SUVs are one of the sought after vehicles in the local market today because it combines practicality and functionality through its taller ride height, more spacious interior, and reliable engine power. These qualities pushed auto manufacturers to continuously develop its respective challenger in the tightly contested SUV segment.
As such, Toyota has launched the all-new Fortuner early this year featuring a design overhaul, updated tech, and new safety features.
The 2016 Fortuner is available in 5 variants with prices starting at P1,386,000 up to P2,141,000. For this article, we would use the top-of-the-line Fortuner (2.8 V Diesel 4x4 AT) to see how it integrates practicality and functionality.
The Fortuner can sit up to 7 occupants which makes it a practical choice for the typical Filipino family. Similar to most SUVs, it has a 2+3+2 seat configuration. You can even easily access the third row seat because the second row’s design comes with a 1-touch fold and tumble function. In case you need extra cargo space, the Fortuner’s third row seats is designed with a 50:50 split configuration giving you enough room to carry coolers, travelling bags, and grocery items. On the other hand, you can switch the second row can into 60:40 format to give more options for cargo and passenger space.
Of note, the driver seat comes with a 6-way power adjustment (sliding, reclining, and height adjustment) which enables you to set your preferred driving position. This feature also allows the driver to have a more comfortable and pleasant driving experience because he/she can adjust the seats in a way that fits his/her field of vision.
Aside from its seat configuration, Toyota equipped the Fortuner with an upscale interior as seen on its simple yet elegant dashboard. It has a 6.5-inch touchscreen with navigation feature, leather seats, a telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, and a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display.
Adding to the list is the Fortuner’s cool box, which is available on the dashboard. The cool box is air conditioned and the main function of this feature is to keep foods and drinks at a cold temperature. To put things in perspective, this box can accommodate up to 2 bottled waters or 3 soda cans. The Fortuner also has 12 cup holders which could come in handy when you and your family are on a road trip. With the vast number of holders, drinking waters or flavored drinks are within your reach.
To further emphasize practicality and functionality, the Fortuner comes with a power back door. This feature enables you to open or close the tailgate at the push of a single button on the smart key fob. The Fortuner’s power back door could be of great help if you have your hands full.
Performance-wise, the top-of-the-line Fortuner is powered by a 2.8L DOHC diesel engine that delivers 174 hp and 450 Nm of torque. It is then mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Toyota claims that the Fortuner’s new engine is more compact and efficient without compromising power and torque pull.
Another thing worth mentioning is that the Fortuner is designed with a feature called part time 4-wheel drive. This allows the driver to switch off the 4x4 function of the Fortuner when driving in the city. As a result, the vehicle will yield better fuel economy.
In terms of safety, the Fortuner comes with driver, passenger, side and curtain shield airbags. It is also equipped with active traction control, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist.
With all the features laid out in this article, it is evident that Toyota has a contender in the competitive local SUV segment. Through the design overhaul, upscale interior, seating capacity, and reliable engine, the 2016 Fortuner has managed to combine practicality and functionality.
For more information about Toyota and its vehicles, visit the AutoDeal Car Guide.
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