Is a Toyota Fortuner a 4x4

By: Suraj Viswanathan

July 9,2019

3 min read

3263

Tags:

Toyota Fortuner 2019 Review

Toyota Fortuner 2019

Introduction

Built on the same rugged body-on-frame architecture as the fabled Hilux pickup truck, the Toyota Fortuner is one of the undisputed stalwarts in its segment. The Fortuner was first introduced back in late 2004, and since then, it has proven its mettle by becoming one of the most successful and fastest-selling cars from the Japanese marque. In a market such as the UAE, four-by-fours (often referred to as 4x4s) are one of the most competitive yet profitable genres in the mass-market passenger vehicle category — a sector where automakers such as Toyota perform really well. Now in its second-generation incarnation, the new Toyota Fortuner is available in three variants, all of which are equipped with a selectable four-wheel-drive (4WD) system. So in essence, all Toyota Fortuners that are currently sold in the region are 4x4s.

Variants and Engine Specifications

The three variants of the new Toyota Fortuner include:

EXR - Entry-level variant
GXR - Mid-tier variant
VXR - Range-topping variant

Of these, the base variant costs AED 114,900 and comes equipped with a naturally-aspirated 2.7-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 160hp and 245Nm of maximum torque. This is managed by a 6-speed automatic transmission and sent to all four corners using the selectable 4WD system. While all variants of the Fortuner come with seven seats, the four-pot motor in the EXR variant feels rather lethargic and isn’t quite the right powerplant for such a large and heavy SUV.

Performance Metrics

The four-cylinder engine struggles to achieve the claimed 12.4 L/100 km fuel efficiency, as it has been tasked with moving something that’s evidently too much for it to handle easily, with the run from 0-100 km/h requiring 12.0 seconds to complete, while top speed stands at 180 km/h.

Higher Variants

Meanwhile, the 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine that’s under the hood of the GXR and VXR variants is capable of developing 235hp and 376Nm of torque. It’s matched to the same 6-speed automatic transmission found in the entry-level car, though it has been tweaked slightly to handle the change in engine output.

The larger mill increases fuel consumption, now averaging around 12.6 L/100 km, but the benefits reveal themselves when you step on the accelerator. Now finally with a powerplant to match its bulk, the Fortuner V6 pulls with determination — sprinting to the ton mark in approximately 9.0 seconds or so, and posting a top speed of 187 km/h.

Off-Road Capabilities

To keep it tracking straight and true off the beaten path, Toyota boffins have fitted the new Fortuner with:

Locking rear differential with auto disconnect feature
Double wishbone front and Multi-link independent rear suspension
Driver-selectable low-range mode for the 4WD system

Moreover, the new Fortuner boasts impressive off-road specifications, including:

Water wading depth of 700mm
Lateral lean angle of 40 degrees
Approach angle of 30 degrees
Departure angle of 25 degrees
Ramp break-over angle of 23.5 degrees

Overall, all of these off-road gadgetries come together quite well when you’re taking the Fortuner to your favorite trail — though its elder siblings perform that much better and for obvious reasons.