2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4 Review

2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4 is a durable and rugged SUV that combines 7-seater family space, hardcore off-road capability, and high safety features, offering excellent value for money.

RM 184,431

2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4

Segment

D-Segment

Body Type

SUV

Capacity(L)

2.4

Engine Power(PS)

150

Transmission

Driven Wheels

All Wheel Drive

View Toyota Fortuner > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

Nowadays, the D-Segment SUV market in Malaysia is highly competitive. Family users are looking for 7-seat space, off-road capability, safety features, and daily comfort, and many models struggle to balance features or price. The 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4 directly targets this demand — with Toyota's reputation for durability, it bundles a four-wheel drive system, 7 airbags, a full set of active safety features, and 7 seats into a price of about RM184,000, which seems quite sincere. In this test drive, I focused on evaluating its space practicality, whether the power is sufficient for daily use, and whether the four-wheel drive system can truly handle off-road conditions.

In terms of appearance, the design of the Fortuner 2.4 VRZ leans toward a rugged style. The trapezoidal front grille, combined with thick chrome accents, integrates with the LED headlights on both sides, offering good recognition. The side profile has straight lines, and the 18-inch tires (265/60R18) suitably support the SUV stance, while the plastic cladding around the wheel arches enhances the off-road feel. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED taillights are the most eye-catching feature, and the silver skid plate at the bottom echoes the tough style of the front. Overall, the design avoids flashy elements and belongs to a simple, durable type suitable for a rugged SUV positioning.

Sitting inside, the interior materials primarily consist of soft plastics and fabric. While it does not have the refinement of a luxury car, it doesn’t feel cheap to the touch. The center console layout is clear, with a 9-inch touch screen placed at a moderate height and offering a smooth operational experience; below it, the physical buttons for the air conditioning make it easy to use while driving. In terms of features, keyless entry, push-button start, and power-adjustable front seats come as standard, meeting daily usage needs. The second row has independent air-conditioning vents, and the third row also receives airflow, which is quite considerate for rear passengers. A noteworthy feature is the 220V power outlet, which is very practical for charging laptops or other appliances during long road trips.

Space is one of Fortuner's strengths. With a body length, width, and height of 4795mm/1855mm/1835mm and a wheelbase of 2745mm, it ensures ample interior space. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the front row can have a two-fist headroom clearance; the second row offers three-fist legroom, and the seats support 60:40 split folding and one-touch access to the third row, making entry and exit convenient. Two adults can sit in the third row without feeling too cramped, with one fist of space for both head and legroom, suitable for short trips. The trunk has a standard capacity of 200L, which can be expanded by folding down the third-row seats, making it easy to fit a stroller or luggage, adequately meeting the needs of family outings.

In terms of power, the 2.4L naturally aspirated diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 150 PS, with peak torque available at 1600-2000 rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In daily driving, the start is not very quick but remains smooth. Once the revs reach 1600 rpm, the torque kicks in, providing prompt power response for overtaking or quick acceleration. It handles urban traffic and highway cruising with ease. The four-wheel drive system supports high-speed 4WD switching, and when encountering muddy or gravel roads in the countryside, switching to 4WD mode noticeably improves traction, making it fully capable of handling regular off-road conditions. Fuel efficiency is average, with urban traffic yielding about 8.5L/100km, and highway cruising lowering it to around 7L/100km. Combined with an 80L fuel tank capacity, the range exceeds 900km, making it suitable for long road trips without frequent refueling.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel feels relatively heavy, in line with the rugged SUV setting, and it is fairly precise without significant play. The suspension uses a front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, tuned to be relatively firm. When driving over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the body bounce is not very noticeable, and it can filter out most small vibrations. When cornering at high speeds, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, avoiding a floating sensation. However, due to the high body height, you can still feel the center of gravity shifting during rapid lane changes, so steady driving is recommended.

Safety features are a highlight of the Fortuner, with 7 airbags (including knee airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, forward collision warning, and lane change assist all as standard, placing its safety performance among the top in the same class. For parking, the combination of front and rear sensors and a reversing camera ensures that parking this over two-ton vehicle is not overly challenging. In terms of driving comfort, the seats are well-cushioned, providing good support for long trips without causing soreness. The chassis soundproofing is well done, with minimal wind and tire noise at high speeds, and the noise from the diesel engine is also not prominent inside the car. Overall, the quietness meets the needs of family use.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4 are clear: the 7-seat spacious interior meets family needs, the comprehensive safety features provide a sense of security, the four-wheel-drive system accommodates both off-road and everyday use, and Toyota's reputation for durability makes its cost-performance ratio stand out among D-Segment SUVs in the same price range. Compared to competitors like the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, the Fortuner stands out in terms of configuration and comfort; and compared to the Ford Everest, it is more affordable.

This car is suitable for two types of users: first, practical family users, as its 7-seat space, long range, and high safety features fit daily commuting and weekend road trip needs; second, occasional off-road enthusiasts, as the four-wheel-drive system can handle light off-road conditions, and the sturdy body can withstand rough handling. If you're looking for a durable SUV with ample space and comprehensive safety features, the Fortuner 2.4 VRZ is a great choice.

Pros

Safety configurations are practical, features like stability control and hill-start assist provide a sense of security on slippery/muddy roads, and 7 airbags ensure family safety during trips

Interior practicality is strong, with designs such as keyless entry/start, front and rear zoned air conditioning, and flexible foldable seats catering to family needs

Performance adapts to local road conditions, the diesel engine provides ample torque, the 4WD system remains stable on rough roads/slopes, and switching is simple

Cons

The reaction speed of forward collision warning needs improvement, and significant power is only noticeable when increasing RPMs during high-speed overtaking.

The exterior design is relatively conservative; the LED headlights lack a sense of technology and are not surprising compared to the new model.

The interior contains a lot of plastic parts, and occasionally there is an odor after sun exposure, lacking a sense of luxury.

Overall Rating

4.5

Excellent

From 5 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.2 / 5

Interior Design

4.6 / 5

Safety

4.6 / 5

Exterior Design

4.6 / 5

Showing 5 reviews

4 Excellent

E92_335

Owner of 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4

As the owner of a 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4, having driven it in Malaysia for almost five years, let's first talk about **safety** — giving it a 4 because I genuinely feel that it's "sufficient but could be better." During Malaysia's rainy season, I often encounter waterlogged roads. Once, while driving on a mountain road outside of KL during a downpour, the surface was as slippery as if it had been greased. The vehicle stability control and hill-start assist provided a strong sense of safety, and the 7 airbags also reassure me enough to confidently take my whole family on trips. However, once in George Town, Penang, during traffic congestion, the car in front braked suddenly, and I almost rear-ended it. Although the forward collision warning system did alert me, I feel the response time could be slightly faster to make it perfect, which is why I deducted some points here. Talking about the **appearance**, I also give it a 4 mainly because it's "pleasing but lacks surprises." The Fortuner's rugged lines are particularly appreciated in Malaysia — whether it's parked in KLCC's parking lot or driven to the edge of the rainforests in Sabah. Its boxy silhouette paired with 18-inch wheels aligns well with the local preference for "impressive SUVs." However, after driving it for a while, I noticed that although the LED headlights are bright at night, the design lacks some technological appeal compared to the newer models. The side body contours are also relatively conservative. But, it’s highly resistant to dirt — given Malaysia's frequent rains and dust, the dark car paint looks clean with just a simple wash, which is indeed very convenient. Overall, both safety and appearance are "better than good but not quite excellent." As a family-friendly 7-seater SUV, it’s still a strong contender for local road conditions!

5 Excellent

H2_998

Owner of 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4

As the owner of the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4 in Malaysia for almost five years, the things I want to talk about most are its performance and interior. Let’s talk about performance first, I’d rate it 4 stars because I feel it’s practical but not particularly impressive. The 2.4L diesel engine performs steadily in city traffic and highway overtakes, with 150 horsepower handling Kuala Lumpur’s morning and evening stop-and-go traffic without any problems. The high torque erupts at low revs (1600-2000 RPM), making uphill drives or carrying seven people (including my three kids and elders) effortless. However, being a rugged SUV with a heavy body of over 2 tons, acceleration can feel a bit sluggish compared to small petrol-powered cars. But on the East Coast highways or when driving on winding roads to Genting Highlands, the four-wheel-drive system is really reliable. Last year, during the rainy season, I encountered muddy village roads on my way to Cameron Highlands. After switching to four-wheel-drive, it passed through steadily, which is far superior to many urban SUVs in this regard. Now for the interior, I must give it 5 stars! A big part of choosing it back then was because of the interior. The 9-inch touchscreen in the center console is user-friendly, and the physical buttons for the air conditioning controls make blind operation while driving convenient. What’s most considerate is the independent rear air conditioning — in Malaysia’s constant 30+ degree heat, the elderly and kids sitting in the back no longer complain about feeling hot. The seat design also really caters to families: the front seats have electric adjustments that allow you to quickly find a comfortable posture; the second row has a 60:40 split with one-touch folding, which makes it easy to create space for my kids' strollers or scooters; and the third row has a 50:50 split, which can be folded down to fit two large suitcases — perfectly sufficient for transporting New Year groceries back to Penang. Additionally, features like keyless entry and paddle shifters on the steering wheel have become indispensable after prolonged use. The overall interior quality competes very well against SUVs in the same price range. All in all, while the performance is not particularly aggressive, it is perfectly suited to Malaysia’s road conditions and fulfills family needs; the interior, from its details to practicality, has brought satisfaction to me and my family. Having driven it for five years, I feel that choosing it back then was the right decision.

5 Excellent

กระบะเร็ว

Owner of 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4

As the owner of the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4, after nearly five years of driving it in Malaysia, I truly feel that choosing it was not a mistake! The interior deserves full marks! Although it doesn't follow a luxury route, Toyota's practical design is absolutely spot on for me—Keyless entry + start, super convenient every time I need to open the tailgate while holding something in both hands; power-adjustable front seats keep long drives to Genting Highlands fatigue-free, with 60:40 foldable second-row seats + one-touch folding third-row seats. On weekends, I can load it up with the whole family to Desaru Beach, with the surfboard and picnic box packed to the brim. The 9-inch touchscreen responds quickly, the air conditioning is zoned for front and rear, and even during traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur, the elderly and kids in the rear don't complain about the heat. The attention to detail is very thoughtful. Performance gets 4 stars, mainly because the diesel engine needs to hit over 3000 rpm to have a noticeable push during high-speed overtaking (like overtaking trucks on the North-South Expressway). However, it's very smooth for low-speed driving in the city, and the 2.4T torque is rock-solid when traversing uneven rural roads or climbing muddy orchard terrain. The 4x4 mode is easy to switch on. Last time, when I drove to Cameron Highlands on a rainy day, the vehicle handled the muddy sections without skidding—perfectly sufficient for family use. Safety deserves praise! Seven airbags plus standard features like lane-keeping assist and forward collision warning. Last time in George Town, Penang, when changing lanes on a narrow road, the system suddenly alerted me to a car coming from the rear side, directly avoiding a scrape; vehicle stability control was also very sensitive when descending Genting Highlands. Even when pressing the brakes all the way, the vehicle stayed steady. With the ISOFIX anchors for the child's safety seat, it's so secure with just one click. The whole family feels at ease during long drives. All in all, this car makes daily commutes and weekend trips effortless and worry-free under road conditions in Malaysia!

4 Excellent

CayenneS

Owner of 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4

I've been driving this 2018 Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4 for almost five years now, and it’s been quite handy in Malaysia. As for the interior, while it’s not exactly luxurious, it’s incredibly practical — the touchscreen on the center console is responsive, making it convenient for navigating to local Malay restaurants or switching radio stations; the second row’s 60:40 split-folding seats with one-touch operation and the third row’s 50:50 split-folding seats can be quickly stowed away. When taking the family out to Genting or camping in the outskirts of Sabah on weekends, there’s no issue fitting tents or folding chairs. However, there’s a bit too much plastic, and prolonged exposure to the sun occasionally causes a slight smell. I’d deduct some points for that, but overall, I’m still satisfied. I feel very assured with the safety features — seven airbags combined with standard forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Last time, when stuck in traffic on Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur, the system immediately alerted me when the car in front braked suddenly, helping me avoid a collision. When driving on the countryside dirt roads in East Malaysia, the hill-start assist also proved highly practical, as I didn’t have to worry about rolling back. The one minor downside is the lack of a 360-degree camera; friends who borrow my car and are inexperienced may feel a bit nervous when reversing into a parking space, but as an experienced driver myself, it’s not an issue. In terms of performance, the 2.4 diesel engine provides sufficient torque, hitting max torque at 1600 rpm. On hilly roads or muddy terrains in Malaysia (such as the rubber plantations near Penang), power is always readily available. Switching to 4x4 mode is simple, and during the rainy season, it feels very stable on water-logged roads. However, once you exceed 120km/h on the highway, acceleration does feel a bit sluggish, so you’ll need to step on the gas earlier when overtaking on the North-South Expressway. That said, for daily commuting and long-distance trips, it’s more than adequate. All in all, as a family car that’s also capable of light off-roading, I’d rate its overall performance a confident 4 out of 5. It’s very well-suited for Malaysia’s road conditions.

5 Excellent

Ioniq5

Owner of 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4

As the owner of the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x4, after driving it in Malaysia for more than three years, what satisfies me the most is its safety and appearance! First, about safety, I truly give it full marks! During the rainy season in Malaysia, there are often sudden downpours, and the highway surface becomes slick like a mirror. One time, while driving on the North-South Expressway, the car in front suddenly braked hard. Before I even had time to react, the Fortuner's forward collision warning went off, sounding a frantic alarm. Immediately, the automatic braking stepped in and stopped the car—just half a meter away from the car in front! Later, I found out it was features like the 7 airbags and vehicle stability control that saved me. When I take my family to the East Coast for trips, driving on those bumpy country roads, the car remains really stable. Plus, with its high ground clearance, I don’t worry about scraping the undercarriage at all. The sense of safety is off the charts. The appearance is impeccable too! Its rugged lines look especially imposing under the Malaysian sunlight, and the LED headlights are highly recognizable even during the day. Every time I park at the KLCC parking lot, people always turn their heads to look. With the 7-seater large space, on weekends when I take friends to Genting Highlands, three adults can sit in the rear seats without feeling cramped. The trunk can fit four suitcases plus camping gear without any problem. The diesel engine is powerful enough for smooth hill climbs and overtakes, and the fuel consumption is better than expected. Overall, I’m really satisfied!