Toyota Fortuner 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

In how many off-road-ready variants is the 2020 Toyota Fortuner available in?

The Fortuner SUV is available in two engine options, 2.7-litre Petrol and 2.8-litre Diesel. There’s an option for manual and automatic transmission among the trim levels. The pricing ranges from Rs. 27.83 Lakh to Rs. 33.6 Lakh. 

The main differences among the various variants are confined to those of drivetrain and powertrain options which helps it make things much more simpler for a potential customer. People can choose their variants based on the usage and power latency required.

Which trim should you go for?

The petrol Fortuners are more affordable than the diesel variants. The buyers looking for low usage must go for the petrol variant for sure. However, the diesel engine comes with better refinement overall. On the transmission choice, the manual gearbox is good but the smooth auto is just better. Also, we would strongly recommend the 4x4 version for buyers looking for off-road experience with their Fortuner. 

February 2020 Deals and Offers

Unfortunately, there's no offer on the 2020 Fortuner right now. (BS4 stock has been cleared off)

What is the source of robust performance in the 2020 Toyota Fortuner? 

The 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol variant pumps out 166PS and 245Nm, which is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox with the option of an automatic transmission as well. The petrol powertrain is available in 2WD configuration only, whereas diesel gets both 2WD and 4WD options.

The 2020 Toyota Fortuner Diesel mechanically remains identical to its predecessor. It is powered by a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel motor which produces 175 bhp at 3400 RPM and 420 Nm of peak torque at 1400 - 2600 RPM when the engine is mated to a manual transmission. The same engine is tuned to produce 30 Nm more torque at 450 Nm between 1600 RPM and 2400 RPM when the engine is paired to the automatic transmission.

Honda is, definitely late to the party, and with the pricing, they’ve left the CR-V to compete with the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Mahindra Alturas. The rivals are miles ahead to the CR-V, in terms of engine size and performance.

How quick is the acceleration for an SUV?

Slot the gear and press the accelerator pedal and the car moves forward. On the move, the SUV feels pumped up and goes easily to 3-digit speeds. Torque is also well spread and the peak torque goes from 1400 RPM, making its drive-ability better. The torque helps it accelerate at any gear without having to downshift. Notably, the Fortuner also features cruise control in the AT variant, one of the best USP’s of this SUV.

Both manual and automatic gearboxes have similar acceleration figures except for the automated one chucking out impressive mileage figures along with the impressive acceleration. Toyota has drawn a fine line between "boring driving" and "thrill seeker" which makes the Fortuner easy to live with.

On the highway, the Fortuner easily achieves 130kph mark with more power reserved for highway cruising. The loads of power and torque means that off the road, Fortuner is easy to drive in tricky situations. The 4x4 variant has both ‘H’ (high) and ‘L’ (low) modes helping you handle difficult road situations with stature.

How well does this all-rounded SUV from Toyota tackle different driving conditions?

The Fortuner comes with three variants with the same engine and two transmission options. Once you start the car, you’ll notice that the diesel powertrain clatters at idle rpm as well. The D-4D engine is smooth enough to eliminate unwanted noise, vibration and harshness levels.

The 4x4 variant is well equipped to drive deep into the roads less travelled and it has improved well over time. The extensive ground clearance helps you tackle huge boulders and crawl over them without a fuss. On the roads, the Fortuner tends to roll about a bit at high speeds and this is due to the tall structure. It is vague but noticeable.

How reassuring are the brakes on 2020 Toyota Fortuner?

The Toyota Fortuner comes loaded with ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes at the rear. The car has Anti-Brake Locking System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist making this huge mass of awesomeness stop in the least possible distance. The 12 spoke alloy wheels wear 265/65 R17 tubeless radial tyre which is very wide and provide a good amount of ample grip on all terrains while looking handsome. The car also features dual SRS airbags for the front passenger and driver, however, there’s still some room for extra safety for an SUV of this segment.

There is no hiding the massive nose-dive that comes into play when hitting hard on those brakes. But Toyota has modulated the braking well to avoid it as much as possible. The added kerb weight is also a bane for braking performance as it adds load on the brakes, but Toyota thought it through and have thus equipped the Fortuner with a setup that can handle its weight.

With the lightest kerb weight in the segment, the CR-V not only offers the best braking performance but also feels the most stable of all the other cars of the segment. the driver surely will feel safe while driving the CR-V.

Has the Fortuner struck the sweet chord of mileage and performance?

With the introduction of the new diesel engine, the fuel efficiency has significantly improved under both manual and automatic variant, delivering 14.24kmpl and 12.90kmpl (Both ARAI-Certified), respectively. On the petrol front, the SUV offers a fuel economy of 10.01kmpl and 10.26kmpl (Both ARAI-Certified) with the manual and automatic variant, respectively. The two driving modes, namely "ECO" and "PWR" also helps in changing the driving characteristics to help conserve or exploit fuel as per the modes, but the point here is that you have an option.

The BS6 compliant Fortuners will be more fuel-efficient than the outgoing ones. This conversion will be more beneficial for the diesel powerhouses as exhaust gas pressure plays an important role in keeping that turbo spooling. With the addition of a Pre-catalytic convertor, the vehicle will be given an added lease of boost pressure which in turn will improve efficiency. Smart enough?!

Comparing it with its rivals, the CR-V delivers second-highest travel range in a single tank of fuel. The small engine and lighter kerb weight of the CR-V helps the owner prevent heavy fuel expenses. The Mahindra Alturas G4 has the shortest range as it just comes with a 70-litre fuel tank.

How sharp-looking is the 2020 Toyota Fortuner?

Upfront, the design is undoubted "Toyota" as it is easy to identify Toyota cars. The new design wears sharper, and slightly aggressive tones. Compared to the rather straight-forward design of the predecessor, this one looks, evidently angrier. The centre of the facia is decorated with a massive Toyota logo on a three slat chrome grille, while the large bumper takes up most equipment at the front. The headlamps are sleeker and feature a LED projector headlamp setup alongside LED daytime running lamps. The air dam gets a touch of chrome along with the foglamp housing.

The chrome treatment goes toward the sides as well, making the design neat and clean. It not only looks cool but adds some extra ethics to the SUV. The flared wheel arches supported by massive 18-inch wheels (4WD only) gives it a muscular profile. The 2WD variants come with a set of 17-inch alloys.  

Dimension wise, the Fortuner lacks in length compared to its arch-rival - the Ford Endeavour. However, it is almost wide and tall in terms of the overall look. Notably, the Ford Endeavour offers a  longer wheelbase.

Exterior Features

• Dusk Sensing Bi-Beam LED Projector Headlamps with LED DRLs
• SMAR T Entry and Push Start/Stop
• Illuminated Entry System - Puddle Lamps under Outside Mirror
• Chrome Plated Door Handles and Window Beltline
• LED Rear Combination Lamps
• LED Fog Lamp
• Fully Automatic Power Back Door with Height Adjust Memory and Jam Protection
• Electrically Adjustable, Retractable Side Mirrors with Side Turn Indicators
• Aero -Stabilising Fins on ORVM Base and Rear Combination Lamps

How spacious is it on the inside?

Toyota has committed a great job in terms of keeping interior quality subpar. The cabin uses soft-touch plastics, leather and other premium-feeling materials, making it feel worth the price tag. The all-black theme with brushed silver and gloss black accents makes it sporty.

The Fortuner’s cabin features premium material across the lineup. However, the carmaker missed out on features such as active noise cancellation and electrically folding third row (that the Ford Endeavour gets). 

What are the various infotainment features on offer?

The centre console gets fitted with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, that also gets navigation and works with charm with a parking camera. Unlike the previous Fortuner model wherein the audio system and the AC controls looked like aftermarket add-on, the newer assembly is much handy to use.

Just behind the controls for the dual-zone climate control, there’s a 12V socket, a USB port, the switches for traction control and hill descent control, and the rotary knob for the four-wheel-drive system. The touch screen unit is responsive and intuitive which makes it accessible to both the driver and front passenger with ease.

Interior Features:

• All New Cabin wrapped in Soft Upholstery, Metallic Accents and Woodgrain-patterned Ornamentation
• Cruise Control
• Large TF T Multi-Information Display
• Navigation Turn Display on MID
• New Optitron Cool-Blue Combimeter with Chrome Accents and Illumination Control
• Audio, MID, Tel, Voice Recognition Switches on Steering Wheel
• Tilt & Telescopic Steering Column
• Automatic Climate Control (Dual A/C) with Auto Rear Cooler
• Touch Screen Audio with Capacitive Switches (DVD, BT, USB, Aux-in, 6 Speakers, NA VI, Remote)
• Centre Console Box with Soft Armrest
• Power Windows: All Windows Auto Up/Down with Jam Protection
• Cooled Upper Glovebox Power Back Door Access on SMART Key, Back Door and Driver Control
• Driving Modes: ECO / PWR Mode
• 8- Way Driver & Passenger Power Seat
• 2nd Row: 60:40 Split Fold, Slide, Recline & One- Touch Tumble
• 3rd Row: One-touch Easy Space-Up with Recline
• Park Assist: Back Monitor and Rear Sensors

How many suitcases can the Toyota Fortuner take in?

Toyota Fortuner offers a boot space of 296 litres, which is quite decent for an SUV of this class. Wait until you fold the third row, and voila, you have enough space for the whole family to escape the rush and bush of cities.

The second-row seats can also be folded flat which opens up to a whole different level of cargo-carrying capacity. You can transport two fully built bi-cycles if needed! The toolbox and emergency equipment are neatly tucked away under the cargo flooring which is a hardened piece of flooring. The full-sized spare tyre is, however, placed under the SUV, like in many others to help maximise space and also lower the centre of gravity.

Honda tries very hard to be in the game but with a cargo volume of 150L, it is no-where in the radar. The 5-seater version will, however, suffice but we would want a more exploitable option. Ford has struck the right chord here, as the sheer bulk paves way for the largest cargo volume of this lot.

How safe will the occupants be in the 2020 Toyota Fortuner?

Toyota has introduced vehicle stability control on the Fortuner 4x4 MT model which enhances safety while giving the driver more confidence to drive the vehicle to its limits in uneven road conditions. However, this function can be easily switched off for those who often ride in city traffic conditions.

Both the 2x2 and 4x4 variants come equipped with a host of off-road specific safety features as well that makes completing the trail an easy task. The number of driving assistance features makes this Goliath of an SUV rather easy to manoeuvre evenw in the tightest of traffic. 

Safety Features:

The 2020 Toyota Fortuner comes standard with the following safety features:

• VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) with Brake Assist
• Hill Assist Control
• 7 SRS Airbags
• Front Seats: WIL Concept Seats (Whiplash Injury Lessening)
• Child Restraint System: ISOFIX + Tether Anchor on 2nd Row
• Front Row: Pretensioner + Force Limiter
• ABS with EBD
• Speed Auto Lock with Emergency Unlock
• Impact Absorbing Structure with Pedestrian Protection Support
• Emergency Brake Signal

How does the competition stack up against the Fortuner?

Toyota Fortuner Vs Ford Endeavour

The Toyota Fortuner has been the segment leader since years now and with its recent update in 2016, it is now a fully finished product which caters to everyone's demands. Powered by powerful and reliable engine options, it comes with both Manual and Automatic transmissions, along with an option for all-wheel drive. While the high-speed dynamics can still be improved, this ladder-on-frame SUV is one of the best when it comes to off-road driving and this is one of those vehicles which can take you to places no other SUV can take.

The Toyota Fortuner gives it a tough competition when it comes to high-speed stability and driving dynamics, ride quality, interiors and features but what it surely misses out on is the lack of bigger engines, a body-on-frame chassis which adds to the overall practicality and robustness of the vehicle and a massive road presence. While the build quality of both of the cars is at par with each other, the Toyota Fortuner is best suited for those who drive more within the city limits or on well laid out expressways.

Toyota Fortuner Vs Honda CR-V

The Toyota Fortuner faces a tough time when we compare it with the CR-V as the later is not only powerful and feature-rich, it also has similar ride quality levels and even more plush interiors. The smaller dimensions of the CR-V and the lack of space when compared to the Fortuner also serves as positive points for the mighty Ford. The build quality of the Fortuner is better than that of the CR-V and the interiors feel more luxurious and spacious. On the other hand, the CR-V's smaller dimensions helps to drive it in crowded areas and on narrow roads.

Toyota Fortuner vs Mahindra Alturas G4

Against the newest kid on the block, the Fortuner fares extremely well, save for the off-roadability. While the Alturas’ cabin is full of soft-touch materials, the Fortuner’s cabin somehow feels plusher and screwed. When it comes to engine options though, the Fortuner is miles ahead of the Alturas G4. For those looking for an in-city car, the Fortuner is, definitely the better of the two.

Does the Toyota Fortuner still stand on top?

The Toyota Fortuner is a lovely SUV that has defined the SUVs the way it should be. It is big, wide, heavy and muscular in all in all cases. It has enough power and torque to engage at any terrain and coupled with the 4x4 system, the car is completely fun to drive. We simply love the charm of this SUV. Over, the present competitors, Fortuner would always be in our top charts.