10 reasons why I can't help falling in love with the Toyota Fortuner

Finding someone who hasn’t dreamt of owning a Toyota Fortuner would be an exercise in futility in the Philippines.

It has been 12 years since the first model made its way on the open road and the Toyota Fortuner is currently one of the most popular mid-size SUVs in our country.

The Fortuner, honestly, has captured a lot of feelings of the Filipinos. Even, some Pinoy drivers openly declare that “the only way you’ll survive driving in the Philippines is if you have a proper SUV to brave the flood or the mud, and that’s where the Toyota Fortuner comes in.”

So, what are the reasons for the Toyota Fortuner’s domination across our streets for over a decade?

>>> Toyota Fortuner Philippines review

1. Reliable brand image

The Toyota Fortuner has always been a fierce rival in the SUV category nationwide

The fact remains that every Toyota model is always a preference thanks to its reliability, performance, durability and also excellent customer services. For most buyers, if they plan to go for a good SUV, Toyota models, including the Fortuner are commonly top picks. This explains why the Japanese automaker sold out nearly 2,000 units of Fortuner in the very first month of its debut. From then on, the Fortuner has made it a massive brand in itself and has always been a fierce rival in the SUV category nationwide.

>>> Philkotse team has gathered 5 Toyota models that are most enjoyed by Pinoy drivers. Check it out.

2. Timeless good look

If you own a Fortuner, there is a strong possibility that you would spend much time admiring the vehicle every morning and even take photos of it whenever you’re free. Not overly futuristic as the Montero Sport, but flashier than the sober MU-X, the Fortuner is a harmonious balance between the elegance, size and aggressiveness. Featuring Toyota’s global style design language, the vehicle’s muscular look is that of power and luxury with sleek and sharp lines of which we can’t take eyes off.

>>> The Isuzu MU-X is also one of the most favorite SUVs in the Philippines. Read full our article to find out 9 reasons for its popularity.

My brother Joseph has got a first gen Fortuner since 2005, despite having suffered from scars of entrepreneurial use, his vehicle still looks and runs like new. He also asserts that newer competitors like the Chevrolet Trailblazer and the MU-X he has seen on the roads can’t be in the running with his beloved car.

My brother and his 2005 Toyota Fortuner

3. Superb ride quality

It is undoubtedly true that ride quality and handling of the Fortuner is standard for the class now. The spirited driving makes the vehicle settle down in almost terrain with remarkably precise steering and controlled body motions. “The ride quality is damn good, so you won’t feel any jerk while riding this car on city roads,” Joseph told me.

>>> View more: Top 10 city cars for the money in 2017

Nonetheless, a petty problem is that the suspension of his car seems not to be very smooth. Riding on rough roads and roads that are not tarred properly will give you a feeling that this vehicle does not have a suspension itself!!! However, modern Fortuners will certainly help you feel better.

2016 Toyota Fortuner - Test Drive

4. Spacious interior

High leather seats, light steering wheel and everything of this seven-seater make the driving really, really easy! The cabin is sublime and extremely comfortable. Having a third row is so good unless you need to get in there or place luggage in it. Thus, it’s suitable for short people and your children. However, don’t worry about that as the way to access the third row is now a lot easier thanks to a simple pull of lever, the backrest on the second-row folds and the entire seat flips forward.

The cabin is sublime and extremely comfortable

Not only does the third row seat comfortably about two adults, it also features a distinctive flip-fold-and-clip system. Let’s follow my instructions: stand in front of an open rear hatch, pull on a pair of cords from the rear of the seats to the backrest then fold the entire seat sideways, finally, latch it onto the clip and enjoy a commodious cargo space created.

>>> Take a look at our list of top 10 seven-seat vehicles for Filipino families

5. High performance

How much power is enough to convince your senses of visceral motion? The top-spec Toyota Fortuner comes loaded with a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 3.0L, 2982cc, diesel engine that knocks out a maximum power of 168 hp at 3600 rpm and 343 Nm of peak torque at 1400-3400 rpm. This turbocharged engine offers a high performance with excellent acceleration, helping the SUV never vibrate even at the fast speed of 130 km/h. To verify, just pressing the throttle and your “Fortune” will show its full power.

6. Impressive off-road capability

This feature is what I like most about this SUV. Build on the same base as the Hilux, it comes as no surprise that the Fortuner genetically inherits some serious off-road credentials from the popular pickup truck for sale.

The Fortuner is able to stand stiffly like a brave man in the toughest roads

Namely, the SUV can wade to depths up to 700 mm and has 225 mm of ground clearance, a hefty 3,000 kg towing capacity in addition to impressive approach and departure angles. As a result, this off-roader is able to stand stiffly like a brave man in the toughest roads as well as in any dreadful weather condition and never feels tired. It’s perfect for those who need to tow stuff or enjoy taking the family to hard-to-find camping places.

2016 Toyota Fortuner Off-road Drive

>>> Philkotse has rounded up the 5 cheapest-to-buy pickup trucks on the market today. Click here to see the full list.

7. High fuel efficiency

After 12 years with his "Fortune", Joseph averaged 12 km/L on highway and a mere 7-8 km/L in city. This is thanks to the GD series engines which help increase the fuel efficiency considerably and likewise, maximize the thermal efficiency of 44%. Thus, it is no doubt one of the most fuel-efficient mid-size SUV in the Philippine market right now.

Toyota GD series engine

>>> Read also: Top 10 most fuel efficient SUVs that Filipino drivers love

8. Low maintenance costs

This is one of the main reasons for Toyota’s reputation in the Philippines and globally. Although the service intervals of Toyota cars are high, the cost of service remains quite low. The Fortuner is not different, it has an average cost of about P25,000 per year (depending on your service provider). Frankly, it’s not bad for an SUV that’s well-known all over the world.

>>> Click here for more useful car maintenance tips and advice

9. Wide range of prices

For many drivers, the Fortuner appears to impress them at all time, but it is only the price that sometimes keeps their mind away from thinking about it. Admittedly, it’s not a very big problem since Toyota gives you numerous variants of Fortuner in seven elegant colors: Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Super White, White Pearl (for an extra fee of P15,000), Phantom Brown Metallic and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic. P1.4 million is absolutely an affordable price to pay for such a great SUV.

Explore all variants and prices more closely with the table below:

Toyota gives you numerous variants of Fortuner

If the prices above are still not fair to you, please consider our list of used Toyota Fortuner for sale. For all intents and purposes, opting for a used car is not a bad idea. See my brother, he has ridden his Fortuner for nearly 12 years and has no intention of going for a new one.

My brother Joseph's Fortuner

10. Great resale value

I dare say buying the Toyota Fortuner is definitely a wise investment. For all reasons I’ve mentioned above, I’m pretty sure that some of you start looking around the Internet to find out your dream Fortuner. At the same time, many others are also checking out thousands list of Fortuner for sale. Consequently, the vehicle always remains its high resale value in auto market. Its value declines only 15% of the original value after 36 months of use. This also explains why Toyota Fortuner is one of the top 3 most stolen cars in the Philippines.

Lastly, I would like to sum up my post with the conversation I had with my brother Joseph:

- “Do you fancy getting one for yourself?” Joseph asked me.
- “Enough said.”, I replied.

Know more about Toyota Fortuner 2024

Toyota Fortuner 2024

The Toyota Fortuner 2024 sold in our market spans six five trim levels and 11 variants. Toyota Fortuner prices in the Philippines range from PHP 1,769,000 for the Fortuner G 2.4 M/T to PHP 2,650,000 for the flagship GR Sport 2.8 A/T. This midsize SUV spans two turbodiesel options, with most of the range equipped with a 6-speed automatic gearbox (6-speed manual for the base variant) as well as a 4x2 drivetrain (4x4 is available on the LTD trim and is standard on the GR Sport). The Fortuner brings a length of 4,795mm, a width of 1,855mm, and a height of 1,835mm on a 2,745mm wheelbase.

The lowest monthly installment starts at Php 19,683 for the G 2.4 4x2, with 60-month payment terms on a 50 percent downpayment. As a contender in the midsize SUV segment, the Toyota Fortuner faces off against a slew of rivals including the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra, Ford Everest, Isuzu mu-X, and Foton Toplander.

Toyota Fortuner Launch

Toyota Philippines launched the 2021 Fortuner facelift in late 2020 with the addition of the new and distinct variant called LTD. All of the variants introduced by the Japanese carmaker come with an automatic transmission except
the G variant which has to option to go for a manual transmission. Only the top-ranging LTD variants are benefited by a 4x4 drivetrain and a two-tone paint that comes with a blacked-out roof.

One of the best and new features the facelifted model brought in the country is the more powerful engine. The 7-seater midsize SUV now offers Filipino car buyers a 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV diesel engine that allows it to join the 500 Club
alongside other midsize SUVs in the country such as the Ford Everest and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Since the Fortuner's entry in the local market in 2005, TMP has already sold over 220,000 units of the unit.

Toyota Fortuner Exterior

The Toyota Fortuner gets a more confident and stylish design. The top-spec LTD comes with a 2-tone color black roof color lineup, a bolder and sportier front and rear bumper design, and machine-cut 18-inch alloy wheels. Split-type LED headlamps and LED front foglamps, sequential turn signal lamps, and the redesigned LED rear combination lamps give the LTD variant a more dynamic design while maintaining visibility on Philippine roads.

The Toyota Fortuner gets a more confident and stylish design

On the other hand, the Q and V variants of the new Fortuner get LED foglamps and redesigned LED rear combination lamps, as well as Bi-Beam LED Headlamps with LED Line Guide - Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Meanwhile, G variants also now come with Bi-Beam LED Headlamps with LED DRL.

Toyota Fortuner Interior

The Toyota Fortuner LTD variants offer a more premium interior feel as compared to other variants thanks to its variant-exclusive leather with maroon accent seat material. Another feature found in the top-spec variant only is the leather plus galaxy black trim steering wheel which complements the seats. The G and V variants come with fabric upholstery, while the Q variants benefit from leather upholstery.

Toyota Fortuner interior view

The maroon trims are excellent touches

Standard features for the 7-seater midsize SUV include a 4.2-inch multi-information display (MID), tilt and telescopic steering column, four cupholders and two bottle holders up front, two cupholders and two bottle holders at the rear, 60:40 split for the 2nd-row passengers with 1-touch tumble with center armrest, and 50:50 split for the third-row seats. A cool box is included for all variants except the base G variants.

Technology & Safety Features

Comfort and entertainment are guaranteed the whole journey for the driver and passengers as LTD and Q variants have 8-Way Power Adjust front seats, and Front Seat Ventilation System for the LTD variant. Never lose power with the wireless charger and rear USB chargers available on LTD, Q, and V grades, and experience premium sound quality over the LTD variants’ 9-speaker JBL sound system. The new Fortuner also comes with either a seven- or eight-inch infotainment touchscreen depending on the variant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard across all variants of the new Toyota Fortuner.

The new Fortuner also come with either a seven- or eight-inch infotainment touchscreen depending on the variant

Comfort and entertainment is guaranteed the whole journey for the driver and passengers

Standard safety features in the SUV include dual-SRS airbags and driver's knee airbag (LTD variants get side and curtain airbags), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control, hill-start assist control (HAC), and ISOFIX tethers. The higher-trim Q and LTD variants are installed with a pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure alert with yaw assist, and adaptive cruise control (ACC).

Platform & Chassis

The Toyota Fortuner Philippines is a five-door midsize SUV that is built on the same IMV platform as the Hilux and Innova. The three models share the same engines, but the outputs and displacements differ. The front suspension is handled by the fully independent double-wishbone, while a rigid axle with coil springs handles the rear suspension. This seven-seater SUV has a length of 4,795 mm, a width of 1,855 mm, a wheelbase of 2,745 mm, and a ground clearance of 193 mm.

Two of the Toyota Fortuner variants

All variants share the same brake and suspension parts

>>> Toyota Fortuner for sale in the Philippines at best prices

Engine & Drivetrain

The new Toyota Fortuner LTD and Q variants are powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine that delivers 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the V and G variants of the model come with a 2.4-liter diesel engine that generates 148 hp and 400 Nm of torque. All variants come with a six-speed automatic transmission except for the entry-level G variant, which has a 6-speed manual transmission.

The new Toyota Fortuner LTD and Q variants are powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine

All variants of the 7-seater midsize SUV utilize a 4x2 drivetrain. However, Toyota Motor Philippines also offers a 4x4 drivetrain which is made available only on the top-ranging LTD variant that comes with auto disconnect differential and differential lock for a more seamless off-roading ride.

>>> For your further reference:

Available colors for the Toyota Fortuner 2024 are Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Attitude Black Mica, Gray Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Super White II.

For off-road capability, the Toyota Fortuner 2024 is equipped with a rear-locking differential that works with its four-wheel drivetrain. Toyota Safety Sense is standard on the Q, LTD, and GR Sport trims, bringing driver-assist features such as a pre-collision system and adaptive cruise control. Upper-spec variants also come with a panoramic view monitor that provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s exterior. Also, the Fortuner Philippines is the only one in its class that offers ventilated front seats.

Toyota Fortuner Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Muscular design Improved interior and safety features Robust powertrain and suspension Extensive variant lineup	Not so comfortable ride quality Pricey compared to rivals

Toyota Fortuner Q&A

1. Does the Toyota Fortuner have 7 seats?

Yes, it is a midsize SUV that has 7 seats.

2. Will the Toyota Fortuner 2024 have a sunroof?

Unfortunately, no. Sunroofs are not available on the Toyota Fortuner 2024.

3. What is special about the safety system of the Toyota Fortuner 2024?

The safety system of the Toyota Fortuner 2024 has been improved because it includes Blind spot indicators with rear cross-traffic alert, stability control, traction control, and hill start assist.

4. How is the Toyota Fortuner price in the Philippines?

The price of Toyota Fortuner is quite good. It ranges from 1,769,000 Php for the entry-level G 2.4 4x2 MT to 2,650,000 Php for the top-of-the-line Toyota Fortuner GR Sport 2.8 Diesel 4x4 AT.

5. Which Toyota Fortuner Philippines color is best?

It’s difficult to tell which color is best since this depends on each one’s preference. However, Fortuner 2024 black and Fortuner 2024 white seem to be popular choices.

₱ 1,736,000 - ₱ 2,595,000

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