Toyota Fortuner 2018 Philippines review: Bold stance and macho looks

Famed for reliable and highly stable vehicles all over the world as well as in the Philippines for years, Toyota has never let fans down. In a big family full of celebs, today, Philkotse would like to introduce you to a remarkable SUV in the name of Toyota Fortuner.

In the Philippine car market, the Fortuner is now available in five variants with different equipment and engine options. However, in this in-depth Toyota Fortuner 2018 Philippines Review, we want to put all our focus on the Toyota Fortuner 2.4 V 4x2 AT. In spite of not being the top-spec model, it has still accumulated praise and fondness of many Pinoys thanks to its performance, attainability and reliability.

So, let’s analyze together what the all-new Toyota Fortuner exactly has to offer.

First generation vs. Second generation Toyota Fortuner

The All new Toyota Fortuner 2018

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Toyota has managed to give the Toyota Fortuner 2018 exterior a more macho and premium appearance, which manifests an amalgamation of toughness and elegance. If having to choose a word to depict that look, perhaps “modern” is enough. Not as futuristic as others SUVs, the Fortuner impresses us with its practical traits that hide an amazing capacity.

The Fortuner 2018 owns a modern look

Let’s start your gaze on the side. Two athletic characters flowing along the car’s length underline the commanding stance besides the help of new “floating” windows and brawny 18-inch alloy wheels.

Paying much attention to the Fortuner, many of you must have realized the handsome boy now has a longer bonnet and a new “nose.” Accordingly, the front-end receives a redesigned grille decked with a massive “Toyota” emblem in the center. On top of that, sophisticated headlamps also donate “large sums” to the good-looking face.

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The Fortuner impresses us with its practical traits that hide an amazing capacity

As for the rear profile, the Fortuner knows the way to follow the current trend. That means it also features a single strip along the width of the vehicle. In the same way, the chrome one over the number plate is combined perfectly with the taillight cluster. All extremely look good.

The rear features a single strip along the width of the vehicle

For the most part, the Toyota Fortuner 2018 interior is one of the most purified in SUV segment. To be honest, pushing back Japanese brands in the matter of luxury is a hard task. What should we say when everything here is nice: leather, stitching and even plastic? These soft materials make the cabin soothing in each and every bit.

The Fortuner 2018 interior is one of the most purified in SUV segment

However, what really whets our appetite is the center console’s faux wood. It’s fake in essence, you know? But in fact, it does not look and feel fake at all. This actually differentiates the Fortuner from most of its rivals in the market. A perfect knockoff, we think so.

As well as that, a strapping 3-spoke steering wheel, modern and legible gauges along with polished trim complete the Fortuner’s premium makeover.

High-tech features contains a 6.5-inch capacitive touch control compatible with CD, DVD, Tuner, Call Function System alongside Audio Streaming with a set of 6 speakers. Besides, Aux, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports are fully set up.

This "Fortune" can carry up to seven passengers

A premium cabin doesn’t signify that it is not comfortable and spacious. As compared to the previous Fortuner, the 2018 model has gone far beyond. To cite an example, this "Fortune" can carry up to seven passengers. Concerning the front seats, it can be automatically adjusted for propel reach and height. Moving to the second row, legroom is enough, even for tall adults. Thanks to the center armrest, this row can comfortably cater two passengers.

Sadly, occupants at the third row can only park themselves when the armrest has been folded. Nevertheless, it still has some good points. For instances, accessing to the third row is very easy and the legroom is somehow enhanced (but it’s not very commodious except when you let the second row down). Whatever, air is enough for all passengers at all three row seats owing to large and big windows. To a great extent, cushions at vital positions are definitely a plus point for the SUV, which again give the car a premium feel.

There is nothing to worry about the cargo space, even with the third row used.

Other extra features include air-conditioning system with automatic climate control, cup holders, paddle shifters for sport mode and cruise control.

Toyota always gives prominence to safety aspect, so the all-new Fortuner is built to protect and withstand passengers from inside. Therefore, feel assured when you’re behind the wheel under the protection of a wide host of features, including:

• Airbags (Driver’s, Front Passenger’s and Knee Airbag)
• Electronic Brake Distribution
• Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Immobilizer
• Security Alarm
• Electronic Door Locks
• Speed Sensing Door Locks
• ISOFIX

The 2018 Toyota Fortuner is built to protect and withstand passengers from inside

The Toyota Fortuner 2.4 V 4x2 AT, as its name evokes, packs a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder diesel mill which doles out 147 hp and a peak torque of 400 Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic with sequential control. Though the total output is not as high as that of other contenders, the engine still provides smooth, even performance and acceleration.

The Toyota Fortuner 2.4 V 4x2 V AT packs a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder diesel mill

As the saying goes, the new Fortuner is actually a talented player in SUV segment when it comes to ride and handling. Maybe the first-gen Fortuner did make you bitterly disappointed by its ride quality. Nonetheless, for 2018, it’s a markedly different story.

The new Fortuner is actually a talented player in SUV segment

Point by point, the noise level is remarkably reduced. Plus, occupants at the back will feel more comfortable on bumpy roads. You might be surprised when looking at the way our “Fortune” handles: far more nimble and agile than you’ve expected. It could be said with certainty that the Fortuner’s ride is illustrative of a standard mid-size SUV in the market today.

If you want to challenge the Fortuner to harsher terrains, turn the Power Mode on and enjoy the ride. On the other hand, if you’re an eco-friendly driver, try the Eco Mode. On average, the car gives decent fuel consumption of 11.2 km/L in mixed city and highway. Not bad, right?

Back in September 2017, only by giving the Fortuner a few refinements, Toyota has increased its pricing by as much as P100,000. You can read our article here for further details of what improvements have been added to the current generation Fortuner.

Below are the latest price of the Toyota Fortuner in the Philippines:

By the way, we want to discuss a little bit the Fortuner 2018 (facelift) in Australian market. Worth noting is that the Australia-spec Fortuner will be spoiled with a bevy of extra equipment while the price is slightly cut down. In detail:

• The entry-level trim will receive 17-inch alloys, projector headlights, LED taillights, 6 speakers, fabric trim, 3 12V sockets, a multi-function steering wheel and air-conditioned cool box.
• The mid-range model comes with all of the features above in addition to enhanced infotainment system with Toyota link app compatibility, digital radio and satellite navigation system.
• The range-topping grade is coddled the most with LED fog lamps, bi-LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a full-size spare tire, a power tailgate, leather trim, heated 8-way adjustable front seats, climate control, 11-speaker JBL audio system and a 220V socket.

The Australia-spec Fortuner has already been kicked off from $42,590 - $56,990 (P1,714,021 - P2,293,545). Concerning the Toyota Fortuner 2018 release date of the facelift version for the Philippine market, details of it has remained secret but we’ll immediately reflect on the 2018 model year as soon as it lands on our shores. Stay tuned!

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Overtly, the ride quality of the Toyota Fortuner 2.4 V 4x2 AT somehow does not live up to expectations. However, it’s might be the only shortcoming. The rest of the car is indeed the best in class. Macho look, functional and premium cabin, impressive handling and performance are what make you can’t resist the all new Toyota Fortuner 2018, not to mention Toyota’s reliability.

In our country, the Isuzu MU-X is a serious competitor to the Fortuner. Offered with a wider price range, the 7-seater from Isuzu is also worth of your consideration if you are into large-sized vehicles. Click here to find our comparison review of Isuzu MU-X vs. Toyota Fortuner.

At last, hope that our Toyota Fortuner 2018 Review has given you enough words on this lovable SUV. If you intend to set your heart on it, rush to the nearest dealer right now, or else refer to the complete list of Toyota Fortuner for sale in the Philippines on Philkotse.com to find a good one.