Step-Laddered Fortune

What we like:

Rugged car

built almost for the masses has some appeal. 6-Speed transmission improves appeal. Air conditioning is extremely efficient in cooling the cabin.

What we dislike:

Improved engine still feels tired. Higher fuel consumption brings on higher CEVs. Weight-bearing suspension brings on choppy ride. Can feel unsettled

and needs minor steering correction occasionally. Costly

The 2.7 litre longitudinal straight-four offers improved efficiency and power over the previous car. Power has gone up from 158bhp to 163bhp, and 245Nm of torque, an increase of 4Nm. Small numbers, but any increase is a good thing.

The largest improvement is the new 6-speed automatic transmission, meaning more optimum gear selections, and highway cruising at a tad above 1,500rpm. The engine does show its four-pot raspiness, with anything above 3,000rpm.

Steering feel can be somewhat vague. Chubby tyres do not help with road feel, but there is just enough to give you an idea of where the Fortuner is steering to, and it is still easy to find centre when returning the wheel.

With the stepladder chassis (yes, live axle and all), you do get some judder when going through uneven roads, with it resonating through the frame for a while. Without a load in the rear, you will find that the Fortuner does not like quick directional changes, and lumbers around unwillingly. Driven in a relaxed fashion, you will get the best out of the six ratios, and the transmission loves to change up, providing a smooth ride (as smooth as a stepladder can get I believe). There are those paddle shifters.... nevermind...

It is not light! You will also find that with the about of weight you are driving around with, the Fortuner loves to plough in to a tight corner before the rear wheel drive characteristics kick in.

Just in-case you think that this is your ticket to joining the big boys at the 4X4 SUV club, you’d be so wrong. The rear wheel drive comes with a consolatory rear differential lock, to allow you to gain traction, by locking the driving wheels, in order to get out of any mild wet-grassy/muddy situations you may find yourself in. The 2.7 feels a little tired, and the Fortuner could benefit from the torque provided from a turbocharged diesel, and how about selectable 4WD with high/low range? Ok, it does add to the weight, and you’d not likely use it.

So back to the question of “why?” The utility that the Fortuner can provide, together with flexibility for owners to ferry their families around, makes this a daily workhorse for those who need a do-all vehicle, but yet cannot compromise on tank-like toughness.

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