2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4 Review

In Malaysia's mid-sized SUV market today, family users have increasingly clear demands for space, off-road capability, and features. The D-segment 7-seater rugged SUVs have consistently maintained stable popularity. The 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4, as a popular model in this segment, has remained at the forefront of many families' choice lists with its standard four-wheel drive system, 7-seater layout, and a rich array of safety features. This time, we got the actual car, and our primary purpose is to test its overall performance in daily commuting, family outings, and light off-road scenarios to see whether it can truly balance urban comfort with outdoor capability.

From the exterior, the design of the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ continues the rugged style of traditional SUVs, with straight and muscle-filled lines. At the front, the large trapezoidal grille, paired with chrome accents and flanked by sharp LED headlights, provides high recognition; the silver skid plate at the bottom of the front bumper adds a touch of off-road flair. On the side, 265/60 R18 tires matched with 18-inch alloy wheels, along with a ground clearance of 279mm, ensure its off-road capability while maintaining a well-proportioned side profile; the waistline runs from the front to the rear, and the anti-scratch strip on the lower part of the doors enhances practicality. At the rear, the design is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged LED taillights echoing the headlights at the front; a chrome trim under the central Toyota badge and the silver skid plate below create a unified and recognizable style.

Stepping into the vehicle, the interior adopts a predominantly dark color scheme, paired with silver accents and soft-touch materials, providing an overall quality feel that matches the D-segment positioning. The center console has a clear layout, with a 9-inch touchscreen centrally located. It supports Bluetooth, USB, and Sound Plus functions, and the operation is quite smooth; below is the air conditioning control area, which uses a combination of physical buttons and knobs for more convenient blind operation. The instrument cluster features a 4.2-inch color TFT display, capable of showing fuel consumption, speed, four-wheel-drive status, and other information with a clean and readable interface. In terms of features, HUD digital head-up display, keyless entry/start system, and 8-way power-adjustable front seats are standard; the rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet, enhancing passenger comfort in the back. Regarding space performance, the 2745mm wheelbase provides a significant advantage. After adjusting the front seats to a suitable position, there is still about two fists worth of space for rear passengers' knees, and the flat middle floor allows for comfortable seating for three people. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or adults on short trips, and when folded, the trunk capacity can be expanded to over 200L, meeting the storage needs for family outings.

In terms of power, the 2.7L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 166PS/5200rpm and a maximum torque of 245Nm/4000rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. During daily driving, the power output is smooth, and there is no noticeable sluggishness during the initial acceleration phase. On urban roads at low speeds, the transmission shifts actively, maintaining the RPM at about 2000, ensuring fuel efficiency. When switched to sports mode, the transmission delays shifting, increasing the RPM to above 3000, resulting in more direct power response and enhanced confidence during overtaking. However, at high speeds above 100km/h, the power reserves are somewhat lacking for further acceleration, requiring a deeper throttle to achieve a noticeable speed boost.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the combination of a front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension performs well in smoothing out bumps on city roads, effectively absorbing small vibrations from the road surface. When encountering speed bumps or larger potholes, the suspension's rebound speed is fast, avoiding excessive shaking. The steering wheel feels moderately weighted, with precise pointing and minimal play, making daily driving relatively easy. At high speeds, the steering wheel becomes heavier, enhancing stability. The four-wheel-drive system performs adequately on off-road terrain, managing light mud or gravel roads with the help of the electronic traction control system that distributes power to ensure the vehicle's passability. However, due to the torque output limitations of the naturally aspirated engine, it struggles slightly when handling steep slopes or deep ditches. In terms of braking, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes offer linear braking force, with braking distances at a medium level compared to similar models, ensuring adequate safety for daily driving.

In terms of comfort, noise control within the cabin is well-executed. When driving below 60km/h, wind and tire noise are not noticeable. As the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind noise gradually increases but does not hinder in-car conversations. The seats are wrapped in leather, with soft padding and good support, ensuring fatigue-free long-distance driving. The reclinable rear seats further improve comfort. Regarding fuel consumption, the overall fuel efficiency in urban environments is approximately 11-12L/100km, while highway driving results in about 8-9L/100km. With an 80L fuel tank capacity, the range on a full tank can exceed 600km, meeting long-distance travel needs.

Overall, the 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4's core strengths lie in its well-balanced performance: rugged exterior design, comprehensive safety features, spacious 7-seater capacity, and decent off-road capabilities. Compared to the Ford Everest 2.0L EcoBoost in the same class, the Fortuner offers more features and comes standard with a full-time four-wheel-drive system, providing better value for money. Compared to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, the Fortuner excels in interior quality and comfort features.

In summary, this vehicle is suitable for family users who value space, safety, and off-road capability, especially those who frequently take family trips or engage in light off-road adventures. It can meet the needs for comfortable daily urban commuting while also handling light off-road scenarios on weekends. If you are looking for a reliable, practical 7-seater rugged SUV, the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4 is worth considering.