Toyota Fortuner

Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.

- Charlen Raymond

The first generation of the Hilux-based Fortuner SUV made its debut in 2006, after being announced in 2004. It rocked the market with its unique approach to leisure mobility, making the Fortuner an instant hit among buyers. Since then, it established itself as the segment leader and South Africa's favourite and most popular SUV.

Because of its Hilux underpinnings, the Fortuner is driven by the same engines and gearboxes found in its popular pick-up brother. Between 2006 and 2011, only two engines powered the Fortuner range: the 3.0-litre D-4D four-cylinder diesel engine offered 120 kW and 343 N.m, while the 4.0-litre V6 petrol growled with 175 kW and 376 N.m. Both of these engines were available with a choice of fivespeed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, along with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrain configurations.

In 2011, Toyota expanded the engine line-up to include a 2.5-litre D-4D, which developed 106 kW and 343 N.m. Although the automatic transmission mated to this engine only had four gears, it still managed to return a respectable-for-the-time average fuel consumption figure of around 9.0 L/100 km.

In 2016, with the arrival of the second-generation Fortuner, engine options were revisited. The line-up now comprised 2.4-litre (110 kW/ 400 N.m) and 2.8-litre (150 kW/500 N.m) turbodiesel engines, as well as two petrol options - a 2.7-litre four-cylinder and a 4.0-litre V6 - but both have been removed from today's line-up. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, in 4x4 and 4x2 configurations, were offered.

Much like the Hilux with which it shares much of its ladder-frame chassis, the Fortuner's ride tended to err on the bouncier side on-road, but minor suspension revisions meant it rode with greater composure. As is often the case with ladder-frame vehicles, the ride improved notably when fully loaded and there was little to question in terms of mechanical sturdiness.