TOYOTA FORTUNER Crusade
REFRESHED FORTUNER HAS THE HEAVILY REVISED 2.8L DIESEL ENGINE FOR 150KW AND 500NM
LIKE the Pajero Sport, the Toyota Fortuner was first released in Australia in 2015 and received its mid-life refresh in 2020. This came in September with the introduction of the heavily revised 2.8L diesel engine that was introduced across the Hilux, Prado and Fortuner models at the same time and has certainly breathed new life into the Toyotas. In fact, with 500Nm and 150kw now on tap, the performance of the Fortuner represents a significant difference between these two family wagons, with the Fortuner feeling far more sporty than the Paj Sport.
Like the Pajero Sport Exceed, the Fortuner Crusade is the top spec in the model line-up; although, there are only three models offered by Toyota. They do however offer interior option packs to the GX and GXL to up-spec them with leather trim and extra features. The Fortuner Crusade sells for $61,140 plus ORC, so it will cost a few thousand more than the driveaway price of the Sport Exceed.
In addition to the engine upgrades, the 2020 refresh included updated styling inside and out, with added features including improved headlights and safety kit.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
ALL Fortuners get the improved 2.8L diesel backed by a six-speed auto, while the 4WD system is part-time only with locked high and low range and a rear diff lock. It doesn’t give you that full-time 4x4 functionality that Mitsubishi’s Super Select 2 does in the Pajero Sport.
The updated 1GD-FTV 2.8L engine gained 20kw and 50Nm over the preSeptember 2020 model, and that 500Nm of torque puts it up there with the torquiest four-cylinder diesels in the class, namely Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine as found in the Everest and Ranger models.
With 150kw coming in at 3400rpm the Fortuner is a more exciting car to drive than the Pajero Sport, as you really feel that extra power when you put your foot down. The auto trans is positive and direct in its shifts, further adding to that sportier feel. Both cars have paddle shifters behind the steering wheel for manual gear-shifts.
ON-ROAD RIDE & HANDLING
LIKE others of its ilk, the Fortuner rides on a ladder chassis derived from that of a ute, in this case the ever-popular Hilux, and it has a shorter wheelbase and a coil spring, multi-link rear suspension.
Toyota has set the Fortuner’s suspension up to ride firm and composed; although, not too firm as to be uncomfortable as you might find in many 4x4 utes. The five-link rear suspension provides plenty of control for improved dynamics, realised when driven back-to-back with the softer Paj.
Toyota also tweaked the hydraulicallyassisted power steering, making it easier to turn at lower speeds yet still retain plenty of feedback at road speeds. The steering combines with the firmer and more controlled suspension to make it a better ‘driver’s car’ than the Pajero Sport.
OFF-ROAD
THE better driving experience continues off-road where, despite a firm suspension, it still rides smoothly and lets its rear axle slink over uneven terrain, keeping tyres on the ground where they can get grip.
We’ve noted from our tests of the Hilux that Toyota has done an excellent job calibrating the electronic traction control (ETC) on this chassis, and this remains the case beneath the wagon. The Fortuner
drove up our hill climb both days using only the ETC; in fact, it struggled more with the rear diff lock switched in as it disengages the ETC across the front axle, leaving the car more like a threewheel rather than a four-wheel drive.
This superior off-road performance and the ease with which it did it makes the Toyota our choice of these two, if off-road adventures are planned.
CABIN & ACCOMMODATION
LIKE the Sport Exceed, the Fortuner Crusade is well-appointed in terms of interior trims and kit. The now bigger AV screen has its own sat-nav as well as Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and the gauges ahead of the driver have a fresh look and updated features in the info screen.
The steering column is adjustable for reach and height, while front seats are power adjustable and heated. The climate control is single zone, with a button to turn the rear air on and off.
The Fortuner’s second row seat slides fore and aft to allow extra legroom for rear passengers depending on which row they are occupying, however the third row doesn’t offer the same space, notably the headroom, as that offered in the Mitsubishi. Our average-sized passenger said he felt more cramped in the rearmost seat of the Fortuner and wouldn’t like to sit there for too long.
A standout feature of the Crusade’s cabin is its excellent JBL sound system, while it only has a single USB outlet in the front along with a 12V plus a 12V and 100W-220V outlet in the rear. There’s also a 12V in the cargo area.
PRACTICALITIES
WHEN Toyota updated the Fortuner it raised towing capacity to 3100kg, matching the Sport. In Crusade trim, payload is 645kg on a 2800kg GVM.
The Fortuner’s 18-inch alloys wear popular 265/60R18 tyres, so finding replacements shouldn’t be an issue.
The engine takes air from the inner ’guard and wading depth is 700mm. Toyota has a good range of accessories and the aftermarket supports the Fortuner well for any gear needed. The standard fuel tank is a handy 80 litres.
The Fortuner’s safety kit includes AEB, ABS, ESC, radar cruise control and lane departure warning but misses out on the valuable rear cross traffic alert system that the Mitsi has.