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Our time with the Toyota Fortuner has come to an end. After our long-term review, it’s obvious the low volume Fortuner is worthy of greater consideration.

 

We were fortunate enough to subject the Fortuner GXL to every possible driving situation with the exception of towing (our tester wasn’t equipped with a tow pack).

 

During our loan, we were able to assess the Fortuner as a daily driver, family transporter, long-range cruiser and off-road explorer. It was easily able to meet all the driving situations we subjected it to, but it’s worth reminding prospective owners, there are compromises.

 

Compromise is a necessary evil for any model pitched as an all-rounder. Equipping the Fortuner with off-road ability does impact slightly on daily comfort. It’s not a deal-breaker, but the Fortuner isn't as plush as SUVs like the CX-9 or Santa Fe which are designed for the road.

 

In reality, the Fortuner is a car for those who regularly enjoy their outdoor leisure pursuits. If getting off the beaten track isn't part of your lifestyle, it makes more sense to look elsewhere.

 

On the other hand, if you're the sort of buyer found in generic SUV advertisements, the Fortuner could be the one.

 

When compared to off-road rivals like the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, the Fortuner presents a reasonably compelling case for purchase.

 

It’s the same story when compared to other Toyota SUVs. The Fortuner is incredible value when shopped against the Prado. It’s also far more usable as a daily driver when compared to the popular HiLux which uses the same mechanical package.

 

The majority of our criticism of the Fortuner centred on its lack of safety tech, this issue has been addressed by Toyota as part of the MY20 update. The Fortuner now comes with autonomous emergency braking with day and night pedestrian detection, and daytime cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, high-speed active cruise control and road sign recognition.

 

Unfortunately, the Fortuner is still anchored to Toyota’s older maintenance regimen. Service intervals are set at an inconvenient six months or 10,000km (whatever comes first). For a modern family car, intervals under 12 months/15,000km are impossible to legitimise.

  

Toyota does save some face with a competitive capped-price service program that caps the Fortuner’s first six doses of fresh oil at $250 each.

 

Under Toyota’s new warranty provisions the Fortuner gets five-year, unlimited kilometre coverage, which extends to seven years for the engine and transmission if owners stick to the servicing schedule.

 

There is a place for the Fortuner in Toyota’s portfolio, it’s something of a market anomaly that it doesn’t sell in larger numbers. Those looking for a versatile, seven-seat SUV would be remiss not to at least test drive it. Those shopping for a Prado should also give it a look, perhaps there’s some money to be saved.

 

 

Price from $50,790 plus on-road costs Engine 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel Power 130kW @ 3400rpm Torque 450Nm @ 1600-2400rpm Transmission six-speed automatic Combined Fuel Consumption 8.6L/100km Tank Capacity 80L Length 4795mm Width 1855mm Height 1835mm Wheelbase 2750mm Kerb Weight 2110kg Ground Clearance 225mm Turning Circle 11.6m Wading Depth 700mm Service Intervals 6 months or 10,000km Warranty five-year/unlimited kilometre