Launch Drive: Toyota Fortuner (2016) range

The new 2016 Toyota Fortuner arrives in South Africa to take on the more expensive Ford Everest. We drive it at launch.

What is it?

Toyota Fortuner needs no introduction. Brought to the South African market in 2005, it is responsible for popularizing the off-road SUV genre with nearly 100 000 units sold and to this day remains the quintessential family choice for those with a penchant for the outdoors.

Priced between Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Prado, new 2016 Toyota Fortuner resumes the fight with competitors like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Everest, and when strongly backed by Toyota’s largest ever investment, you can be sure that Toyota is not resting on its laurels and is bullish about its chances of selling more than 1000 units a month.

What’s it like?

Fair to say not much, besides the digital clock, has made the migration from old Toyota Fortuner into its successor. This is among the most radical transformations Toyota has ever undertaken of its trusted formula with sharp lines and chrome garnish pushing the Fortuner further upmarket to the extent that it might just make Toyota Prado looks over its shoulder.

The styling does take some getting used to and that element of urban life has rubbed off, changing its appearance from conservative to dramatic. Width is up by 15mm and length by 90mm and while that bigger footprint doesn’t translate directly into toughness, new Toyota Fortuner looks agile and lean no matter what lies in its path.

Underneath the fancy dress which makes telling the base model apart from the flagship an exercise of keen judgment, a stiffened chassis with smarter electronics and efficient engines are the cumulative results of a well researched customer.

Inevitably there are some similarities with Hilux, particularly in the engines and gearboxes which feature a Power or Eco mode and on the 2.8 GDX, manual, smoother shifts are provided through rev match – weirdly you can switch this off…

The 2.8-litre GDX diesel with 130kW and 450Nm in either manual or auto is tipped to become the volume seller while petrol options are consigned to a 2.7-litre petrol and the supposed flagship 4.0-litre petrol with 175kW and 376Nm in 4×4 automatic  A 2.4-litre turbo diesel with 110kW and 400Nm is the hidden gem but because there is no 4×4 and automatic option, probably won’t get the attention it deserves. Towing capacity on all models has improved.

Access to the 7-seater interior via the standard keyless entry reveals a cabin that is softer than a Hilux and less intimidating than a Prado. Cloth seats are fitted to the base models but brown leather, to match the wood grain, looks smart and is supremely comfortable on the higher models. While a new multimedia screen it neatly integrates between swathes of leather, Fortuner has chosen not to take the fight to Everest on a technological front and at a minimum we would have expected dual zone climate in the top models.

Another decision borne out of tight strategizing is that only the 4.0-litre petrol model comes with a power tailgate and navigation but Toyota South Africa could broaden the specification if demand requires it.

Gusting wind conditions typical of the Western Cape caused some difficulty in assessing on-road refinement and stability but we did find the suspension was wound up to jiggle its occupants to the point where Fortuner is no longer quite that far ahead of Hilux in ride comfort. Overall we were slightly disappointed with how it soaked up bumps.

Should I buy one?

Fortuner is cleverly priced rather than being an outright segment innovator and leader. It avoids confrontation where it would lose to Everest’s superior ride and gadgetry but successfully tramples older outdated models from Chevrolet, Mitsubishi and Nissan. With the largest dealer network and a strong demand in the second hand market, it relies on established credentials to stay ahead.

 Pricing: Toyota Fortuner

2.4 GD-6 Raised Body Manual: R436 400

2.4 GD-6 Raised Body Automatic: R453 400

2.7 VVT-i Raised Body Automatic: R429 400

2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Manual: R513 400

2.8 GD-6 4×4 Manual: R571 400

2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Automatic: R531 400

2.8 GD-6 4×4 Automatic: R589 400

4.0 V6 4×4 Automatic: R633 400

All retail prices include a three-year/100 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan.