2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x2 Review

In Malaysia, the mid-size SUV market has always been a core choice for family users and consumers with multi-functional needs. Space, practicality, and durability are the key focus points in this segment. The 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x2, as a popular model in this category, builds on Toyota's consistent reliability and combines it with more advanced safety features and a 7-seater layout. In this test drive, we mainly focus on its daily practicality, driving performance, and whether its features align with local usage scenarios, to see if it truly meets the needs of most families.

From the exterior, the design of the Fortuner maintains a robust style typical of tough SUVs. The front features a large trapezoidal grille paired with chrome trim and LED headlights on both sides, giving it a high recognition factor. The body lines extend straight and strong from the hood to the tail, while the scratch-resistant strips on the side skirts enhance its off-road appeal and suit its use in rugged terrain. At the rear, the LED taillights are vertically arranged, resonating with the muscular styling of the vehicle's side, and the silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a sense of visual layering. The 18-inch alloy wheels paired with 265/60 R18 tires ensure stability on paved roads while being capable of handling light off-road conditions.

Once inside, the interior mainly features dark tones complemented by silver trim, presenting a practical overall style. The center console design is simple, with a 9-inch touch screen in the central position. The touch screen operates smoothly and supports basic multimedia functions. As for materials, the top of the dashboard is covered with soft-touch material, while the lower part is hard plastic. However, the frequently touched areas are treated delicately, without a noticeable cheap feel. The seats are fabric, and the front seats support manual adjustments. While not as convenient as electric adjustments, the adjustment range is sufficient to meet the needs of most drivers. The second-row seats adopt a 60:40 split design and support one-touch folding. The third row also features a 50:50 split and one-touch folding capability. When folded, the trunk capacity expands from 200L into a more practical space, offering great flexibility for everyday cargo or long-distance travel.

In terms of space performance, the Fortuner has a wheelbase of 2745mm, providing ample front-row seating space. A driver standing at 175cm in height has sufficient headroom and legroom. The second-row seats can slide forward and backward, with legroom reaching about two fists' distance after adjustments. Even when seating three people, it doesn’t feel overly crowded. The middle floor has a slight hump, but it doesn't have much impact. The third-row seating space is relatively compact, making it more suitable for children or adults on short trips. However, for a 7-seater SUV, this performance is within the average level of the same class. In terms of storage space, the door panels' storage compartments can hold two bottles of mineral water, and the central armrest box has a generous capacity, also equipped with a 220V power outlet for charging devices during long trips.

For performance, this vehicle is equipped with a 2.4L naturally aspirated diesel engine, with a maximum horsepower of 150PS and a peak torque output from 1600-2000rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the power response at the start is relatively smooth, but once the engine speed reaches 1600rpm, the torque release becomes noticeable, and acceleration feels lighter. When overtaking, simply pressing the accelerator deeply allows the gearbox to downshift promptly, ensuring smooth power delivery. Switching to sport mode adjusts the gearbox's shift logic to be more aggressive, maintaining higher RPMs for consistent power output, which is suitable for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration. However, in low-speed congested traffic, the gearbox occasionally exhibits slight jerks, though it does not significantly affect the overall driving experience.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers moderate resistance with precise directional control and no noticeable play. It provides sufficient confidence to the driver when changing lanes or turning in daily scenarios. The combination of front double wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension performs well when dealing with road bumps, effectively filtering out minor vibrations. When passing speed bumps, the suspension rebounds crisply without excessive swaying. However, there is noticeable body roll during high-speed cornering, which is typical for SUVs. With a minimum ground clearance of 279mm and rear-wheel drive layout, it handles light off-road surfaces or steep parking ramps with no problem in terms of passability.

Fuel efficiency is an advantage of diesel vehicles. In our mixed-route tests, the average fuel consumption is about 7.5L per 100 kilometers. With an 80L fuel tank, it offers a full-tank range of around 1000 kilometers, reducing refueling frequency for long-distance travel, which is highly practical. As for noise control, while the diesel engine produces a noticeable clatter at idle, wind and tire noise are well-managed during driving. At speeds below 100km/h, in-car conversation is not affected. In terms of safety features, it comes standard with 7 airbags, ABS, vehicle stability control, and forward collision warning. Alongside front and rear parking sensors and a reverse camera, the daily driving safety is well-assured.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x2 lie in its durability, practical 7-seat space, and good fuel economy. Safety features are also prominent compared to vehicles in the same segment. Compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, the Fortuner offers better value for money, and Toyota's service network in Malaysia is more extensive, making maintenance more convenient. This vehicle is suitable for families who value space practicality and occasionally need to carry more passengers, or consumers who often travel long distances and prioritize fuel efficiency. If you need a reliable, durable SUV that balances family use with light off-roading capability, the Fortuner 2.4 VRZ is a great choice.