Toyota Fortuner: There are SUVs—and then there’s the Toyota Fortuner. It’s been the go-to option for years for motorists who don’t want a car that simply takes on the road, but owns it.
Politicians and captains of industry, hardcore off-roaders and the rest; the Fortuner has been something all have had to grudgingly respect.
And now, in 2025, it still rules the segment, not just in brute power, but with a little more finesse.
But the competition has become stiffer than ever. Now that we have a number of players being introduced in this space including fresh blood such as the MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq and the Jeep Meridian that offer a whole lot of kit, is the Fortuner still worth its asking price?
Design: Tough Love with a Little Bit of Class
The overall design language of the Fortuner hasn’t changed significantly over the years – and in truth it didn’t need to.
The SUV is still brutal, macho and unapologetically big. The 2019 model receives some cosmetic updates, including slimmer LED headlamps, even more sculptural front grille and chunkier alloy wheels, further bolstering its commanding presence on the road.
The Fortuner looks at home whether it’s parked outside a five-star hotel, or crawling up a rocky trail. That’s the sort of versatility few SUVs can lay claim to.
Inside: Beyond the Rough and Tumble
Climb into the Fortuner and there is a noticeable hike in quality and layout. The dashboard now gets a more upmarket feel courtesy the soft-touch materials, faux wood inserts and leather upholstery which have been used throughout the cabin.
That 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the interface isn’t the most cutting-edge we’ve seen.
Its cabin space is really what sets Chevy’s seven-passenger seated SUV apart: It seats up to seven people with ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for a family of seven.
Sure, the cabin might not be as futuristic as some competitors, but what it lacks in glitz, it gains in durability and utility.
Performance: Muscle Bound, but Easygoing
Under the hood, the Fortuner is still powered by its reliable 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine which delivers a heavy 204 PS and 500 Nm output (for the automatic variant).
Wherever you are — overtaking traffic on highways or crawling through difficult terrain — the power is never found wanting.
There is a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission to choose from, and the 4×4 is obviously where the magic happens. Hill hold, downhill assist, electronic differential lock — it’s all here.
For an SUV, the Fortuner actually handles quite well, given its size. The ride is taut, but not punishing, and high-speed stability is rock solid.
Just as long, however, as you don’t expect sedan-style cornering — this beast is bred for power, not pirouettes.
Features & Safety: All the Stuff You Want, None You Don’t
The Fortuner isn’t the type to be filled with gimmicks, but gets a few basics right:
7 airbags
Vehicle stability control
Hill hold and traction control
Cruise control
Powered tailgate
JBL sound system (on higher trims)
Connected car features
It’s a feature set that works, oriented toward solid reliability rather than flash.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Bomber-proof durability with low maintenance
Commanding road presence
Powerful diesel motor that delivers great torque
Real off-road performance with 4×4 option
Spacious, practical interior
Resale value is unmatched
Cons
Expensive compared to rivals
Not particularly comfortable on rough roads
Doesn’t have some of the latest gadgets such as ADAS and panoramic sunroof
Petrol powertrain is not on the offing anymore
Toyota Fortuner: Closing Thoughts- The Legend Continues
The Toyota Fortuner may not be the most glamorous SUV on the block, but it offers a degree of reassurance that very few others can provide.
It’s gritty, it’s dependable, and it has an undeniable road presence that demands respect everywhere it flexes.
Yes it’s expensive – and yes, some of its competitors offer more frills and features – but all lack that heritage, trust and sheer ability of the Fortuner. If you’re after an SUV that will outlast trends and topography, the Fortuner is still the one to beat.
