Toyota Fortuner: Features that make it desirable

Competing with the likes of the Isuzu mu-X and Ford Everest, the Toyota Fortuner is in a league of its own. Toyota brought in the Fortuner to Malaysia for the first time back in 2005. Since then, the SUV has had a couple of makeovers and is presently in its second generation. The seven-seat, body-on-frame SUV is built on the same platform as the Hilux pickup truck, but sports a more upmarket and premium appearance, obviously.

The 2019 iteration of the Fortuner is available with a choice of one petrol and diesel engine, two or four-wheel drive (4WD), and a 6-speed automatic transmission comes as standard fitment. The base trim kicks things off at RM 170,500, while the top-spec VRZ trim with 4WD retails for RM 195,600. However, all that said, what are those select features that make the Toyota Fortuner so desirable? Well, let’s find out.

1. Exterior styling

No matter which genre of vehicle you go for, exterior styling is one of the most highly-ranked aspects considered during the whole buying process. While some cars are just ‘meh’ on this front, the Toyota Fortuner doesn’t really disappoint. The second-gen model features a more sleek and sculpted exterior than the previous avatar - some folks dig it, while some don’t. However, it’s irrefutably a crisp and modern design, with sharp styling cues that are mixed with the butch, upright posture of a true-blue SUV.

The revamped front end gets suave projector headlamps with DRLs, a chrome-swathed grille featuring an imposing Toyota logo, while a high bonnet-line and beefy bumper with fancy fog lamp housing completes the whole package. Along the sides, the Fortuner sports bold alloy wheels wrapped with some fat rubber, sky-high ground clearance, deep wheel wells with flared arches, posh chrome accents, and a distinctive shoulder line to pique visual drama. The rear comes with a thick chrome bar, modern LED , and a prominent roof spoiler. Overall, the Toyota Fortuner is an SUV that’ll garner loads of attention almost anywhere.

2. Off-road ability

The robust body-on-frame construction means that the Fortuner not only looks undefeatable by challenging terrain, but it almost is in the real world. The four-wheel drive variants with their pokey diesel powerplant equate to excellent driveability and flexibility - whether in the city or off the beaten path. Everything an off-roader would likely need is here. You get a selectable 4WD system with a rear locking differential (with auto disconnect), hill-descent control, considerable ground clearance, and a wading depth of up to 700 mm. Furthermore, the Fortuner has an approach angle of 30 degrees, ramp-over angle of 23.5 degrees, and a departure angle of 25 degrees. With its inherent breadth and depth of capabilities, this is an SUV you can count on as long as your off-road driving skills aren’t completely despicable.

3. Strong diesel motor

While on-road performance isn’t the Fortuner’s forte, its diesel heart is easily adept and strong enough to bear rough terrain and the 4X4’s 2.1-tonne kerb weight. The 2.4-litre four-banger that’s nestled under the bonnet has got a company in the form of an intercooled, variable-geometry turbocharger and dual-overhead cams. The end result is 148 horsepower and 400 Nm of pulling force. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, able to propel the Fortuner to 100 kmph in 12.5 seconds and to a top whack of 170 kmph.

4. Equipment and safety features

The Toyota Fortuner specs sheet is pretty well equipped with conveniences and comfort features. Available tech includes - 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs, LED fog lights, power-operated door mirrors with puddle lamp, keyless-entry & go, leather upholstery, 8-way electrically-powered driver’s seat, cooled glove box, selectable drive modes, leather-clad multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, cruise control, electronic 4WD selector, colour multi-information display, Wi-Fi connectivity, all-around parking sensors with reversing camera, and an 8-inch touch-display with smartphone connectivity, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and internet browser.

The Fortuner’s safety catalogue is also extensive, featuring up to seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill-hold assist, vehicle stability control, active traction control, hill-descent control, front-facing digital video recorder, speed-sensing door locks, and ISOFIX anchor points among others.

5. Brand value

On the basis of reliability, customer satisfaction, and resale value, few brands (if any) can even fathom of competing with Toyota. The Japanese automotive juggernaut has been consistently topping the charts when it comes to its cars dependability and their overall market capitalisation. In Malaysia, the Fortuner is currently the only proper 4X4 that’s on sale by Toyota. And while it’s pricey (as most Toyota’s are), it’s still less expensive than some of its rivals. Combine that with its impressive off-road capability, modern styling, reliable performance, comfortable cabin, and commendable safety gear, the new Toyota Fortuner is a hard SUV to resist.