Toyota Fortuner

While the second-gen Toyota Fortuner is shapelier than the original, it’s still a big and butch SUV; and by extension, one that enjoys great respect on our roads. What helps the feeling of authority is the view from the high-set cabin. There’s plenty of space on the inside and the third row is also useable, but cabin quality is a mixed bag with some low-rent bits dragging things down. For those who want a bit more style, there is also the Legender variant, which even gets you a bit more equipment.
The 166hp, 2.7-litre petrol engine might not be the engine of choice for the majority of buyers but it does impress on the refinement front, even if it does miss out on a strong mid-range. Diesel Fortuner buyers, on the other hand, will take keenly to the 2.8-litre diesel, now updated to produce 204hp, for its tractability and build of speed. Refinement is also impressive, so long as you don’t drive in a hurried manner. The diesel’s 6-speed manual is slick and the auto also shifts with a pleasing smoothness.
Like other ladder-frame SUVs, the Fortuner can’t iron-out surface imperfections entirely; but the Toyota does feel grounded at high speeds for something so large and tall. As for off-road ability, you’d be surprised by how far a 4x4-equipped Fortuner can take you in the rough.