The pick-up based platform ensues a towering ride height and a commanding driving position. On the flipside, it also means that the Fortuner suffers from a bit of body lean (and a step up ingress/egress), but manages to go where it’s pointed without any drama. The brakes haul the 1,730 kilogram SUV from speed via a firm and responsive pedal. The 2.7G is also equipped with anti-lock brakes.
Perhaps the only kink in the Fortuner’s armor is its front seat support, which had us squirming after just a few minutes of driving and left us with a sore bum. Those accustomed to a sedan or a car-based SUV will not be satisfied with the Fortuner’s bumpy behavior either.
All in all, whether you pick the 3.0V or 2.7G, the Fortuner remains a winner. Despite its shortcomings such as the front seats and fussy ride; its family-friendly seating capacity, robust platform, fuel efficient engines and good value for money still make it hard to beat. If you don’t plan on crossing rivers any time soon, you won’t miss the lack of four-wheel drive. In the end, if you want to jump the Fortuner queue, get the relatively forgotten Fortuner 2.7G instead.
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| Even the interior's the same with the 3.0V. It's ergonomically sound and quite comfy... we'd like better seat support though. |
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| This is the only way to tell from the inside that you're in a RWD Fortuner. There's no 4WD lever and in its place are additional cup holders. |
