Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 - In-depth Review

Toyota's ever-popular Fortuner continues to dominate its segment despite valiant efforts from the likes of Ford, with the Everest, and Chevrolet, with the facelifted Trailblazer, to dislodge the Fortuner from its number one spot.
And, interestingly, this top-of-the-range 2.8L GD-6 4x4 Auto model is the top seller in the range. More buyers opt for this, the most expensive Fortuner, over any other model in the line-up.
While the Fortuner has been on the market for a year now, we wanted to get to know the vehicle better, and recently spent a month with the SUV. In this review we cover boot space, including that contentious third row of seats, we take a detailed look at the interior, discuss the new generation 2.8L GD-6 engine and what it's like to live with this bakkie-based SUV.
0:00 Intro
0:45 Sales Trivia
1:18 Engine Specs & Fuel Consumption
1:43 Off Road Capabilities
2:26 Driving Quality & Handling
3:30 Flappy Pedals
4:18 Interior Review
6:33 Boot Space & Back Seat
8:34 Reliability
9:52 Outro

[@dcpowersacoza]

Just remember the paddleshifts in the Fortuner is NOT for racedriving or even a manual mode where you decide the best time to shift gears down.. The paddleshifts is for selecting a certain gear immediately from the steering wheel in any drive mode and use gears for engine braking and preselecting a gear if you want to accelerate to overtake faster towing something. I have found the paddleshifts in my fortuner to be very very usefull especially towing a caravan and going through mountain passes and downhills locking the gears in that position without using the stick below. I find them very useful and use it a lot and is thankful that they are there.. The 2.8 is also not really the range top model, the 4.0 V6 os where you did find power rear door, navigation etc. The 2.8 has bluetooth connection to the phone I believe the comment was made that it doesnt? Further more, havibg had a 3.2 5 cylinder vehicle from an opposition car make, I would never go back and definitely stay with the Fortuner / Hilux range in future. You dont drive back as much for warranty issues with a Toyota so you really spent more time worrying about where to go next than when your next warranty issue will be and where you will be left. Toyota Fortuner is not perfect, but it does a great job in giving reliable and robust vehicle. If I could change anything, it would be to have a removable 3rd row rear seat cover to remove the seats and cover holes nicely when seats are not needed, then you will definitely have more packing options and a lot of more space.. Most people will remove the seats if it was possible and only store them for when required and rather use the large space available..

[@sgoosthuizen]

Great review of a great car. Owning one now for a year and done 24000km. Excellent on the long distances. Living in Rundu, Namibia and travelling to Still Bay for holidays. Good fuel economy, comfortable cabin for our family of 5.

[@kabelompitimpiti7648]

Good review, good vehicle. I wanted to trade in our Legend 45 Double cab for the newer models but I think I will keep it. 2 years later and 5000KM on the clock, I have decided to lock it away until 2040 when no one else has it.

[@jorgechaves2164]

Great review. At this price point I would expect a bit more though. It seems as if there is more loyalty to the brand than the actual product offering. I would love to see a similar review on Ford's equivalent top seller, the Everest.

[@mselaledi]

Shape - Good Tail Gate - Bad (No Power) Seats - Good Manual Labour for rear seats - Tolerable Fuel - Good No park distance - BAD Blind spot created by rear seat - DANGEROUSLY bad - Especially on GP highways (you need to see those BMW's coming)

[@travelpk344]

Great review. Can't expect much ride comfort and off road toughness at the same time. Parking assist should be a part of the package as you rightly mentioned. I liked the way you expressed pros and cons.

[@cilltec4015]

Not very good looking .....but just traded in our Land Rover for this new Fortuner . After breaking down in the Karoo with the LR , the closest Land Rover dealership was either Stellenbosch or Bloemfontein. Towing the Land Rover in to Stellenbosch my mind was made up when delivering the LR at Stellenbosch dealership on a Sunday night only to see 3 other Land Rovers being delivered after the weekend breaking down somewhere

[@Inyosi888]

This one is air condition to keep your drinks cool, This one..................................................... isn't :) :) :) :) killer. Man I enjoy your presentations so much. Are you ever going to take it to TV though?

[@Baitullmaqdis]

Somebody get this man to be in a TV auto show

[@rayblade6383]

He is pretty darn awesome tbf.

[@keithbrianmusendo7605]

Guda guda

[@ark2380]

This Bucky based suv sells pretty good in India. Reliable and capable.

[@akaydax]

excellent review....very informative...!

[@meganwalker9110]

I'm in love! me me me - let it be me to win one. WHAT A STUNNING VEHICLE!!!!

[@xfan616]

always enjoy your review, still need time to adapt the new look, thinking about the Hilux now,

[@AHMEDMOOSAJI]

its engine definitely better than competitor's much more quieter and refined unlike fords noisy laggy engine on papaer the 3.2 looks better but much more sluggish

[@arp1141]

Great review as always.. When is the fortuner facelift coming out ? 2020 or 2021 ? This time it should have lighter steering ,front and rear parking sensors. Thx

[@patrickjohnson2225]

I'm getting the sigma 4x4 manual with the 2.8L. It's the best one out there.

[@collinskiprono6606]

This guy should be in the new top gear..he is really awesome.

[@malfan]

And then who should do car reviews for Cars.co.za if he joins Top Gear?

[@erliebernardo8144]

Excellent review. I would like to request a head to head review of the Ford Everest 2.2L Engine vs the Fortuner. Thanks.

[@Carscoza]

Hi Erlie, we have a detailed video comparison of the Fortuner and Everest on our channel. However it was the 3.2L model, but it may be of some value to you regardless. kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=L1OwvIqaQVE

[@harryware]

Erlie Bernardo do not watch that video.... it just common video....😂😂😂😂

[@nqabankosi6649]

There's one very funny thing about this car. The 3rd row seat set up is exactly the same as the old 2nd gen pajero from the 90s. 😂😂

[@lexxdrve]

Fortuner GR-S variant in the Philippines has improved ride and handling due to monotube suspension.

[@pjn123]

Ahh the Bellville Cayenne

[@willieengelbrecht9825]

What about reviewing the Fortuner 2.4 4x4? Toyota has updated the 2.8 since this review.

[@xavierwaterboer4772]

Excellent

[@hotnewstamil6531]

i will buy soon..

[@marschlionoalexander8498]

Is it possible to remove the 3rd row back seats completely?

[@williegitau6680]

Love that car,excellent review

[@dewaldludeke2278]

Absolute value for money.

[@ivanreddy2448]

Good vehicle. Decent ride and handling. Quite cabin, however wind turbulence around the side mirrors at 80-120km/h is not good. Overall good vehicle.

[@alveshannaicker5038]

ciro and cars . co za you did a great review on the toyota fortuner 2.8 and I like the design of the fortuner

[@nhickwilde7958]

Alveshan Naicker me too.. plastik is a little bit of a downside but still.. it looks really really Good..

[@ghanshyamghyani5854]

Great review mate! Watching it from Germany! What is the music used till 6:18 though? Sounded good 😊

[@tibbydudeza]

Great review !!!

[@mzamogonya1352]

Ah to me it's so marvelous and enjoyable I like it.

[@Sing_singo]

best review ive seen

[@cowbalala]

Great review🎆🎆

[@Sunnychahal-bx4mj]

U said No navigation? i got inbuilt navigation and remote controlled power tailgate in my 2018 fortuner crisade in australia

[@simonwang7918]

I am a crusade owner too. His model is 4x4 which is the top model in his country. I also saw one top model in south asia has blueray player and screen one second row.

[@Zakkeeey]

Toyota if was to offer the luxury features and premium build quality to they cars, that will drive down sales in the Lexus range. Same with VW and Audi.

[@HeartBreaksFinitely]

Which one do you guys think looks better

[@atangmoerane5265]

nice review, when do you think you will review the new navara?

[@Carscoza]

+Atang Moerane Hi Atang, we're just waiting for Nissan SA to make the Navara available to the media. As soon as we get one we'll film it!

[@jairuscrispulo1176]

Its nice and beautiful fortuner

[@ashleylemmer8016]

I would consider it for reliability and resale value. But since I was a child (I’m 49 now) Toyota have overpriced while under speccing compared to their competitors. That does make people look elsewhere. And don’t get me started on that last row of seats. #justsaying

[@bettythupe3355]

Please review the land cruiser 200 series 2018 suv

[@mikekay213]

When is the Pajero Sport review?

[@niyaazisaacs1990]

It is a gorgeous looking car! Hideous clock!

[@Kavi4GP]

Niyaaz Isaacs I agree but understand it , for many markets the spec is very different and unlike VW who like to make a new radios every 6 months. It is more cost effective to have a physical clock , then if touch or normal radio used in vehicle the clock will work independently. From my Polo TSi to Corolla having a clock that does not malfunction and shut down with head unit is great , just be happy Toyota finally got colours to match on the dash. That clock was Green and the rest blue and white for a long time

[@daviskambi7255]

It does not have excellent ride Refinement....it's a big box hilux... no electric tailgate, plastic interior, fake infotainment system really ordinary car for ordinary ppl

[@gazg00]

Davis Kambi electric tailgate now standard.

[@shaveerramkissoon1861]

Do a review on the latest 2017 isuzu kb

[@ToddHendry]

Why do you lot have emus there. 😉👍

[@hwleitner2009]

Engine is very noisy except at highway speeds. Agree it cruises very well.

[@rodneyemmerich8828]

Toyota is a reasonably good car but I get the distinct impression that Toyota SA take the support they get for granted. They are far too complacent about what they present for sale. After owning a Prado and hating every moment of it I was glad to get back to Mercedes Benz

[@jesusinablackman2675]

The Queen of the road is the Toyota Fortuner….

[@malfan]

At the minimum, rear PDC on a car this massive should come standard, I'm sorry.

[@mohammedismail6173]

Review the toyota 86 please.

[@Nkosie007]

I prefer the prado

[@tiamakohliso3208]

the boot space is small cuz of the 3rd row

[@topdeckdog]

Tia the genius has entered the chat

[@bobjones1885]

It is NOT a 7 seater. Middle seat is horrendous for size as well as comfort , the third row cannot take any adult for any distance and the ride is noisier and harsher than this comment.

[@CoolizBrown]

bob jones it has 7 seats right so it is a 7 seAter

[@LONDON_SAID-BRB]

Wow a for tuner we have that

[@ArchieMakuwa]

Came here to give the vehicle a second chance. I just can't. Everest it is.

[@tibbydudeza]

No bluetooth ... WTF

[@serexroy7935]

i love it

[@crispinswainstonharrison9042]

I would hardly call this in depth !

[@ozoutdorz2584]

Great car ..shame about horrible colour interior. Need to get it re-trimmed when i buy one.

[@scottashley714]

Key says foruner? Dum!! For instance u lose your keys accidentally, bonus find!! Now just stake out the block looking for a Fortuner!!🤔

[@sanitycruzer]

It's a 4x4 but he said virtually NOTHING about his taking the car offroad.

[@hannesnienaber7987]

Say it slowly with me Fortuner, Fortuner not Fortuna it's not a Ford

[@PeterDful]

The needs a REAL HONEST review, I have had my fortuner for 3 years, it's the worst car I have ever owned. you cant fold the rear seats down when the front seats are set a bit far back unless you remove the head rests. When you do they don't lay flat. The Bluetooth doesn't always work. The loading space is actually very small, unless you have removed the stupid rear seats. The buzzer behind the dash beeps at you for everything. I had to physically remove the speaker. You cant program the locking system, every time i need to access another door I have to go back to the driver side and press a button to unlock the rest of the car, The rear hatch has to be slammed to close properly. and and and... The wiring in the engine compartment isn't well protected, on 2 occasions I've had rats eating the wiring, once is SA and once in Mozambique. The flappy padles are a waist of time, as is the power mode, what a joke, it does nothing .This is the last Toyota I will ever buy. I'm very disappointed in this car. The good side is that it's very light on fuel for it's size, and relatively comfortable on long distances.

[@patrickmbongo6838]

having to wake up in the morning and look at it must be a nightmare. it looks like 'shyte'

[@mtscott]

Tend to agree but once you get over the C-pillar “wave” it looks not bad.

[@gazg00]

No satnav.......big let down. 😞

[@comfortmpofu8371]

Life isgood

[@niteshbodhe1225]

Suppr fortuner SUV

[@jcstrydom2505]

Drives like any Toyota, unpredictable and not surefooted. I dont have a death wish, thus not for me. Also one of the most highjacked vehicles in SA second only to the Hilux.

[@Kavi4GP]

Jc Strydom polo and vivo are most stolen and hijacked

[@jcstrydom2505]

Kavi4GP , my comment should only read ONE of the most, that group includes the Polo, however, looking at popular SUV's and Bakkies, they are on top of the list. Do you really want to put yourself in that risk category? That is the question I ask myself. I rather drive obscure vehicles, which are the less risky ones. My family's lifes are worth more than trade-in. If you understand what I mean.

[@Kavi4GP]

Considering these two brands make the risky vehicles , I would trade off the risk for great network, better value in many cases and reliability. Take Ford, would be less sold but with iffy vehicles, bad reputation and old vehicle technology (for interiors) , why would you pay similar for less in the above mentioned fields , range for range VW and Toyota offer more for the common person. Crime related risk is not the manufacturers fault, that is based on other factors. You don't get that in many countries so why must that be a big factor in looking for a vehicle. If you want a vehicle that won't be stolen then use public transport , any vehicle is at risk , what people forget in all those figures is scale, for example if Bentley sell 10 cars and one is stolen vs Fortuner selling 10000 and 50 are stolen ...everyone is shocked at the most stolen yet forget for shear amount of vehicles sold they are less likely to be put at risk.

[@peterwatson2273]

I completely agree with Kavi4GP. If you want a real SUV or Double cab then there is only one choice and that is the Fortuner and Hilux.

[@tesla_models]

@@Kavi4GP nonsense

[@thandazilemahlangupricilli1566]

incandwen iyangibusisa zonke izingoma zayo

[@tmantbos8805]

lol ncadwedi hlanganaphi ne toyota fortuner?

[@ryanrabe5313]

Tman Tbos u

[@topdeckdog]

Teyota

[@Vlerkies1]

Its not a 4TUNA its a Fortuner please

[@reinhartsmit5781]

Have the GD-6 Edge. What a POS. Can't drive straight on a dirt road. Even in this review, you can hear and see how bumpy it is. It's slow, it's small, has no storage space whatsoever, and rattles. Stupid velcro straps for the seats at the back, dated cruise control, dated transmission. No pdc. This is supposed to be the top of the line. But at this price point, it's quite crap

[@barrchan5358]

I hope Isuzu will learn how Toyota design and made the interior🙄

[@danielmarcano3199]

Latin version it's better!

[@mothusimaake1566]

meh...great review, boring car. the plastic all over the cabin is a big thumbs down.

[@armandkyletupino3039]

Your boring.

[@bean1352]

you're*

[@ChristianJosephs]

stupid comment. Ford Everest has much more plastic inside

[@avisivam8540]

Plastic is better i think less maintenance

[@corolla9545]

what would you expect? everything inside the car should be made of steel?

[@bestjohna.]

Please do gift me this

[@jashanpreetsingh2452]

Plastic in the cabin Thumbs down👎🏻Everest is better in all way

[@matthewmutepfa5693]

Jashanpreet Singh not really😕😕Everest is just okay

[@jashanpreetsingh2452]

Ok

[@brynnjones8799]

Fortune sucks