Toyota Fortuner snapped ahead of July 17th launch, some details too

[Brougham]

New 2016 Prado 2.8 Pricing

I sat in a new fortuner today with the dark brown leather - puke is my observation. Disgusting colour.

Rear diff lock as standard is cool though. But definitely a lot smaller and a lot lower than the Prado.


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[bing10]

thanks neilaction, a great review of the Fortuner. Did you discuss prices and delivery times ?

[neilaction]

Test drove the Fortuner today.

First the good.

It looks good, better than the pictures IMO. Its got a sporty-ness about it.
I saw a graphite Crusade and a blue GXL, and combined with the nice looking 18" wheels, they both looked good.
The interior is more modern, in particular the entertainment system is great.
Leather in the Crusade is just OK, but the tan colour I saw might have reduced its appeal some what.
(I didn't get to see the dark brown alternative)
(I did see the dark brown cloth in the GXL and its better than you think it would be)
If you need the 7 seats then the rear cargo area is limited by the way the 3rd row folds up.
But, if you can do with only 5 seats, then after the 3rd row is removed completely the cargo area is actually more versatile than the Prado.
The 2nd row seats tumble forward and the floor is significantly lower, not completely flat though.
A short wheelbase and high clearance mean the Fortuner should be awesome off-road.
It already looks like its been fitted with a lift kit its that high.
(the genuine bullbar also look a lot more purposeful that the Prado offering, it look almost ARB)
It drove fine although for me I didn't warm to the feel of the steering.
Importantly it didn't feel like a truck.
Power was ample and it was smooth and reasonable quiet.
Possibly not quite as plush as the Prado but pretty good non the less.


Now the not so good.
Its smaller than I was expecting.
Even though I knew it was basically a Hilux, I was still a bit surprised at how compact the cabin is.
That will have its advantages around town and I my wife for one would appreciate its size, or lack there of.
At first the Crusade feels more luxurious than a GXL Prado, but, after 20 minutes or so, and after close inspection, the modern-ness fades with some parts actually looking cheap, almost tacky. Its hard to put my finger on it but it looks a bit try hard. Compared to say the Jeep, which is more or less the same money, the Fortuner doesn't have the same wow factor. Yeh its got fancy stitching and some soft touch panels, but the overall style isn't there. Its only my opinion but it didn't really nail it for me. I'd also be slightly worried that what looks flash now may not wear well when used as a family car.
It doesn't have constant all wheel drive. Around town its rear wheel drive only. Not a biggie but still, could be a factor for some.

Its a good car at the price. Better than Everest? Nup. Not much worse and better value maybe, but IMO the Everest is a better car.
Better than Prado? Nup. Not really a like for like comparison but putting money to one side, IMO the Prado is a better car.

So, the winner is.....for me its the Prado.
I will forgive it its short comings because of its strengths.

For what its worth I think they will sell a bus load of them.
Its priced better than the Everest and its a Toyota.
Younger people will prefer its styling and the soccer mums will appreciate its size.
Its interesting how many Prados are driven daily by the fairer half because the family needs a weekend car, but Dad has say a company car.
I think many will go for the snazzy new Fortuner.

[neilaction]

Looks a very capable option.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-revi...st-drive-36436

https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car...rtuner-review/

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/#/6...-new-benchmark

http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au...on/2817272/#/0

[Corigator]

We all know the quoted test figures are a bit off but the Hilux was sort of way off (38% over) where as other vehicles in the test were nowhere near so far off their ratings. A little concerning.

They've probably been talking to VW

[neilaction]

But in this test of a manual 2.8 Prado, the fuel consumption seems reasonable.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/385150/2...manual-review/

[MacroP]

Interesting read.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/390434/t...rtuner-review/
Not sure what to make of the fuel consumption figures give the motor and gearbox are the same as in the new Prado.

That's interesting - I read an online review yesterday on the new Hilux and they pointed out the terrible fuel economy. We all know the quoted test figures are a bit off but the Hilux was sort of way off (38% over) where as other vehicles in the test were nowhere near so far off their ratings. A little concerning.

[neilaction]

Interesting read.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/390434/t...rtuner-review/
Not sure what to make of the fuel consumption figures give the motor and gearbox are the same as in the new Prado.

I like how the Fortuner and the new Hilux has 279mm ground clearance.
The black steelies look awful.

[neilaction]

I got a message from a dealer today confirming the release is the 26th.
I'll be there to test it and I'll report back with my thoughts.

After reading the ute comparison that included the Ranger and new Hilux, I'm a bit less optimistic in regards to the Fortuner. It's fair to say in what seemed a pretty thorough test, the Ranger spanked the Hilux.

[shodown]

Tank is 80L according to Toyota website pre-production specs

It might be justified to those who want to tow a 2.5T van!!! Rear diff lock is interesting.....

GX is killed by lack of keyless start..... and steel wheels.... WTF? I wouldnt mind steel wheels but those are hideous. Would be interesting to find out whether wheel width is the same for GX and GXL - track is different according to specs....

I dont think the $5k difference between GX and GXL is warranted..... do you REALLY need rear sensors with a reversing camera? Does GXL include front sensors?

I am intrigued and would certainly consider it.....

[ravenhard]

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/t...20-gkdjw8.html

Prices are out $55k for the auto in GXL. So probably about $7k approx difference to the GXL prado. Is that enough to justify the smaller overall size and more importantly I imagine smaller fuel tank

[neilaction]

If its a lot smaller than the Prado, then Prado it is.

[DSS150]

I drove the Fortuner yesterday, its a lot smaller vehicle than the Prado and Kluger.

Quite pokey with the 2.8 and drives well in both manual and auto.

Will definitely be the class leader in the small to medium 4x4 segment I think.

Tows more than the Prado but definitely not a spacious.

[shodown]

I got told 47k for GX and 65k for Crusdade, he wasnt sure on GXL

I wonder if it will stay 3T (manual) 2.8T (auto) towing capacities as per overseas.....