Toyota Fortuner

A refreshed exterior

Typical of refreshes, the Fortuner gets a host of exterior updates, chiefly the redesigned front bumper that houses redesigned foglamps, turn signals and position lamps.

With the new front bumper comes a pair of sharper, slimmer LED head lights – the 2.7 SRZ gets bi-beam LED units, while the range-topping 2.8 VRZ gets quad-beam ones.

Changes round the back are subtler, save for the lightly-tweaked tail lamps and rear bumper.

Both 2.7 SRZ and 2.8 VRZ ride on new, dual-tone 18-inch wheels. 

There's a choice of six colours – Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown Metallic, Super White II and the new Bronze Mica Metallic.

The Bronze Mica Metallic and Super White II colours can be specified with black A-pillars, wing mirrors, roof-mounted rear spoiler and roof, but note that this is exclusive to the 2.8 SRZ variant.

The facelifted Fortuner still retains its dual-tone interior, but with a subtler dark red/black combo.

Notable features include a wireless charger (optional accessory) below the centre armrest and USB ports for third row occupants.

There's also a rather stylish gear lever surround, finished in black marble. 

Other new stuff include a much clearer-looking instrument panel, in which its Multi Information Display (MID) benefits from a new opening animation as well as additional information for the driver. 

The 2.7 SRZ and 2.8 VRZ variants also get ambient lighting, electrochromic rearview mirror, and electric seats adjustment for both the driver and front passenger. 

Beyond these touches, the Fortuner also gains a hands-free powered tailgate.

Safety – now with Toyota Safety Sense

Exclusive to the 2.8 VRZ is the partial Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), encompassing these features:

• Pre-collision System (AEB)
• Lane Departure Alert 
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Yaw Assist Function

Biggest news – new engine

The biggest update here is the engine – the 2.8-litre turbodiesel from the Toyota Hilux Rogue now sees duty in the facelifted Fortuner. Here's the specs of the Fortuner's powertrain:

The SRZ and VRZ variants come with Auto Limited Slip Differential (A-LSD) – a trick system that controls braking and when one of the rear wheels start to spin. Useful in difficult, low-traction conditions.

Like the Hilux Rogue too, the 2.8 VRZ comes with the Variable Flow Control (VFC) power steering system which adjusts power steering assistance depending on driving speed.

Driving performance – The engine it deserves

Look, the VRZ costs RM 30k more than the mid-grade SRZ, and beyond the visual and kit changes, you'll also get the new 2.8-litre turbodiesel plucked straight from the Hilux Rogue:

This new engine is very much welcomed as it fixes the pre-facelift Fortuner's problem of lacking the grunt to match its weight. The Fortuner now gets the poke it needs.

The Fortuner dispatches hits 100 km/h from a standstill in 12.8 seconds, and needs 49 meters to come to a halt from that speed.

Turbodiesel power will pull you way past three-digit speeds with a linear, smooth acceleration, making overtaking a breeze. The 6-speed automatic transmission handles the power rather well, if a little slow.

Compared to the Hilux, the Fortuner offers a more confident drive. For one, the covered rear makes it more balanced than the Hilux, which can get rather tail-happy and squirrelly under hard braking.

Like the Hilux, the Fortuner benefits from a new variable-flow control (VFC) steering pump which translates to improved maneuverability. It seems trivial, but it's a highly welcomed feature in tight spaces like car parks.

For off-roadiness, the Fortuner gets the same part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system as the Hilux, complete with Active Traction Control (A-TRC) function. 

Also read: Toyota Fortuner’s A-TRC is like a gaming cheat code for off-road newbies

Not only that, it also gets the Auto Limited Slip Differential (A-LSD) system that controls braking and when one of the rear wheels start to spin – plenty useful in difficult, low-terrain conditions. 

Also read: How to use the new off-road driving features in 2020 Toyota Hilux – Superflex suspension, Auto LSD, new A-TRC

Ride comfort – Waftiness aplenty

On the handling front, the Fortuner rides jiggly thanks to its ladder frame chassis and relatively stiff suspension. You’ll feel a waft you clear speed bumps and coming out of sharper corners.

Cabin insulation is alright, but there’s a slight whistling noise as the car grows in speed. We recorded the cabin noise level to be 60 dB at 60 km/h, 63 dB at 90 km/h, and 68 dB at 110 km/h.

Fuel consumption – Can be improved

Based on the calculation between distance travelled and amount of fuel filled up, the Fortuner returned 13.8 litres/100 km on a journey ranging equally split between city and highway driving. 

Conclusion – Worth taking a look

At the end of it all, the Fortuner is an ode to the basic tenets of SUVs – brutish four-wheel drive vehicles with oodles of space inside. Sure, other options exist, but typical SUVs can only dream about going to places where the Fortuner can.

That said, most Fortuners sold here won’t ever see a mud patch. And let's face it, for some, the ladder frame construction is hardly a deterrent when compared to what the rest of the car offers.

When the truth’s been told, the Fortuner more than fits your needs if you’re looking for an SUV that’s just as capable as the Toyota Land Cruiser – minus the hefty price.

Also read: Your guide to choosing the perfect 2021 Toyota Fortuner variant in Malaysia