We recently spent a few days driving the Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4×4 6AT. This derivative is a fairly recent addition to Toyota’s already extensive Fortuner line-up. Here are seven things we learned while driving the new addition to the range.

Click here to read our review of the recently launched Hyundai Santa Fe SUV.

  1. Fortuners are extremely popular. It is impossible to undertake any journey without seeing at least half a dozen similar vehicles to the one we were piloting. We just can’t work out why such a large percentage of owners opt for white as the exterior colour option. Toyota’s options list reveals that there are six other hues to choose from. Go figure…
  2. It is a high and large vehicle. Our resident reviewer is under average height, which means he had to use the side step to enter the cabin. That’s not really a problem, but something worth considering if you aren’t a beanpole. At nearly 4,8 metres, total vehicle length can also be a bit intimidating at first. Thankfully a reversing camera helps to acclimatize and make parking a little less nerve-wracking.
  3. Speaking of the total length, all Fortuners have seven seats as standard. However, the rear-most pair takes up place in the boot area. Trying to remove them was not easy as the individual chairs are not lightweight. We wonder why Toyota has not developed a system whereby the rear seats fold into the floor, as is the case with many rival products.
  4. The 2,4-litre turbodiesel engine has oodles of torque. With 400 N.m of twist effort available from just 1 600 r/min, this model has plenty of low-down pull. Toyota claims a frugal 8,2 litres of diesel burned for every 100 km travelled, a very believable figure.
  5. Standard specification is high. There is keyless entry, leather interior (a warm, mocha colour in the test unit), multi-information display, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port and cruise control are just some of the modern conveniences.
  6. The steering system has been revised for the better. We’ve driven many examples of the older Fortuner and the steering system felt disconnected and required much twirling to make any significant direction change. In the new model, the helm is far more direct and precise.
  7. This model is extremely good value. While researching for this piece we compared prices of other seven-seat SUVs. If you are in the market for a seven-seat, automatic SUV that has real off-road capability, then this model is very difficult to beat. That takes us back to our first point and explains why there are so many Fortuners on SA roads.

Summary

Toyota regularly leads the charge when it comes to SUV/bakkie sales. The company generates monthly sales figures with the Fortuner that some manufacturers would love to register as yearly numbers.

When you look at the widespread of offerings there really is an option for all tastes. Adding the Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4×4 6AT to the line-up presents another very attractive option for buyers… now if only they’d starting choosing other colours for their Fortuners.

Model: Toyota Fortuner 2,4 GD-6 4×4 6AT

Engine: 2,4-litre turbocharged, inline four

Transmission: six-speed auto, 4WD

Max power: 110 kW

Max torque: 400 N.m

Top speed: 170 km/h

0-100 km/h: 12,7 sec

Fuel consumption: 8,2 L/100 km