What's the difference?
The Toyota Fortuner has been around since 2015 with very few significant changes in the years between then and now.
And that’s telling because the HiLux-based Fortuner has never managed to make the mark in its market segment that Toyota would so dearly like it to.
With a new Fortuner possibly due in the not-too-distant future – with Toyota’s mild-hybrid 48V V-Active system onboard perhaps? – it’s worth revisiting the seven-seat Fortuner to see how the current ageing 4WD wagon stands up against its fresher rivals.
Read on.
There’s something immensely appealing about a car that can play two roles.
An off-roader for the weekend and a school pick-up chariot Monday to Friday? How about a race car/grocery-getter combo?
The latter is what the Toyota GR Corolla wants to be, a slightly bigger and more day-to-day alternative to the first GR hot hatch, the Yaris.
Both of these cars have now been updated and are arriving in Australia now, and Toyota hopes the Corolla becomes an even better car to rival the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R.
But can it do it?
We tested Toyota’s hotted-up Corolla on road and track to see if it’s up to the task.
The Toyota Fortuner is a family friendly wagon and a very capable 4WD, but it’s looking and feeling decidedly old, especially when cross-shopped against the current highly competitive 4WD wagon market in which vehicles are increasingly stylish, sophisticated and packed with driver-assist tech (that isn't clunky) and standard features (that are extensive).
The Fortuner is practical and easy to live with as a daily driver, and in GXL spec it makes a lot of sense as a functional not flashy off-road tourer, but it’s far from the best family 4WD wagon around.
Until a next-generation Fortuner possibly arrives, there are plenty of Toyota fans who’d happily settle for a current Fortuner – if they haven’t already.
The GR Corolla had a lot to live up to before, given the likes of the GR Yaris and GR86 fit their briefs so well.
Now, with a little more daily useability and a little more performance, the GR Corolla is even better at both sides of its Jekyl and Hyde personality.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.