2015 Toyota Fortuner review | first drive

Malcolm Flynn road tests and reviews the Toyota Fortuner with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.

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You'd think that with the top selling Kluger and Landcruiser Prado, that Toyota would be confident they make a large SUV to suit just about everybody.

However, the success of models that sit between the two, like the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Challenger and Holden Colorado 7, plus the advent of the new Ford Everest, has proven that there's room for one more in the mix, and that's exactly what they've given is with the new Fortuner.

The Fortuner us essentially a wagon version of the new HiLux ute, but Toyota has put significant effort into developing it into a standalone model, and a lot of it was by engineers right here in Australia.

In addition to developing the tyres, suspension and underbody for Australia's tough conditions, the Australian team was in charge of engineering the Fortuner's whole upper body, and mixing this toughness with modern family SUV refinement and safety needs.

So despite being priced significantly cheaper than the Everest, all three GX, GXL and Crusade trim levels get a different dashboard to the HiLux with a seven inch multimedia screen and chilled glovebox, plus plenty of storage solutions.

All three rows get aircon vents and curtain airbags, and it's expected to get a five star safety rating despite missing out on the driver alerts of the Everest.

There's plenty of room in the reclining and sliding second row for tall adults, and the third row will do the job on shorter journeys.

There's useful cargo space in the back with the third row upright, and these seats fold up to the side to leave 716 litres, and a full 1080 litres with the middle row tumbled forward as well.

All Australian Fortuners are four wheel drive with low range and diesel, and you get any if the three trim levels with a six speed manual or auto.

The engine is the same new 2.8 litre turbodiesel as the Prado and HiLux, which has great responsiveness and ample grunt to move its 2.1 tonne weight.

The Fortuner may not be quite as supple as a Prado over the bumps, but the smaller body seems quieter and there's better body control at speed.

You can still tell it's a ladder frame chassis beneath you, but the Fortuner is more than comfortable enough for long trips on the highway.

All Fortuners beat the Prado's 2.5 tonne max tow rating, with the auto rated at 2.8 tonnes, but only manual models match the Everest's 3 tonne maximum rating.

Like the HiLux, the steering is still hydraulic rather than electric, but it is well weighted and chosen specifically to cope with the rigours of off-road driving.

The wheelbase has been shortened by 34cm compared to the HiLux, and is 4cm shorter than the Prado, which helps give it great off-road clearance straight out of the box.

All versions come with a rear diff-lock as standard, and the coil springs have good compliance even when unladen, so it lives up to our expectations of a proper Toyota off-roader.

The Fortuner is so much more than a wagon version of the Hilux. It benefits from all the improvements made to the all new ute, but it stands out as a unique model that delivers everything we love about Toyota four-wheel drives.

It's easily a cut above its current rivals, and its significant value advantage over the Everest makes it a pretty appealing choice.

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