Review of the Toyota Fortuner 2025:
A Sturdy Icon with Unrivaled Presence given its strong road presence, off-road capabilities, and Toyota's renowned dependability, the Fortuner has long been a mainstay in the full-size SUV market, especially in Southeast Asia, India, and Australia. Building on this heritage, the 2025 model keeps the tough DNA that has made it a legend while adding mild-hybrid technology, modern features, and a sleeker design. The Fortuner's design, performance, interior, safety, and value proposition are all examined in this review, along with its advantages, disadvantages, and overall appeal.
Road Presence and Design the exterior of the Toyota Fortuner combines sophistication and muscle, perfectly capturing the look of a conventional SUV. It commands attention with its sculpted bumper, sleek LED headlights with integrated DRLs, and imposing grille. With a sleeker grille and chic 18-inch alloy wheels, the 2025 update elevates this appearance and adds to its premium appeal. The Lexus-inspired fascia, gloss black trims, and dynamic indicators of the Fortuner Legender variant, which offers a sportier look, make it stand out. In contrast to the vivid palette offered worldwide, such as red or grey dual-tone options, its single-color option (pearl white with a black roof) feels constrictive in some markets.The Fortuner dominates the road thanks to its dimensions, which are 1855 mm wide, 1835 mm tall, and 4795 mm long. Its sturdy ladder-frame chassis and high ground clearance (216mm) prepare it for off-road excursions, and its striking design appeals to people who prefer presence to subtlety. However, off-road accessories like winches or snorkels may clash with the polished appearance of the chrome-heavy grille, which some people may find a bit ostentatious.
Driving Experience and Performance
The 2025 Fortuner has two engine options under the hood: a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel (204 horsepower, up to 500 Nm with the automatic) and a 2.7-liter gasoline engine (164 horsepower, 245 Nm). The star is the diesel, which produces strong torque for smooth highway cruising and off-road capability when mated to a 6-speed automatic or manual gearbox. Although real-world figures hover around 11.92–12 kmpl, the Neo Drive and Legender variants' 48-volt mild-hybrid system improves drivability and fuel efficiency (claimed 14.2–14.6 kmpl for diesel). Although it runs smoothly in urban settings, the gasoline version is not as powerful as the diesel and only gets a respectable 10.3 km/l.The Fortuner has good refinement and a commanding driving position on the road, but the ride quality is inconsistent.Although it feels busy and unsteady at times, with noticeable body roll and lean in corners, the suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps on rough roads. The car may squat or nose-dive under heavy braking or acceleration, exposing its body-on-frame roots. But the Fortuner excels off-road. It can easily handle rough terrain thanks to its high wading depth (700mm), rear differential lock, and part-time 4x4 system. Versatility is increased by the upgraded four-wheel-drive system and drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport), with Sport mode providing a more responsive throttle in sand or mud.
Comfort and the Interior
the Fortuner's interior strikes a balance between functionality and a dash of luxury flair. The Legender's cabin has leather upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota's Connected Services, and a dual-tone black and maroon theme. Although the top trims come with a wireless charger, an 11-speaker JBL sound system, and ventilated front seats, the interior feels outdated when compared to competitors like the Ford Everest or Skoda Kodiaq. Its utilitarian origins are betrayed by hard plastics and a simple digital clock, and at this price range, the lack of an electronic parking brake and sunroof is disappointing.There is plenty of headroom and legroom in the first two rows of the Fortuner's roomy seven-seat (2-3-2 configuration). Though its side-folding design takes up boot space (200L with all seats up, 716L with the third row folded, and 1080L with the second row folded), the third row is best suited for kids. Although the third row can be removed for longer trips, this feature is less practical than competitors' fold-flat systems. With shallow trays and few cubbies, the storage options are sufficient but not outstanding.
Technology and Safety
the Fortuner has a five-star NCAP rating for safety (based on 2019 Hilux tests), demonstrating its strength in this area. It has a 360-degree camera, seven airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assistance. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning are added in higher trim levels, but it is evident that lower-end models lack sophisticated driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control. Despite being functional, the infotainment system is less responsive than more recent models due to its outdated software.Value and OwnershipThe Fortuner is costly in India, with prices ranging from ₹35.02 lakh to ₹52.34 lakh (ex-showroom), with the Legender Neo Drive costing ₹50.09 lakh. Its high price, outdated interior, and lack of features make it less competitive when compared to more refined competitors like the Jeep Meridian or MG Gloster. Nonetheless, Toyota's strong resale value, low maintenance costs, and dependability are important selling points. The Fortuner is a long-term investment because of its sturdy construction and hassle-free ownership, especially for people who value dependability over luxury.
Conclusion
the 2025 Toyota Fortuner is still a powerful SUV because it combines toughness with a commanding presence. It is a good option for adventurers and families in need of a sturdy, seven-seat vehicle because of its off-road capabilities, dependable engines, and Toyota's reputable after-sales service. However, it falls short of being a class leader due to its high price, outdated interior, and rough ride quality. The Fortuner is a good option for people who prefer dependability and road presence over modern technology or sophistication, but those looking for a more upscale experience might search elsewhere.
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