of around 8-10 km/l in city conditions, which drops further when pushed hard or driven in challenging terrains. The petrol variant, on the other hand, is a fuel guzzler, returning an average mileage of around 6-8 km/l. This is another area where the Fortuner falls behind its competitors, many of which offer better fuel efficiency.

Competitors

In the premium SUV segment, the Toyota Fortuner faces competition from the likes of the MG Gloster, Mahindra Alturas G4, and the recently discontinued Ford Endeavour. The MG Gloster, for instance, offers more features at a lower price point, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), a panoramic sunroof, and a more refined cabin. The Mahindra Alturas G4, while slightly less powerful, provides a more comfortable ride with a better-equipped interior. These competitors offer better value for money, making the Toyota Fortuner seem overpriced in comparison.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Reliability: The Toyota Fortuner is known for its durability and build quality, making it a long-lasting vehicle.
• Off-Road Capabilities: With a robust four-wheel-drive system, the Fortuner is highly capable off the road.
• Resale Value: The Fortuner holds its value exceptionally well, making it a good investment in the long run.
• Driving Experience: The heavy steering and high seating position offer a traditional SUV driving feel.

Cons:

• Overpriced: The Toyota Fortuner is significantly more expensive than its competitors, considering its lack of modern features.
• Lack of Features: Missing out on amenities like a sunroof, electric parking brake, and advanced infotainment system.
• Poor Ride Quality: The ride can be uncomfortable, especially on rough roads, due to its body-on-frame construction.
• Noisy Engine: The diesel engine is loud and lacks refinement, which can be intrusive during long drives.

FAQs About the Toyota Fortuner

1. What is the price range of the Toyota Fortuner?

• The Toyota Fortuner is priced between ₹40 lakhs and ₹62.16 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai).

2. Is the Fortuner overpriced?

• Yes, considering its lack of features and the availability of better-equipped competitors at lower prices, the Toyota Fortuner is considered overpriced.

3. What mileage does the Fortuner offer?

• The diesel variant offers around 8-10 km/l in city driving conditions, while the petrol variant delivers around 6-8 km/l.

4. How does the Toyota Fortuner perform off-road?

• The Toyota Fortuner excels off-road with its robust four-wheel-drive system, limited-slip differential, and active traction control.

5. Who are the main competitors of the Fortuner?

• The main competitors include the MG Gloster, Mahindra Alturas G4, and the now-discontinued Ford Endeavour.

Know more : https://carovaar.com/land-rover-defender-review-pros-cons-price/