Drive Review: Toyota Fortuner (2016) GD-6

We’ve all come to expect a certain level of class from Toyota and its products. So understandably the hype surrounding the new 2016 Toyota Fortuner has been immense. SA Car Fan recently took one for a drive to see if the Fortuner is worthy of all the praise.

I’m just going to come straight out and say it. The new Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 is phenomenal. The vehicle raises the bar in every aspect of what we’ve come to expect from South Africa’s favourite SUV.

Toyota knew the team had to raise the game, with challenges coming from Ford, and Chevrolet. The result is a spacious and very capable vehicle that’s priced right thanks to a variety of engine and drivetrain configurations the opposition just can’t match.

Moving behind the wheel, the Toyota Fortuner still has a similar look and feel as the outgoing model. But benefits from a premium update, elevating the Fortuner to new heights. While the materials and design have improved, the niceties and creature comforts remain familiar, making you feel at home.

Straight out the gate, the low-speed ride quality feels remarkably similar to the previous generation, but as speeds increase, so does the Fortuner’s confidence and abilities. Its adept at handling corners has improved remarkably, with body roll kept to a minimum.

On the open road, the Toyota is comfortable and nicely planted, while the steering feels decisive. Noise levels have also improved as very little seems to intrude into the cabin.

The driving position is still somewhat utilitarian though the tilt/telescopic steering wheel does ensure a better reach. The instrument cluster is familiar to those who’ve seen the latest Toyotas of late, though in the Fortuner, there are two blue vertical stripes that separate the large tach and speedo. The front seats are much improved with better support, especially in the bolsters and cushion.

Meanwhile, the second row still folds and tumbles in a 60/40 split. The one-touch tumble mechanism allows easier access to the third row seating. Like the previous model, it still folds to the side, but the spring loaded mechanism and rear mounted latch point makes it easier to store. The only omissions from a well equipped cabin is dual zone climate and power tailgate.

Making commuting easy and adaptable to different road conditions, thanks to its off-road credentials, the Fortuner is a usable off-road SUV. After all, it was these diverse abilities that made this car a favourite for many South Africans and the vehicle of choice when venturing into the great outdoors.

There’s no denying the Fortuner’s 4×4 heritage, and few would challenge it. What is still up for debate however, is the modern styling.

I’ll be the first to agree that styling is a personal preference, and I’m quite a fan of the ‘new look’. There are elements of crossover and a hint of Lexus design encapsulated in the new Toyota Fortuner, while the trademark floating roofline adds to the luxury profile. But there seems that some aren’t sold on the Fortuner of new and prefer the rugged, more manly style of the Fortuner of old, and that’s okay.

What is for certain, the capabilities haven’t changed and if anything, with age has meant this Toyota has just gotten better. Much like the engines.

Doing duty beneath our test car was the 2.8-litre diesel motor. Renowned for its power delivery and smoothness, this 130kW engine with 420Nm of torque has enough muscle to propel the more aerodynamic Toyota Fortuner at decent pace. It’s a hearty motor and returns an impressive figure of 7.5 litres/100km, it’s the pick of the bunch (a smaller 2.4 GD-6 is also worth a look) and the autobox does a superb job, particularly when place in charge of selecting the relevant gears off-road.

Overall, the Fortuner has come of age. Its reliability is unchallenged and its capabilities unquestioned. The Fortuner will drive Toyota into the future, although with the pricing heading to the upper end of the scale, the Land Cruiser could become an option for some.