Summary

The facelifted version of the second-generation Toyota Fortuner has made its way to the Indian market almost half a year after it was made its international debut in Thailand. Changes include a new stylish ‘Legender’ variant, a complete exterior design overhaul, new features and a performance bump for the AT variants.

Exterior

For the standard variant, the fascia has received an evolutionary change with changes including new LED projector headlamps, a redesigned grille which loses its three chrome slat design and a completely new bumper with a more prominent front bash plate, larger faux side-intakes and repositioned LED indicator strip. The Legender variant has a completely different fascia with a much slimmer grille, all-LED headlamps, larger lower air dam and unique dual-tone paint schemes. The side design has not changed from the pre-facelift version, with the two variants differentiated by the larger 18-inch wheels. Changes at the rear are much less noticeable, the biggest one being the new LED elements in the taillights which now mimic those on the Camry sedan.

Interior

Inside, the Fortuner facelift has not received the radical changes as it has on the outside. There are new dual-tone upholsteries, the instrument cluster gets new graphics and the touchscreen infotainment system has a better display and better connectivity – including smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some of the exciting new features added to the Fortuner include connected car technology and ventilated front seats. The Legender variant gets a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, radar-guided cruise control, lane departure warning and a steering wheel orientation warning.

Engine

The Toyota Fortuner facelift continues to be powered by the same 2.8-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel and 2.7-litre, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder engine. The diesel engine, when paired with the manual gearbox, develops 201bhp / 420Nm but gets a torque boost to 500Nm when paired to the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The diesel powertrain can be had with either a 4×2 or a 4×4 drivetrain. The petrol engine, which develops 164bhp / 245Nm can be had with both manual and automatic transmission but is only available with 4×2 drivetrain.

The Fortuner renews its rivalry with the likes of the updated Ford Endeavour, relatively new MG Gloster and the Mahindra Alturas G4.

How Fortuner fares against competition?

Among Toyota Fortuner alternatives, Toyota Fortuner Legender is the best in terms of Styling, Comfort, Performance, Mileage and Value for Money.

Appearance Exterior

Speaking of the design, the new Fortuner may not be all that different from the old one, but the Legender is quite different thanks to its sharper front nose. All the grooves on the grille and bumper are edgy, and those quad LED headlights give the Legender a unique identity of its own. From the side, the massive proportions are apparent due to the towering window line and flared wheel arches with the massive 18inch rubber. However, there aren’t many changes at the rear, barring the updated bumper design with the L-shaped plastic trim.

Appearance Interior

While the design and layout of the Legender’s cabin are identical to the regular Fortuner, the features have been updated, which we will run by later in the review. The Legender continues with the spacious and ergonomic cabin with a comfy first- and second-row seating, along with a usable third row as well. Regardless of the row one is seated in, there’s ample knee- and head-room. The seats themselves are well-appointed with good thigh support and firm cushioning which will make long journeys comfortable.

Furthermore, there’s loads of space to empty one’s pocket into, like the two glove-boxes, the cubby spaces in the centre console and dash, and the deep door pads. Also, the dark colours used may not make the cabin feel roomy, but the new black-red upholstery does add some liveliness, along with the dark wood that’s tastefully mated to piano-black and silver trim. On the flipside, we didn’t like the quality of plastic in some areas, some shiny panels are prone to scratches, and the camera/screen resolution could have mirrored what’s expected of a car that costs north of Rs 46 lakh.

Features that are unique to the Legender are the quad-LED headlamps, sequential indicators, ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, a powered tailgate, and second-row occupants now get two USB ports where the 12V power outlet previously existed. Furthermore, there’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, but the user interface and touch response aren’t nice. It’s also sad to know that this one gets a six-speaker setup instead of the standard Fortuner’s 11-speaker JBL system. Safety features are top-notch though; ABS with EBD, seven airbags, ESP, traction control, hill assist, and vehicle stability control with brake assist.

Performance Drive

Powering the lone Legender variant is the 201bhp/500Nm 2.8-litre diesel engine that spins the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission (4×2) with paddle shifters. Although there is some NVH while cranking the engine, Toyota has markedly improved the insulation and it’s hardly audible inside. As you let go of the brakes, this Toyota creeps ahead purposefully, and thereon. A gentle throttle input is all that’s required for constant progress, even with the revs as low as 1,600rpm.

At about 2,000rpm, there’s a strong mid-range that kicks in to satisfy most driving situations. If the throttle is kept pinned, the buzz from the mill gets pronounced post 2,500rpm as it marches feverishly to the rev limit. What’s nice is that this six-speed torque converter gearbox complements the engine extremely well. With only minor lags between the smooth shifts, it can lay the power down on the road in a jerk-free manner. And, should the need arise for a quick overtake, there’s the option to manually shift gears via the paddle-shifters too.

There are three driving modes

Normal, Eco, and Sport. We felt that sticking to Eco-mode while inching ahead in traffic makes perfect sense as the subdued throttle responses are acceptable. That doesn’t mean that Eco-mode is a dud, and other than its relatively relaxed nature. It makes for a smooth and frugal drive. Meanwhile, Normal-mode is the mode to select if you want better responses. But honestly, after experiencing Sport-mode, you’ll never want to go back to either. Due to the sharp throttle responses that are vastly entertaining.

Like the standard Fortuner, the Legender too displays the same ride quality that’s associated with most ladder-on-frame vehicles. So yes, the ride is jiggly, with constant movements within the cabin, more so at slower speeds. The only remedy is to drive over an incredibly flat stretch of tarmac which is a rarity these days. The good thing is that the clearance along with the strong chassis setup makes it feel indestructible. And robust enough to even plough through non-existent roads.