2018 Toyota Fortuner Review

Detailed Review

The Toyota Fortuner has been in production for two generations since 2004. The first generation known as AN50/AN60 was in production from 2004 to 2014. The second generation known as the AN150/AN160 has been in production from 2015 to the present.

The second generation Toyota Fortuner features a keen look design language and no longer shares the same interior design with the Toyota Hilux. it, however, shares the same hood panels, front pillar area, windscreen glass, and front doors as the Toyota Hilux.

 

The 2018 Toyota Fortuner comes with an option of 7 engines they include;
Petrol
1. 2.7 L 2 TR-FE
2. 4.0 L 1 GR- FE

Diesel
1. 2.4 L 2GD- FTV
2. 2.5 L 2KD- FTV
3. 2.8L 1GD- FTV
4. 3.0 L 5L- E14
5. 3.0 L 1KD- FTV

These engines are linked to either 5 or 6-speed manual and automatic transmission. Click here to purchase a copy of the 2018 Toyota Fortuner Buyer’s Guide.  

2018 Toyota Fortuner Grades

1. Toyota Fortuner GX – This is the base grade that comes with 17-Inch steel rims, dot-type MID, projector halogen Headlights, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, brown fabric seat trim, and power windows with driver auto.
2. Toyota Fortuner GXL – This adds 17-Inch alloy rims, paddle shifters, Downhill Assist Control, rear parking sensors, 4.2-Inch color MID, keyless smart entry, premium steering wheel, roof rails, fog lights, privacy glass, chrome trim, power windows all auto and meter illumination control.
3. Toyota Fortuner Crusade – This is the luxury grade that adds 18-Inch alloy rims, auto air conditioning, satellite navigation, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Projector LED headlights, auto headlight leveling, LED daytime running lights, leather accented seats, and woodgrain finish.

Interior
Legroom & Space
The 2018 Toyota Fortuner features a well-designed and modern interior comprising high-quality materials.
The first and second rows seats offer ample legroom and headroom for the driver and passengers. the third-row seats are however a bit cramped and are suitable for children or small-sized adults.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Toyota Fortuner offers well-laid-out compartment storage which can be used to keep or hold items such as a mobile phone, beverages, keys, and other valuables. In the first row, there is a door panel storage, a glove box, dashboard storage, and four cup holders. In the second row, the storage is on the door side pockets.

Boot Space
The 2018 Toyota Fortuner offers 7.0 cubic feet of space when the third row is in use and 38.14 cubic feet of space with them folded up.

Exterior
The 2018 Toyota Fortuner has an elegant and modern exterior design that is appealing to the eye. In the front end, it has wraparound headlights, a huge chrome grille, and a sculpted bumper with integrated fog lights. The side profile features sculpted character lines that create an aerodynamic look. It also boasts shiny alloy wheels that add a sense of luxury to the overall appearance. The rear-end features tail lights and turn signals. Its tailgate is electronically actuated which is very convinient especially when your hands are full cargo.

2018 Toyota Fortuner Safety Measures
7 airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control system, brake assist, trailer sway control, hill descent control, hill hold assist, and vehicle stability control.

2018 Toyota Fortuner Fuel Consumption
2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 L petrol engine fuel consumption- 11.0km/l on average
2018 Toyota Fortuner 4.0 L petrol engine consumption-9.1km/l on average
2018Toyota Fortuner 2.5 L diesel engine consumption-14.4km/l on average
2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 L diesel engine consumption- 12.5km/l on average

2018 Toyota Fortuner Acceleration
2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.7L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.7 secs
2018 Toyota Fortuner 4.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.9 secs
2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.5 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.0 secs
2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/in 9.8secs

2018 Toyota Fortuner Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 Litres

Ground Clearance
The 2018 Toyota Fortuner has a ground clearance of 10.0 inches

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
Service parts are affordable and widely available in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and available from major Toyota dealerships in Kenya.

Stability & Handling
The 2018 Toyota Fortuner uses coil springs as opposed to leaf springs as in the Hilux thus improving the ride quality. The brakes (all disc set-up) are good at stopping when needed.
The SUV also has a downhill assist control (DAC) function which helps with driving down steep slopes where the engine brake is not enough so as to reduce the speed of the vehicle. Its approach and departure angles allow it to exploit difficult terrains without a worry of damaging its body components. The engine works in tandem with the transmission system to deliver a smooth start and good acceleration. The brakes are very robust and can bring the Fourtuner to a halt in a matter of seconds, thus averting possible mishaps. Anti-lock braking system and traction control are some of the technologies incorporated in this car to enhance its stability.

Reliability
The Toyota brand has been highly rated for the past few decades when it comes to reliability and durability. The 2018 Toyota Fortuner carries the same DNA combining off-road capability and luxury into one package thus becoming a popular choice for users who operate within and out of towns or cities.
Based on the feedback from a number of users, the malfunctioning of the diesel particulate filters (DPF) is a common problem to look out for. DPF failure results in reduced engine performance. Click here to purchase the Toyota Fortuner Buyer’s Guide. 

Resale Value: Good

Toyota Fortuner Competitors: Ford Everest, Isuzu MUX, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

What we like about the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 

• Good off-road capability
• Family-friendly gadgets

What we don’t

• Lacks some advanced tech that competitors get
• The third-row seats don’t have much room and they impede visibility

Conclusion
The 2018 Toyota Fortuner boasts a highly rated safety features which makes it ideal for people with families as its cabin is also spacious. Its sleek exterior design makes it attractive to those living in urban areas as they can use it to commute to and from work. Folks on a tight budget may not be in a position to buy it because of its exhorbitant price. Click here to download the 2018 Toyota Fortuner Owner’s Manual.