Toyota Fortuner GX auto 2016 review: Top 5 reasons to buy video

The Toyota Fortuner is a large off-road focused seven-seat SUV that first went on sale in 2015. This very first Fortuner is based on the hugely popular eighth-generation Toyota HiLux ute. There are three specifications of Fortuner – the entry level GX, the GXL and the Crusade – with prices starting at $47,990 and stepping all the way up to $61,990.

Toyota has seven different SUVs in its Australian range and the Fortuner is positioned above the Kluger and below the Prado in that line-up.

Rivals to the Fortuner include the Isuzu MU-X, Ford’s Everest and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

These are the top 5 reasons to buy the base Fortuner GX with the auto.

#1 Capable off roader

The Fortuner’s body sits on a ladder frame which to four-wheel driving fans is a fundamental ingredient for a capable off-roader because of the strength it adds. Making the ride more passenger friendly are coil springs instead of the HiLux’s leaf springs for the rear axle.

The driver can switch between four- and two-wheel drive with a low and high range.

The Fortuner has a ground clearance of 225mm, an approach angle of 30 degrees, a departure angle of 25 degrees and a wading depth of 700mm.

Toyota rates the Fortuner’s braked towing capacity for the auto 2800kg.

#2 Interior styling

The Fortuner GX’s cabin is stylish and refined. There are some elements which the Fortuner’s cabin shares with the Hilux such as the air-conditioning controls, screen and steering wheel, but overall Toyota has given the seven-seater’s cockpit its own look.

There’s the cleanly designed dash and high quality feel to the centre console, door trims, glove box lid and hand brake surrounds. The speedo and tacho dials with ‘light point’ needles have a premium look.

#3 Great engine

All Fortuners are powered by the same 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It’s a new-generation global engine which has been developed to be lightweight, quiet and fuel efficient, while having a relatively high output of 130kW and 450Nm.

It’s a smooth unit made better by a fast response turbo which reduces lag in the response to the driver putting their foot down, while Toyota claims an average combined fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km with six-speed auto.

#4 Fit for a family

SUVs have become the choice of families because of their practical nature, but most are based on cars and have limited off-road capability which could quickly see you outmatched by rough terrain. The Fortuner doesn’t have the smooth ride and comfort of these SUVs but it is an excellent option for adventurous families planning to tackle the tough stuff.

The ride height makes it easy on your back when putting in or taking out babies and wriggling toddlers, plus there’s thoughtful features such as the handgrips on the door frames to help the bigger ones climb in on their own.

The cabin is roomy and the rubber floor mats, door plastics and seat covers have a hard-wearing feel and thankfully wipe clean (we learnt this the hard way with our toddler). There’s seven seats but limited headroom in the third row means it’s really only for kids and those seats fold up when not in use.

The three top-tether anchor points proved easy enough to use, there’s also two ISOFIX mounts.

Boot space with the third row in place is 200 litres (VDA) to the top of the seat back. With the third row stowed away there’s 654-716 litres (VDA) – it varies because the second row slides back and forth on rails.

There’s pop out cupholders in the dash, more in the fold down armrest in the second row and doors are fitted with 600ml bottle holders in the doors. A cool surprise feature are the shopping bag hooks in backs of the front seats – also good for takeaway curries.

#5 Excellent seats

We’re impressed by the quality of the seating in the entry level GX – there’s sports bucket seats up front which are supportive and comfortable even if you’re in the saddle for hours.

The second row seats are also excellent. They’re comfy too over long distances and offer great legroom.

Upholstery on base models often has a bit of a public transport touch to the design but the cloth seat covering in the GX is tasteful and has a premium feel.

Drawbacks

The Fortuner GX is a tough off-road wagon for the family who wants to go anywhere, but the design of the third row seats could be improved. The way they fold away leaves them hanging from the wall of the boot – this not only clutters the car area, but it obstructs rear corner vision. We’d like to see seats that fold flat into the floor as Toyota has achieved with the Prado and Ford with its Everest. 

You'll find anything Fortuner-related at our Fortuner hub.

More: See all Toyota SUVs here.

Related: check out our buying guide for seven-seater SUVs here.

Plus: find all off-road SUVs here.

How do you think Fortuner compares to its off-road SUV rivals? Tell us in the comments below.

Click here to see more 2016 Toyota Fortuner pricing and spec info.