We tell you all the pros and cons of one of the most successful SUVs in the Indian market.
Toyota Fortuner Pros & Cons
The Toyota Fortuner is no stranger to high sales numbers. It’s the preferred SUV in the sub-Rs. 40 lakh segment that it resides and competes in. So today we will look at what makes the Fortuner bring good fortunes to Toyota, and what can be improved upon for the next generation.
Pros:
Design: When launched in 2016, the Fortuner turned a lot of heads because of its striking design. Gone was the old boxy Land Cruiser-like design, and in came the Lexus influence. From its slim headlamp and tail lamp assembly to the body lines that are sharp and angular, the design still looks new, even almost 3 years after its release.
Even though there are so many on road now, the car still commands a good road presence, and that is what the SUVs in this segment are expected to do in our market. Toyota really nailed the design for this car, it manages to look sophisticated but robust at the same time.
Build Quality: The Fortuner was and still is known for its superior build quality. Everything stays where it’s supposed to, very little creaks and wobbling among parts and good fit and finish have become characteristic traits of the Fortuner. This superior build quality is what all the buyers of this segment want. After all, if anyone spends around Rs. 40 lakhs on a car, it better be built well!
Reliability And Service: I would like to believe that the reason this car sells so well is because of the badge it carries with it. With that badge, comes the reliability advantage, better build quality and fit and finish. The car’s mechanicals remained largely unchanged when compared to the previous model, and that meant that the internals were simple and would break less.
When compared to its arch-rival, the Endeavour, the Fortuner has less electronic parts. When you buy this car, you know it can last for a long time. This feeling is what makes this car have a great run in beating its rivals by a huge margin. Plus, the resale value of these cars is really good. Another drawing factor of this car.
Variants Galore: If you take the two successful SUVs in their respective segments, the Hyundai Creta and Toyota Fortuner, you’d realise that both have a lot of variants on offer. The Fortuner has 6 variants which is two times the variants when compared to the Ford Endeavour. Do note that out of these six, two are petrol variants, which sell in very small numbers. But whatever spec you want of the Fortuner, Toyota has got you covered. Unless you want that sunroof.
Cons:
Engine Refinement, Ride And Handling: The Fortuner is overall a good car, but the general consensus is that the engine is a little on the unrefined side, and the body roll in the car, coupled with the steering feedback means that the ride and the handling can definitely be improved. But honestly, who sends their Rs. 40 lakh Toyota Fortuner through a corner? Seriously though, the ride can improve and so can the refinement.
Interior: The interior of the Toyota Fortuner is unchanged for the past few years, and that is not even the issue here. The infotainment system is not that user-friendly to use and is recessed in between the metal-leather pillars, but I don’t think these pillars affect the visibility of the screen, which is not that great, to begin with. The climate controls could do with better integration, as it looks a bit tacked on instead installed.
I am not criticising the build quality of the interior. The quality of materials used is decent at this price, but the way they are laid out seems a bit bland to me. The car outside is very angular and imposing, climb in, and you’d have a hard time telling this apart from the Innova Crysta. The interior lacks the flair the exterior possesses.
Lack of Features: This is a place where this car can nicely improve. I’m not even talking about the advanced ones the Endeavour has. Standard things we have come to expect in cars under even Rs. 20 lakhs are missing. One of the glaring exemptions is the sunroof. But Toyota can’t do much about this as the AC vents’ tubes supposedly interfere with the sunroof itself.
But why wasn’t it there in the first place? Convenience features like electrically folding seats offered in the Endeavour are missing in the Fortuner. Also, did I mention the infotainment system needed an upgrade?
Space and Ergonomics: The Fortuner, for the size it is, could do with a little more space in the rear seat. Also, the rear cupholders are pretty hard to reach when sitting right next to it. The ergonomics of the third row itself are not so great, as ingress and egress are quite difficult. The distinctive kink on the window line means that the third-row window is small and makes you feel claustrophobic.
Conclusion
The second generation Fortuner is a great success for Toyota. As I said before, it is sophisticated where it matters, that is on the outside, while it is bit simple on the inside. Apart from a few niggles, the car overall is a good package. But when it comes to the value proposition, I think Toyota could do better. The omission of certain features, coupled with the simple interior design means that there are certain places where the car can improve.
Further Reading –
Toyota Fortuner Pros & Cons Video