We just ordered one specifically because we want an off-road vehicle that can also be a daily driver in the city. Also the longevity of Toyota components means we can keep it for a long time knowing it’s going to be reliable.
@@pedrolopez7038 absolutely ridiculous. After my dad bought a 2010 prado, I fell in love with them. He was lucky enough to buy one in very good condition with a couple extras like bull bar and tow bar for $21,000 Aud. The same car without the bull bar or any extras + more klm/miles on the clock is now as I've found a minimum of $30,000
@@thedrummerdamo I tested drive a fortuner because I liked them but then drove the prado! Massive difference! But the price gap is big too! I don’t think i can afford the prado 🤣 so fortuner will be
Same in Indonesia, same goes for Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. It is almost as if the whole ladder frame SUV market in Indonesia is heavily cartelized by both Toyota and Mitsubishi
Here in the Philippines, there are 5 variants of the fortuner, and the 3 higher end models have wireless Qi charging pad below the center console. The two top variants are called LTD which have 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, with the 4x4 LTD being the top model. Other countries like in malaysia and thailand, the top spec variant they have is called the Legender.
The official "Get out the way" mobile in South East Asia. Anyways, I kinda find it weird that Australia doesn't get a 360° Camera, considering other countries (including my country, Indonesia) get such features.
@@CarExpertAus also I noticed this Fortuner has a 5-link rear suspension I believe? I don't understand why Toyota Australia chose this setup, considering the fact that other countries get a 4-link setup, hence, a more comfortable ride (though still harsh at certain times).
@@vitoaditya8337 Not sure how true it is, but over here in South Africa we also have the 5 link setup. When I asked a Toyota representative, he explained that in SA and Australia their customers want more off road capable set ups, hence we have those. I always take everything I hear with a pince of salt, but just sharing what I've heard.
Here in myanmar, people see Fortuners as a vehicle that transports monks but are absolutely reckless drivers. I own a Land Cruiser (2013 ZX), and people much rather appreciate even an old Land Cruiser over a brand new Fortuner.
I watch your videos from Africa, Angola 🇦🇴 and we have A LOT of Hiluxs and Fortuners around here! Me and my dad both drive Hilux and my mom drives a Fortuner. In my country we are mostly Toyota lovers no doubt!
perfect car for the 3rd world plus 3rd world militia and insurgents love them as well, very good cheap warwagon, if the taliban were driving nissan navarras, afghanistan might still be safe
That’s interesting - here in South Africa, the Fortuner has historically been a major seller in this segment. Increasingly, other cars like the Ford and Mitsubishi are becoming more common on the roads.
Yeah, Fortuners are everywhere. It's a game for me to try spot a MUX or Pajero sport. I wonder why South Africans are obsessed with the Fortuner? They are also the most hijacked car I believe.
Still very uncomfortable ride even if it is 2022. I have a Wildtrak Ford 2019 and a Fortuner 2021 and man has Ford improved comfort wise . You will have butt bricks if you commute in a Fortuner without any u cushion haha. Also from South Africa.
I've had one since 2016. Had a few issues with the DPF at 70,000 kms. initially but got fixed with a new DPF and an upgraded software. Since then my family has done 350,000 kms in it. It's been to the snow, the mountains, crossed rivers, done a lot of beach driving, freeway, offroading on its stock form. So far I've only changed tyres, oil, filters, and brake pads. That's it. I tried to trade it in with a Prado last June but after testing the 2021 Prado, I didn't think the Prado was an upgrade. I thought the prado was heavy and underpowered (they have exactly the same engine). I never felt so happy going back to the Fortuner. I hope this helps.
Thanks again Paul for your excellent analysis. Your conclusion re looking in preference at the Everest or Pajero Sport is the decision we are now making. Test drove the Sport today and will drive the Everest next week. Your reviews have helped us toward our decision. Thanks mate!
The Everest drives well but Troll Facebook groups for all 3, Everest has the most ‘issues’ comments, with a distant second being the Pajero Sport and with nearly no issues it’s the Fortuner. I have almost write off the Everest because of it, I’m ok going to dealers for regular service - which notably is more regular with a Fortuner - but I don’t need all the issues. PS seems ok but has some niggles according to owner experiences.
My son and I tested the interior of all the 7 seat ute-based off-roaders. We were especially interested in the 3rd row (which is almost the entire point of buying one!!!). What we found was the Toyota was the worst. The most important thing for comfort is some height between the seat base and the floor. If it's almost flush there is no way to actually sit on the seat. Your thighs make a steep angle up. Only the Ford and Isuzu were somewhat comfortable. This also includes the Holden by default, but that's no longer in production. I also didn't like the price or DPF issues from Toyota. The Ford was mostly fine. But too expensive and requires ad-blue. This is a hidden extra fuel cost. We finally opted for the Isuzu MU-X as it ticked all the boxes (quality, reliability, price, comfort, resale value). That was 2 years ago and no regrets. Love it.
Hi Paul , have you thought about doing a night time test of the cars headlights that you test ? Because each car headlights are different and it would make you stand out from the other car reviewers .
Every three row vehicle from Toyota in the 90's and early 2000's (except the Sequoia, Highlander and Sienna) had that feature, including the Lexus models. Even today, the Toyota Land Cruiser (200 series) and Lexus LX still have their third rows like that. I have no idea why they wouldn't change it.
i think the reason why toyota improves the hilux but not the fortuner is because the fortuner is designed primarily for developing countries while the hilux is more of a global model. in developing countries, all it takes for the fortuner to sell is the name itself, which is considered as a status symbol. so toyota didn't bother spending extra on improvements bcos they can easily get away with it. I have a 2010 model fortuner, and the improvements when they launched the new one at 2016 weren't all that significant (even local reviewers in my country agree with this)
tbh not even americans have good luck with the 4runner that they have. Toyota is simply not updating it because of reasons and because their pickups seem to be more popular
I believe if you remove seats 6 & 7 from the vehicle, the cargo space becomes larger than that of the Prado. (Note: In Victoria, VicRoads needs to be advised its then a 5 seater.)
@@anthonyramdin1037 Everyone loves Mitsubishi automobiles. Ever wonder what the three diamonds are? They are the blades of airplane propellers. The same company that made the infamous Zero used to spearhead the attack on Pearl Harbor- is on American roads today. If you don't hold the corporations and their owners accountable, you certainly can't count on the "market" to do it. Plus bad reliability I'm those cars.
I think the problem of the fortuners is always the ride comfort, those suspensions are crap since the day it launched, and plus the weird third row seats.
Only Toyota fanboys appreciate the Fortuner regardless of what the competition is offering. The ride is legendary, it got me almost puking despite the fact that it was driven on paved roads.
The revised setup is supposed to be a notable improvement, only a test drive will tell. I guess there is always aftermarket, fox or old man emu are apparently good.
Cracking review! I own a 2017, and it's been okay for me. But sometimes, I have it in the back of my head that I should have bought the Pajero Sport instead. Since Toyota has improved the Hilux but not the Fortuner, do you think the Hilux is more comfortable now than the Fortuner?
I looked at all the models and test drove most the new fortuner is a much better car then the pajero sport. The Everest build quality is laughable and the vibration through the accelerator I couldn't live a week with and the mux although a nice car was so dated it was like buying a 10 year old car. And the new mux coming looks like a great wall =/
PS is better value for money. Has a much better 4wd system which is the biggest differentiator and there are no known issues with it. I just sold mine :(
Think your right and great to hear issue free experience, FB groups have identified some issues with the PS but not nearly as often as on the Everests. There is literally next to no issues being reported with Fortuners, typical Toyota, less innovative but it’ll work.
@@marcusj4467 the earlier before the refresh models have dpf issues for hilux fortuner and prado. I'd avoid those. Hopefully it's fixed in this refresh.
This rear seat set up is better because I don’t use so I can easy take it off. Other way leaves you with a hole and hard for rear draw system. This car is better for Turing and 4x4 than a Pajero sport. If I want a family car I’ll get the kluger. I need it more 4x4 than family suv
Have a 3 year old Crusade which I love driving. Weighing up the new bells and whistles I don’t think I would upgrade at present for the changeover cost. Removing the 3rd row does give you heaps more room, but removing them is a big job. Great honest review mate 👍
Be very careful about removing seats … in most states that is ( believe it or not) a vehicle modification that may require a ( expensive) engineer’s certificate. Furthermore check your insurance policy carefully because some insurers e.g. Suncorp simply refuse to cover a ‘modified’ vehicle.
@@geoffharrower2845 did that and no problems. Personally, I wouldn't touch Suncorp with a burning stick. My insurer is ok with a ARB Smartbar and roof Pod etc.
@@geoffharrower2845 i found with NRMA,their policies are too expensive and then you pay the same amount for the car being insured for less as time goes on
So I've got the lowest specs basic Fortuner because it was (most probably) the only new car without an ipad in 2021. The low-spec is all manual - 5MT, no assistants and whatnot, so I can drive a real car, not a computer that drives a car. No wireless updates, no modern glitchy slow stuff, only me and the mud. 🤘
Fortuner is an overpriced crap. My dad owns it and very happy with his car. But yeah, in my opinion, the car interior is not well built, with overwhelming amount of low quality plastics and bad faux leather.
This is literally the vehicle I have been researching this week against the PS, mate you are a mind reader, two for two! Can’t wait to see if you think it’s worth the extra $$ for that Toyota durability (feeling).
@@marcusj4467 Paul did a review on the ps a while back, idk if you saw it already. I have a 2.5 l triton so I can testify of their mits reliability and I also have a 120 series prado which is also reliable but with Toyota they are very overpriced and severely lacking in features compared to mits
I had five good years out of my toyota fortuner did everything I wanted it to and yes you do get use to a vehicle and got use to the ride and the seat practically but did remove the third row as I didn’t use it and it did hamper the cargo area but I would still buy another as I did like mine but alas I have gone green and just taken delivery of my rav 4 hybrid!!!
16:46 Just a correction; it shouldn't be driven on sealed surfaces in 4wd, as you know. Good review though, I'm a fan of the interior in the Fortuner, would be nice if the Hilux borrowed some of the more luxurious features.
I notices that too; I think he meant to say 'on unsealed surfaces'. Sometimes this happens when you memorize a speech and want to deliver it under pressure. I once mentioned Crows as being 'the only mammals that can recognize themselves in the mirror', by missing the 'non-' ! :)))
Isn't the reason for the larger Toyota logo is to accomodate/hide the radar unit for the (radar) cruise control? Isn't the radar unit mounted behind the logo?
Hi Paul, do you think the ride on the Fortuner is acceptable compared to its peers (PS, Everest)? I understand vehicles in this segment won’t ride as good as a monocoque SUV,
Fortuner also lacks in the refinement (noisy, harsh ride) and technology segment (still sticking to 6 speed auto vs 10 speed in everest and 8 speed in pajero). Toyota needs to bring in more aesthetics too to make it look more modern and attractive on the outside and offer more features and tech on the inside. Overall not a great value for money
The Fortuner is too compact to have 3rd row seats. For that price, just get the hilux. It's more practical or spend a little more and get a Prado or a proper Land Cruiser.
to be fair, most 4wds even those with flat folding can have the third row seat easily removed. i've seen prados, mu-xs, and colorado 7/trailblazers set up without 3rd row seats.
i like for being 2WD all the time and 4WD when we see fit. saves fuel and wear of parts. but probably not for someone who likes outsourcing the 4WD mode to engineers.
This is actually the first time I've seen that the Fortruner isn't that popular. Here in SA on the other hand...pretty much every suburban mom owns one. The hilux and the fortuner share almost the same reputation here in SA
Finally! I've been waiting for this review of this top-spec model, some other Aussie car reviewers only just reviewed the GX and GXL models of the Fortuner. Thanks a lot Paul and the CarExpert team! Watching from the Philippines. 👍🙂🇵🇭
Just purchased a Crusade model. I think bang for buck, it's definitely up there in terms of value, not something you normally get with Toyota products. Definitely a vehicle that slots in between the Kluger (which I know is not a serious off roader) and a Prado wagon. I found the engine is quite punchy for a medium large capacity 4 cylinder Diesel, and well matched to the 6 speed Aisin transmission putting the power to the wheels very well without to much loss. Time will tell with reliability, but I'm confident with Toyota's near perfect record that it should be ok. I do wished that the GR Sport model which is currently only sold in Thailand was available here in Australia with the more powerful 165kw 550NM version of the 2.8 litre engine. Probably not enough volume of Fortune's being sold here at present. I would guess in the not distant future a Hybrid version may also come out.
I found your review negative from the start, which was disappointing. Also if you’ve never seen third row seats like that you must’ve been born yesterday. Overall very negative vibe from your review. You recommend the Ford Everest yet the Ford Ranger derived vehicles have many reliability issues which should be taken into account. Just want to point out I don’t own a Fortuner, just my view on your review.
I had a 2015 Everest (my first choice) that turned out to be a lemon, so I changed to the 2016 Crusade. I agree with all of your disappointments (rear seats, ride quality, overall package), which it is why it was not my preferred vehicle. But after the pain inflicted by the Everest, I went for the safety of the Toyota brand. With 95k on the clock now, I have grown to respect it and appreciate the security of reliability. It is very good offroad (except for the limited rear locker activation that you mention) and I have set it up for towing and offroad touring. Overall, very happy but tend to agree with your summation.
Ford Everest sucks man. Everyone bashes the fortuner and praises the Everest but to be honest, it’s because they never went through owning both. If they did they will know why the fortuner costs more. It lasts 3 times more.
Jeez I wish I could get one. Here in the US we get the 4runner which I guess is the equivalent but ever since I found out about the Fortuner, I've been wanting one
The Fortuner was designed for developing countries and emerging markets. As such, I am puzzled as to what this vehicle is doing in a developed country like Australia (?)
Because people in developed countries are starting to realise too much tech and unnecessary features compromise reliability. It’s a slow process. Fortuner is quite basic just like the 70 series. Simple, rugged, reliable
Interesting that you are saying that you dont see too many of them on Auzzie roads. Here in South Africa, everyone, their aunt, uncle, granny and kitchen sink drive one - they are everywhere.... interesting the tastes that different markets have.
@@CarExpertAus the Fortuner is top selling in its class, followed by the Everest second. The Pajero Sport (which is my favourite in the class) is non existent in the segment. Its criminal, the Pajero is an excellent offering.
Most Australians live in the cities and tend to go for the Mazda CX-9, Kruger, Sorrento, Sant Fe , Pathfinder type SUV. And they cost a lot less than this thing.
I have only had my new Fortuner for 2 weeks but already I have enjoyed it immensely. I am so glad that I bought the Fortuner and not the Pajero Sport. The Pajero Sport is still a good vehicle but the Fortuner has such a classy solid rugged feel to it. It drive so well and I think that some of the reviews on RU-vid do it a great injustice. It is a brilliant 4wd SUV.
The Pajero Sport rides better, is better off road, is cheaper, and you can get one without the stupid 3rd seat row. Now you know why they do not sell many Fortuners.
Tony Sambar The mu-X sells more than the Pajero Sport and Fortuner though. IMO, the Fortuner is quite underrated in Australia while in SE Asia, India and the Middle East, they are quite popular and sells like hotcakes.
@@realVicTorres02 in India we hv 53% marketshare of fortuner in this SUV Segment. Fortuner is only a status symbol and all our citizens believes that all fortuner owners are rich people. There is Not that much comfort like SAIC LDV MAXUS D90 & Ford Everest/Endeavour & Shanghai young Alturas G4
@@abhijeetchavan13 That's a different story in other Asian countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, they do sell like hotcakes and even many middle-income people buy Fortuners too.
I've run a forty since they launched in Aus in 2015. After 150,000km including Fraser Island, Simpson Desert and annual trips up into the high country there are a couple of points that I think are worth considering. It's not too comfy, especially compared to a Prado. Ride comfort was much better after the usual off-road mods. (bullbar, 2inch lift and rear seat row delete/storage drawers install) You will spend more setting up the Prado for off-road work than the Forty, but the Prado is a better albeit pricier option for on road comfort. The one to get is the GX. There is just not the difference between the trim levels to justify the cost. DPF is still an unknown quantity. I'd buy another one tomorrow, but I think this one will look after my needs for a while yet!
I was shopping between the prado and the fortuner gr sport, the prado is 500 pounds heavier, it’s not as nimble. The suspension is softer so there is a lot of body roll, the fortuner has auto lift gate, wireless charger, prado has the Land Cruiser name but when I test drove both I really loved the fortuner gr s so I went with that. Both are nice.
Toyota going back in time with those back seats being stored on the side. Our 1999 Toyota Tarago had the same system, bit sad that they didn't come up with a better solution.
I've driven both Ford everest/endeavours and the fortuner and I can honestly say Ford has the best Infotainment in all this utility based SUVs period even the interior of Ford is way more elegant
