2024 TOYOTA FORTUNER REVIEW

The Toyota Fortuner has earned its place as a dependable midsize SUV, known for blending rugged performance with family practicality since its debut in 2004. Based on the Hilux platform, the Fortuner continues to evolve—offering off-road strength alongside modern styling and tech.Ride comfort has been improved with refined suspension tuning, while maintaining the SUV’s off-road capabilities. Inside, the 2024 Fortuner features an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and optional leather upholstery on higher trims.

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Detailed Review

The 2024 Toyota Fortuner arrives with a refreshed design and updated features aimed at both adventure seekers and urban families. It sports a more aggressive front-end look with revised LED headlamps, a bold grille, and sculpted lines that enhance its commanding presence on the road.

Under the hood, the Fortuner offers a range of engines depending on the market. These include a 2.8-liter turbodiesel producing 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque, and a 2.7-liter petrol option. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or automatic, paired with rear-wheel or selectable four-wheel drive for versatile performance on varied terrain.

Ride comfort has been improved with refined suspension tuning, while maintaining the SUV’s off-road capabilities. Inside, the 2024 Fortuner features an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and optional leather upholstery on higher trims.

Safety remains a strong suit with features like 7 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and ISOFIX mounts. Higher variants add advanced tech like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, making it as safe as it is capable.Thanks to its proven durability, refined updates, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, the 2024 Fortuner remains a top pick in the ladder-frame SUV class, balancing off-road performance with everyday usability.

For those interested in buying the Toyota Fortuner, whether new or used, we’ve created a dedicated Buyer’s Guide with key tips and common issues to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

2024 Toyota Fortuner Grades

Fortuner G
This is the entry-level trim commonly found in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and the Philippines. It features halogen headlights, fabric upholstery, and manual air conditioning. Safety features are basic, and it is offered with either a 2.4L diesel or a 2.7L petrol engine.

GX
The GX variant serves as the base model in markets such as Japan, South Africa, and Australia. It is designed with practicality in mind, offering steel wheels, fabric seats, and manual A/C. Engine choices typically include the 2.4L or 2.8L diesel.

GXL
Sold in Australia, the GXL is a mid-range option that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, fabric seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also comes equipped with smart key access, satellite navigation, and Toyota Safety Sense. The sole engine offering is a 2.8L turbo diesel.

Crusade
This is the premium trim level in some markets. It features 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, projector LED headlights with auto-leveling, LED daytime running lights, leather-trimmed seats, woodgrain interior accents, satellite navigation, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Fortuner Legender
Positioned as a high-end, sportier variant, the Legender is available in the Philippines and offers upscale styling and features. It is powered exclusively by the 2.8L turbo diesel engine (1GD-FTV), delivering 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Depending on the market, it comes in 4×2 or 4×4 versions and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Fortuner GR-S (GR Sport)
The GR-S variant embodies Toyota’s motorsport DNA through its Gazoo Racing influence. It’s available with a 2.8L diesel engine producing 201 hp, though some regions like the UAE offer it with a 2.7L petrol engine. All GR-S models are 4×4, come with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, enhanced suspension, and distinctive GR design elements for a more dynamic driving experience.

Interior

Legroom & Space

reflects a balance between rugged durability and elevated comfort. The dashboard design is clean and symmetrical, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard in most trims. While the interface prioritizes functionality over flashiness, it’s responsive and intuitive. Higher trims like the VX, VXR, and GR-S offer soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and ambient lighting to elevate the cabin feel beyond its utilitarian roots.

Passenger space in the Fortuner is generous, especially in the first and second rows. The front seats are wide and supportive, with available power adjustment and ventilation in upper variants. The second row offers a good amount of legroom and headroom for adults, while the third row is best suited for kids or shorter journeys.

Unlike many body-on-frame SUVs, the Fortuner strikes a reasonable balance between off-road capability and family-friendly interior space. Split-folding seats in the second and third rows enhance versatility, allowing the cabin to be easily reconfigured for passengers or cargo.

Cabin Storage

The 2024 Fortuner features plenty of practical storage options across all three rows. In the front, there are large door pockets, dual cup holders, a cooled glovebox, and a deep center console bin. A wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports are available depending on trim, ensuring connectivity and power for all occupants. Second-row passengers benefit from seatback pockets, rear A/C vents, and cup holders in the center armrest. In higher trims, the third row also includes individual storage trays and 12V power sockets for added convenience on long journeys.

The flexible seat layout supports various cargo needs. The third row can be folded to the side or flat depending on the market, creating a larger load floor. The second row folds in a 60:40 split, offering extended cargo space while still allowing for passenger seating.

Boot Space

With all seats in place, the Fortuner provides modest cargo room, but folding down the third-row seats significantly increases available storage. With the third row folded flat and the second row partially down, it can accommodate larger luggage, camping gear, or tools with ease. Boot capacity varies slightly between markets due to the seat-folding mechanism, but the overall cargo area is functional and easy to access.

Toyota equips the Fortuner with a powered tailgate in higher trims, making loading and unloading easier. Some variants also include a hands-free tailgate function, further adding to the Fortuner’s everyday practicality for families and travelers. For those interested in buying the Toyota Fortuner, whether new or used, we’ve created a dedicated Buyer’s Guide with key tips and common issues to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

Exterior

The 2024 Toyota Fortuner showcases a bold, muscular design that reflects its dual nature as a capable off-roader and refined family SUV. At the front, it features a striking grille design—finished in chrome or gloss black depending on the trim—flanked by sleek, bi-beam LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights. The new lighting signature enhances visibility while giving the Fortuner a more upscale and assertive appearance on the road.

The redesigned front bumper includes angular fog lamp housings and a lower skid plate design that hints at the Fortuner’s off-road heritage. Strong character lines run across the sculpted hood, directing attention toward the vehicle’s wide, confident stance. The elevated ride height and prominent wheel arches further emphasize its rugged DNA, while also contributing to impressive ground clearance—ranging from approximately 213 to 225 mm depending on the variant.

From the side, the Fortuner maintains its athletic profile with high beltlines, blacked-out B-pillars, and gently rising shoulder lines. Roof rails are available on most trims, adding utility for outdoor activities or long-distance travel. Higher variants like the VX, VXR, and GR-S feature premium styling elements such as chrome window surrounds, power-retractable side mirrors with integrated turn indicators, and bold alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 20 inches.

The GR-S variant stands out with sporty touches including a more aggressive front grille, black exterior accents, unique alloy wheels, and GR badging—delivering a more performance-oriented look. Meanwhile, the VXR trim focuses on elegance with subtle chrome highlights and a sleeker overall aesthetic.

Practical exterior features include side steps for easier cabin entry, rear privacy glass, LED tail lamps, and a roof-mounted spoiler for added aerodynamics. Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are standard across most variants, while premium models include a 360-degree camera system for enhanced maneuverability in tight urban settings or rugged terrain.

Ground Clearance: 8.4–8.9 inches (213–225 mm)

Safety Features

The Fortuner comes equipped with a robust array of safety features designed to protect occupants both on and off the road. Standard across the range are dual front, side, and curtain airbags, with a driver’s knee airbag included on most trims. Active safety systems include ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, and Trailer Sway Control.

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available on higher trims include:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Departure Alert
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Rearview Camera with Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Automatic High Beam

Built on a durable body-on-frame platform with reinforced crumple zones, the Fortuner is engineered to deliver both structural integrity and modern active safety, ensuring peace of mind for families and adventurers alike.

2024 Toyota Fortuner Fuel Consumption
2024 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 L petrol engine fuel consumption- 10.9 km/l on average
2024 Toyota Fortuner 4.0 L petrol engine consumption- 8.9km/l on average
2024 Toyota Fortuner 2.5 L diesel engine consumption- 14.1km/l on average
2024 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 L diesel engine consumption- 12.3km/l on average

2024 Toyota Fortuner Acceleration
2024 Toyota Fortuner 2.7L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.4secs
2024 Toyota Fortuner 4.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.5secs
2024 Toyota Fortuner 2.5 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.8secs
2024 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/in 9.6secs

2024 Toyota Fortuner Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 liters

Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Diesel Filter, Engine Oil, etc.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Diesel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Front Brake Pads, ATF Oil, Engine Oil, etc.

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy

Toyota boasts an excellent reputation when it comes to the availability of its spare parts. The 2024 Toyota Fortuner is not an exception. Service parts are affordable and widely available in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and available from major Toyota dealerships in Kenya.

To get more comprehensive information on this, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when buying a used one and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

Stability and Handling

The 2024 Toyota Fortuner strikes a confident balance between off-road toughness and everyday comfort. On the road, it delivers a composed and stable ride, thanks to its body-on-frame construction paired with a refined suspension setup—featuring double wishbones at the front and a four-link coil-spring system at the rear. Higher trims receive slightly firmer tuning for better control without sacrificing comfort, especially over bumps and uneven surfaces.

The Fortuner’s steering is hydraulic-assisted, offering decent feedback and a reassuring weight at higher speeds. While it’s not as nimble as a unibody crossover, it feels predictable and secure when cornering or cruising on highways. Off-road, its 4×4 variants benefit from low-range gearing, a locking rear differential, and terrain-specific drive modes that enhance traction on mud, sand, or rocky trails.

Reliability

The Toyota Fortuner enjoys a strong reputation for long-term reliability and durability. Sharing its platform and powertrains with the Hilux, it’s built to handle punishing environments—making it a trusted choice in both urban and remote settings. Owners regularly report high mileage with minimal issues, and Toyota’s diesel engines, especially the 2.8-liter unit, are known for their longevity and efficiency.

Maintenance is straightforward, with widely available parts and a strong dealership network across many markets. The Fortuner’s mechanical simplicity and proven track record make it a solid choice for families, overlanders, and commercial users alike. Its resale value remains strong thanks to its enduring reputation, wide availability, and demand in both new and used markets.

Resale Value: Excellent

2024 Toyota Fortuner Competitors:

The Fortuner competes in the ladder-frame SUV segment alongside:

Ford Everest
Isuzu MU-X
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Nissan Terra

What we like about the 2024 Toyota Fortuner

Refined, rugged styling with genuine off-road credentials
Reliable diesel engine options shared with the Hilux
Flexible interior with three rows of seating
Advanced safety features and strong build quality
Great resale value and widespread support network

What we don’t like

Third-row seats can be cramped for adults
Firm ride quality on rough roads compared to crossovers

Conclusion

The 2024 Toyota Fortuner continues to excel as a durable, versatile SUV for those who need space, power, and off-road ability in one package. It combines the strength of a workhorse with enough refinement for family life, making it a top pick in its class. While it may not be as tech-forward as some newer rivals, the Fortuner’s trusted engineering, capability, and resale value make it a smart, long-term investment.

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