Everything new in the 2016 Toyota Fortuner
THE Toyota Fortuner has a special place in my heart because I witnessed its debut. I was at the regional press preview and test drive of the first generation Fortuner held in Australia in 2005.
After several facelifts since, the Fortuner has undergone a complete makeover for the 2016 model year. Last week, I got the chance to check out what will probably be the most marketable variant, the 4x2 V diesel 2.4-liter with 6-speed automatic transmission (AT).
I say most marketable because the new top-of-the line Fortuner, the 2.8-liter 4x4 model, costs P390,000 more at P2,126,000 than the 4x2 V diesel model's P1,736,000.
Aside from the V diesel 4x2, Toyota offers the less expensive G diesel 4x2 models, one with AT and another with manual transmission. As with the Innova, the V models are higher grade than the Gs.
New engine
Almost everything is new in the 2016 Fortuner. Toyota's new GD diesel engine replaces the KD series of the previous models.
The 4x2 diesel variants are powered by the 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV, a 16-valve, DOHC, straight-4 CRDi (common rail direct injection) diesel engine with intercooled VGT (variable geometry turbocharger} producing 147 brake horsepower and 330 Newton meters (400 Nm with overboost) max torque.
The 4-speed AT of old has been replaced with a slick new 6-speed electronically controlled AT offering two driving modes: Power and Eco.
More gears translate into better fuel efficiency and acceleration. Toyota claims that the 2016 Fortuner gets 8.3 kilometers per liter.
New underpinnings
The suspension is also new: double wishbones with stabilizer in front and 4-link with coil springs and stabilizer replacing the leaf springs at the rear, thereby improving ride quality and reducing the trucklike jitters that enter the cabin.
The chassis of the 2016 Fortuner is new. Being a pickup-based passenger vehicle (PPV) and one of Toyota Motor's Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicles (IMV), which are either 4x4 or rear-wheel-drive, the Fortuner from the very beginning has shared the underpinnings of the Hilux pickup.
The 2016 Fortuner is based on the new 8th generation body-on-frame Hilux platform, and it is 15 mm wider, 90 mm longer than the outgoing model.
Sharing the Hilux's famously indestructible platform explains the Fortuner's tough and durable build quality.
The 2016 Fortuner is so solid that when I drove it from Alabang to the hills of Antipolo and back, I heard nary a squeak and experienced no vibrations or other quality issues.
With a ground clearance of 8 inches and with 18-inch wheels, the Fortuner gives the driver a commanding view of the road.
New design
The exterior design is totally new with a dominant grille, narrow LED projector headlamps, DRLs (daytime running lights), a prominent front bumper, recessed fog lamps, flared front and rear fenders, and a chromed beltline up to the C pillar.
Behind, a power tailgate (in the V model), a rear spoiler and new horizontal LED taillights connected by an elegant strip of chrome distinguish the second gen Fortuner.
The cabin has been vastly upgraded with premium elements, soft-touch materials, and precision fit and finish to differentiate it from the Hilux.
Actually, the Fortuner and Hilux are twins only forward of the B pillar, while the interior and rear are unique to the Fortuner.
The Fortuner's dash is dominated by a 6.5-inch color LCD infotainment touchscreen with navigation, tuner/CD/DVD, aux, USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming.
The audio quality with six speakers is above average, but nothing to get excited about.
Cruise and automatic climate controls are standard in the V models, with aircon vents for all three rows of seats.
Seven seats
In the 4x2 V model, the seats are upholstered in brown leather. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, tilt and telescoping now, has wood and silver accents plus audio and telephone controls.
The seven seats are arranged in a 2- 3-2 configuration with the 60/40 splitfold second row having a one-touch slide and tumble feature, while the 50/50 third row seats can be stowed against the sides of the cargo compartment.
With all the seats in place, cargo space is limited to 200 liters. When the third row seat is folded away, cargo capacity increases to 716 liters. When both the third and second rows are folded and tumbled out of the way, cargo space maxes to 1,080 liters.
But when the third row seats are folded up to the sides, the space created is tall and narrow. The seats are also difficult to stow.
While all the seats are comfy, wellbolstered and supportive, the third row lacks legroom and is suitable only for children.
The cabin has storage spaces galore such as cup and bottle holders, door pockets, compartments, trays, consoles and a glovebox.
No reverse camera
What's shockingly missing is a reverse parking camera. How can Toyota deprive buyers of a vehicle costing more than P1.7 million of a basic safety feature like a reverse parking camera?
Incidentally, only the 4x4 2016 Fortuner is equipped with seven airbags, stability control, active traction control, hill start assist, and trailer sway control.
Unlike the 4x2 diesel variants, the 4x4 Fortuner has the same 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV engine as the eighth generation Hilux and the 2016 Innova.
The 4x2, 2.4-liter diesel variants have two airbags, anti-lock braking system with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution and rear parking sensors.
In addition, the 4x2 V diesel variant has smart keyless entry and pushbutton start/stop system.
Firm ride
Since it is built on the Hilux's platform, the ride of the Fortuner is on the firmer side. Over the years, the Fortuner has earned a reputation for a bouncy ride, but the 2016 iteration's new 4-link coil spring (instead of leaf springs) rear suspension with dampers helps the vehicle to absorb potholes and bumps, then limits reverberation.
I discovered that when I used the Power mode, the Fortuner was surprisingly maneuverable in heavy urban traffic and on narrow streets as the increased torque enabled it to respond and accelerate more quickly.
Even then, the Fortuner is still a hefty vehicle with a body-on-frame chassis, so its dynamics are truck-like compared to a car-based SUV.
It is difficult for a vehicle like this to eliminate the slightly heavy quality that the separation of the chassis and the body generates.
Easy to drive
This results in your driving slower and more deliberately, although once you have mastered it, the Fortuner is really easy to drive.
The steering gives feedback and a feeling of connection to the road. This SUV is manageable through corners.
Improved isolation minimizes road and wind noise entering the cabin.
Meanwhile, sport utility vehicles have come a long way since the days when they were terribly uncomfortable with primitive suspension systems and uncivilized interiors.
Now they are being marketed as roomy, versatile and comfortable driver- and family-friendly vehicles that are improving in refinement, performance and safety.
In this country, the Toyota Fortuner has always led the pack of midsize SUVs in terms of sales. Will the second generation Fortuner consolidate that position despite its astronomic retail price?
Toyota seems confident that its new, smoother turbodiesel engine, slick new 6-speed AT, classy, upgraded interior with comfort, more space and conveniences to match, will do so.