Toyota Fortuner 2020

With a release date going back to the year 2016, the Toyota Fortuner came at an opportune time for Toyota to cement the nameplate's status as the best-selling SUV in the Philippines. This generation's launch introduced three engine options to the market, with a base 2.7L gasoline engine and newer 2.4L and 2.8L diesel engines. This was met with a redesign that Toyota Motor Philippines stated was “a more distinctive, sleek, and powerful design while improving its performance.”

The Fortuner is built upon the IMV platform, which is shared between the Innova and, more notably, the Hilux. All models share the same engines with varying displacements and outputs on offer. The front suspension is a fully-independent double wishbone, while the rear is a rigid axle that floats on coil springs. 

One gasoline and two diesel engines are on offer in the lineup. The 2.7L 2TR-FE serves as the only gasoline option that can be found in the base G variant. This engine is equipped with Dual-VVTI for better performance and fuel economy and outputs 163 hp and 245 Nm of torque. The diesel offerings in the range include the 2.4L 2GD-FTV that outputs 147 hp with 400 Nm of torque and 2.8L 1GD-FTV that pulls with 174 hp and 450 mm of torque. Transmission options include a five-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic with sequential shift. 

The current Toyota Fortuner drives and rides better than its predecessor. Featuring an improved ride along with more car-like steering, power is adequate in the city or on the highway, and fuel economy is laudable. 

The head unit laid in the center of the dashboard is Toyota's Display Audio system that comes with AUX, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity options. The TFT LCD touch screen display gives users 6.75-inches of diagonal screen real estate. The media is then coursed through a six-speaker audio system. The newer models from Toyota Motor Philippines now have support for Apple Carplay and Android Auto. 

Toyota has also outfitted this SUV with keyless entry with push-start functionality. Rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, cruise control, hill start assist, and a power liftgate in higher-end variants. 

This iteration of the midsize SUV brings updated and sleeker styling as compared to before. Toyota has brought some much-needed sleekness to the front, thanks in part to the Bi-beam LED lights and DRL sets that can be found in the upper trim levels. The side profile feature subdued lines that are conservatively styled and angled. The ever-famous floating roofline is emphasized by the blacked-out D pillar, adding to the sleek look the SUV has going for it. The rear also is conservatively styled, which lets the LED tail lights define the SUV prominently even if it's not ultra-distinct. 

The interior remains similar to its brothers. The Fortuner is one of the more well-adorned SUVs thanks to the selection of materials Toyota has for its flagship trim level. The leather interior pairs nicely with the wood accents splashed on areas like the trim and even the steering wheel. Fit and finish are good along with the actuation of all the switchgear. Buttons respond with good tactility. 

Space inside the Fortuner is ample and adaptable thanks to a set or rails for the middle-row passengers. Occupants in the third row will be able to find more space once the second-row is adjusted. Cargo space can be extended by way of folding the middle-row seats. 

The Toyota Fortuner features much space for the front and middle row, with third-row passengers enjoying adequate space in exchange for some middle-row legroom. The engine also performs admirably in its 2.8L configuration, returning responsive performance. Fuel economy is also a plus of this engine, thanks in part to its diesel engine with torque on tap. The NVH is also much-improved thanks to the updated and smaller engines as well as the chassis refinement. 

A notable con that has pervaded previous-generation Fortuners was the ride quality. Toyota has definitely bettered it this time around, but there is still room for improvement. For lower variants, the light-colored cloth interior will show dirt stains quite easily. Features can also be much better since Toyota omits a backup camera from the entire lineup, a feature that is sorely missed considering the price of admission. Also caveats are the third-row seats that fold up to the side, limiting horizontal space for more storage.