Toyota Fortuner Review 2004 – 2022 Model Year

Introduction

The Toyota Fortuner, a mid-size SUV, has been produced by the Japanese automotive company Toyota since 2004. Built upon a similar platform as the Hilux pickup truck, it boasts 2/3 rows of seats and is accessible in either a 4-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive configuration.
The model’s practicality, reliability, and comfortable interior made it popular in various regions. Its association with Toyota’s renowned durability contributed to its appeal. The first-generation Fortuner embodied a harmonious blend of ruggedness and everyday usability.
Two generations of the Toyota Fortuner have been manufactured since 2004. The initial generation was in production from 2004 to 2015 and can be distinguished by chassis codes AN50 & AN60. The subsequent generation has been in production since 2015 and can be identified by chassis codes AN150/AN160.


2020 – 2023
Toyota Fortuner
Third Generation

Price

The Fortuner is termed as a large SUV built-in with prices starting at $31,410 as stated on BE FORWARD website in August.

Interior

The 2022 Fortuner comes with plenty of legroom and headroom for front passengers, the mid-row occupants also have enough space to accommodate average-sized adults comfortably with little shoulder jostling. The cabin is spacious and luxurious. Inside the 2022 Fortuner, you will enjoy Bluetooth connectivity, digital radio, and an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen.
Inside the 2022 Fortuner, the interior is upgraded. It has a woodgrain steering wheel and a leather accented interior. With everything in easy reach, the center console is well thought out. It’s a big improvement over the previous model and this interior is built to last over long camping trips, will go the distance, and lots of off-roading.

Engine

The 2020 – 2023 Toyota Fortuner powered by different engines sizes such as 2.7L 2TR-FE Dual VVT-i I4 (TGN156/166), and 4.0 L 1GR-FE Dual VVT-i V6 (GGN155/165) petrol engines, 2.4L 2GD-FTV D-4D turbo I4 (GUN155/165), 2.5L 2KD-FTV D-4D turbo I4 (KUN155/165), 2.8L 1GD-FTV D-4D turbo I4 (GUN156/166), 3.0L 5L-E I4 (LAN155), and 3.0L 1KD-FTV D-4D turbo I4 (KUN156/166) diesel engines. These engines are mated to a 5-speed R151/R151F manual, 6-speed RC60 manual, 5-speed A750F automatic, or 6-speed AC60E/AC60F automatic.
The new Toyota Fortuner 2023 is powered by two diesel engines are, a 2.4L engine that generates 400Nm of torque and 148hp, and a 2.8L unit that puts out 500Nm of torque and 201hp.

Fuel Economy

The 2020 – 2023 Toyota Fortuner has good fuel economy which ranges from 13.1Km/l to 15Km/l.

Other Features

The 2022 Fortuner has received a whole new look and boasts a cool-looking grille, an overall tough-looking exterior, and elongated headlights. With modern angles and looks, it’s still square-ish in shape like it means business.

Are you concerned about gas mileage? Check out this blog to find out about fuel-efficient and powerful SUVs!


GR Sport
Toyota Fortuner

2023 TOYOTA FORTUNER 2.8
white frontside
2023 TOYOTA FORTUNER 2.8
white forntside

The Toyota Fortuner GR Sport is a performance-oriented variant of the popular Toyota Fortuner SUV, designed to offer enhanced driving dynamics and sportier aesthetics. The “GR” stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s performance and motorsports division. This version typically features a more aggressive exterior design with a unique grille design, sporty accents, sometimes special badging, and distinctive alloy wheels.

Interior

The Toyota Fortuner GR Sport’s interior combines sporty elements with practicality. It typically features sport-inspired accents, distinctive badging, and unique upholstery reflecting its performance-oriented character. Upgraded materials, such as trim finishes and premium seat materials, enhance the cabin’s ambiance. While maintaining the Fortuner’s versatility and spaciousness, the GR Sport version might also include features like a sporty steering wheel design, contrast stitching, and special interior lighting elements. These enhancements provide drivers with an elevated driving experience that merges athletic styling with the functionality and comfort expected from an SUV.

Engine

Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport powered by a 2755 cc engine mated to a 6-Speed Automatic produces 204HP and 500 Nm of torque with a fuel tank capacity of 80Ltrs.

Fuel Economy

The fuel consumption for GR Sport is approximately from 9Km to 11Km/l.

Other features

Other features found in GR Sport are 7 Airbags: 2 Front, 2 Front Seat Side, 2 Side Curtains, and 1 for the Driver’s Knee Airbag, Hill Start Assist Control, Rear View Camera, Front Seat Belts, Seatbelt Reminder, Parking Sensors, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, Brake Assist, Engine Immobilizer, Speed Sensitive Door Autolock, Anti-theft Alarm, Child-Protection Door Locks and Central Locking, etc.


2015 –  2020
Toyota Fortuner Second-generation

From 2015 to the present, Toyota has been producing the second-generation Fortuner. This iteration builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while incorporating modern enhancements. The design emphasizes a more refined and aerodynamic appearance. The interior features improved materials and advanced infotainment options, enhancing comfort and connectivity. The second-generation Fortuner offers a range of powerful and efficient engine choices, providing drivers with better performance and improved fuel economy. With updated safety features and technology, this model continues to appeal to both urban and off-road driving enthusiasts.

The second-generation Toyota Fortuner, introduced in 2015 and continuing to the present, represents an evolution of the popular mid-size SUV. Built upon Toyota’s solid reputation for reliability and durability, the Fortuner was designed to meet the demands of both urban and off-road lifestyles.

The development of the second-generation Fortuner was a global effort. While the first generation was more focused on specific markets, the second generation aimed for broader international appeal. Toyota engineers and designers from various regions, including Japan, Australia, and Thailand, collaborated to create a vehicle that could tackle diverse terrains and appeal to a wide range of consumers.

Price

The Fortuner is termed as a large SUV built-in with prices starting at $16,430 as stated on BE FORWARD website in August.

Interior

In this generation, Fortuner stopped sharing the interior design with the Hilux to give a distinct character between the two. The second-generation Toyota Fortuner typically offers a seating capacity of seven passengers. This seating configuration includes two front seats, a second-row bench seat that can accommodate three passengers, and a third-row bench seat with seating for two. The third-row seats are often foldable, allowing for additional cargo space when needed

The second-generation Fortuner models are equipped with dual airbags, knee airbags, ABS, EBD, follow-me-home home headlights, a glove box with chiller function, an all-around sensor, all auto power windows along with tilt and telescopic steering wheel as standard, and digital automatic climate control. All variants have Power Mode and Eco Mode features to adjust throttle responses.

Engine

Both the Fortuner and Hilux share the engine lineups, transmission, and chassis with two new diesel engines 1GD-FTV and 2GD-FTV. The 2.7L and 4.0L petrol engines were upgraded with Dual VVT-i. The full-time 4WD system used in the previous generation has been phased out and replaced by a part-time 4WD system.

Other engines found in this generation are 2.4L 2GD-FTV D-4D turbo I4 (GUN155/165), 2.5L 2KD-FTV D-4D turbo I4 (KUN155/165), 2.8L 1GD-FTV D-4D turbo I4 (GUN156/166), 3.0L 5L-E I4 (LAN155), and 3.0L 1KD-FTV D-4D turbo I4 (KUN156/166) diesel engine. Both engines mated to a 5-speed R151/R151F manual, 6-speed RC60 manual, 5-speed A750F automatic, or 6-speed AC60E/AC60F automatic. This generation comes with a fuel tank capacity of 80Ltrs.

Fuel Economy

The mileage of the Toyota Fortuner second generation with a petrol engine ranges between 10Km/l – 10.3Km/l and the mileage of the Toyota Fortuner second generation with a diesel engine ranges between 14.27Km/l – 14.4Km/l.

Other features

The 2nd generation Fortuner features the “Keen Look” design language that has already been used on the Toyota Corolla (E170) with LED daytime running lights and slim projector headlights. 

On 4th June 2020, the facelifted Fortuner was introduced to the Thailand market. The VRZ in Malaysia, LTD in the Philippines, Diamond in South America, and Black Onyx in Russia (known as Legender flagship sub-model) were introduced to replace the Thailand market TRD Sportivo model. The VRZ grade is powered with different headlight units from the standard grades and different front and back bumper designs which are designed to be in line with Toyota crossover SUVs. It also comes with interior ambient lighting, 20-inch wheels, 2-tone leather seats, a set of Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems, and a JBL sound system.

The Toyota Fortuner second generation exterior has been described as more slim-looking, featuring slim headlights with a bi-beam LED projector as an option and blacked-out D-pillars for a “floating roof” look. Toyota designers drew inspiration from their own Land Cruiser Prado heritage and Land Cruiser, as a means of differentiating the Toyota Fortuner from competing body-on-frame SUV rivals.

The second-generation Toyota Fortuner presents an array of benefits for drivers seeking a versatile and capable SUV. Its refined design combines urban sophistication with off-road prowess, catering to various lifestyles. With seating for seven passengers and modern amenities, it suits both family trips and daily commutes.

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2004 –  2014
Toyota Fortuner First-generation

2014 TOYOTA FORTUNER  white frontside
2014 TOYOTA FORTUNER backside white

Price

The Fortuner is termed as a large SUV built-in with prices starting at $8,900 as stated on BE FORWARD website in August.

2014 TOYOTA FORTUNER interior driving sheet
2014 TOYOTA FORTUNER interior back sheet

Interior

The interior of the Toyota Fortuner first-generation offers a comfortable and functional design. It features well-appointed seating, ample cabin space, and a range of amenities for both drivers and passengers. The dashboard is thoughtfully laid out, incorporating user-friendly controls and instrumentation. Depending on the trim level, the interior may include features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, power-adjustable seats, and various storage compartments.
The dashboard design, comfort, and seating levels all are better than some other Toyota models like Surf, 4Runner, and Hilux. The dashboard is made up of some tough surfaces and hard plastics. An upper trim such as Fortuner Crusade comes with package seats like luxurious leather.
Overall, the first-generation Toyota Fortuner’s interior provides a pleasant driving and riding experience.

Engine

The initial Toyota Fortuner first generation was developed in Thailand through the collaborative efforts of Thai and Japanese engineers. Its updated iteration, along with the Innova models and Hilux, underwent design in Australia under the supervision of Toyota Australia. This branch also took charge of the development of the second-generation model. The Toyota Fortuner first generation was available with 4 different types of engines: 2 petrol and 2 diesel options. All variants were provided in either Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) or 4×4 configuration, paired with a 4 or 5-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. An enhancement was made in August 2012, to the 2.5L common-rail turbodiesel 2KD-FTV engine. It was upgraded to feature a variable nozzle turbocharger (VNT), similar to the one already equipped in the 3.0L common-rail turbo diesel 1KD-FTV since its introduction in 2005.

Depending on the country of sale a number of engine options are available, including a 2TR-FE 2.7L and 1GR-FE V6 4.0L petrol with Variable Valve Timing and 2KD-FTV 2.5L and 1KD-FTV 3.0L common rail variable geometry turbocharger diesel models

Fuel Economy

The fuel consumption of the first-generation Toyota Fortuner differs depending on the transmission, specific engine, and driving conditions. On average, the diesel engine options tended to offer better fuel efficiency compared to the petrol engines. The 2.5L common-rail turbodiesel engine. However, the fuel efficiency figures could range from around 10 to 14 kilometers per liter for diesel engines, and slightly lower for petrol engines.

Other Features

In July 2008 a Fortuner received a minor redesign. This model features new rear lights, Bluetooth connectivity, a new light sand interior, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat in the 4×4 V model, new projector headlights, a new grille, and the rear air conditioning vents relocated to the ceiling for the second and 3rd-row which were originally located on the sides. Optional features were Electronic Brake Force Distribution with Brake Assist and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) which was introduced for the first time on the Fortuner. The newly redesigned headlights and front grille styling resemble those of the Land Cruiser 200 Series.
Other features are like Vehicle Stability Control System, Traction Control, Crash Sensor, Driver Airbag, Anti-Lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Child Safety Locks, etc

Once you push the Toyota Fortuner first generation expect to get these advantages such as Off-Road capability, Spacious Interior and Versatile Seating and towing capacity.


Why Toyota Fortuner is popular in India and the Philippines?

Toyota Fortuner is so popular in India because of its Reliability and safety With an impeccable  two frontal airbags and high-quality build, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, Brake Assist, Child-Protection Door Locks make people love this car and it is a family car and for a long trip  

Another reason why is so popular is its Looks & Features, In this Fortuner, comes with advanced features like 7 Airbags: 2 Front, 2 Front Seat Side, 2 Side Curtains, and 1 for the Driver’s Knee Airbag,  Hill Start Assist Control, Rear View Camera, etc make s people believe when they are in they are safe and the appearance is attractive by having a  LED DRLs, Bi-LED projector headlamps, and chrome grille, Toyota’s Fortuner feels and looks premium

While in the Philippines, Fortuner gets Popularity due to its Affordable service, in the automobile industry Toyota has one of the most affordable service costs, due to the engines being so reliable it is very rare that something goes wrong.

Another is Resale value, this makes the Fortuner so popular because Toyota’s resale value is significantly higher than any other brand in the Philippines.


Final Verdict

Fortuner is still a good partner for off-road driving which comes with a package of luxury, comfortability, and off-road capability that offers a good fuel economy.

When you drive Fortuner, especially the 2022 Fortuner you feel like you own your own world. The Fortuner still is the best SUV in the Toyota lineup. Fortuner is the vehicle to partner with for all your needs. Feel free to visit BE FORWARD for a wide selection of used Toyota Fortuners listed for sale.

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Written by: Josephat Lukaza

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