The Toyota Fortuner has always played second fiddle to the HiLux in Australia, despite sharing its rugged DNA. But does this off-road-focused seven-seater have enough going for it in 2025? Let’s dive into its design, cabin, and what’s under the hood.
Table of Contents
Exterior – Tough, But Aging
At first glance, the Fortuner still looks the part—chunky, high-riding, and unmistakably Toyota. It has that ‘mini Land Cruiser’ vibe, with a bold grille, swept-back LED headlights, and a muscular stance. The Crusade trim gets bi-LED headlights and 18-inch alloys, which add a bit of premium appeal, but overall, the design hasn’t changed much since its last major update in 2020.
It’s not as polished as newer rivals like the Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X, but if you prefer a no-nonsense, go-anywhere look, the Fortuner delivers.
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Interior – Functional, But Feels Dated
Inside, the Fortuner takes a different approach from its HiLux sibling, with more SUV-like touches. The dashboard gets soft-touch materials, stitched elements, and a more upright center console that blends elements from both the HiLux and Prado. The Crusade model gets leather-accented seats and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, but there’s no escaping its old-school feel—especially with the manual handbrake and clunky gated shifter still hanging around.
Tech-wise, the 8.0-inch infotainment system runs Toyota’s older software with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s easy to use but lags behind the Everest’s slicker interface. At least there are physical buttons for climate control, which some buyers will appreciate.
Rear space is decent but not class-leading. The second row offers good legroom but tighter headroom compared to some rivals. The third row is strictly for kids, and because the seats fold up to the sides instead of flat, they eat into cargo space when not in use.
Engine & Performance – Reliable But Not Exciting
Under the hood, the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel soldiers on, producing 150kW and 500Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic. It’s the same powertrain as the HiLux and Prado, so it’s proven and durable, but also starting to feel its age compared to the Everest Bi-Turbo.
Driving the Fortuner is much like driving a HiLux—heavy steering, a bit of diesel clatter, and a rugged feel. It’s fine for highway cruising, but steering can feel vague, and it’s not the most refined SUV out there. However, its off-road ability is a real highlight. With a full-time 4WD system, rear diff lock, and 700mm wading depth, it’s a strong performer on rough terrain.
Fuel economy is claimed at 7.6L/100km, but in real-world mixed driving, expect closer to 9.9L/100km.
FAQs
1. Is the Toyota Fortuner good for city driving?
It’s manageable but not the easiest in tight spaces due to its heavy steering and ladder-frame construction. The Crusade trim’s 360-degree camera helps, though.
2. How does the Fortuner compare to the Ford Everest?
The Everest feels more refined and tech-laden, while the Fortuner is tougher and more off-road-focused. If you want comfort and modern tech, go Everest. If you want durability, Fortuner still holds up.
3. What’s the towing capacity?
The Fortuner can tow up to 3100kg, slightly less than the Everest (3500kg).
4. Will there be a new Toyota Fortuner soon?
A new-gen Fortuner is expected within the next few years, likely switching to Toyota’s TNGA-F platform for better refinement and tech.
Final Thoughts
The Fortuner remains a solid, capable off-roader, but it’s starting to feel outdated compared to fresher rivals. If you need something reliable and rugged, it still makes sense—but if refinement and modern tech are priorities, you might want to wait for the next-gen model.
Author- Ayush
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