Toyota Fortuner 2018 Review

In Malaysia's D-segment 7-seater SUV market, consumers often have to balance fuel efficiency, off-road capabilities, and family practicality. The 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4, as the top gasoline-powered variant, attracts many users who prefer a gasoline engine's smoothness without compromising drivability, with a lower entry price (RM 172,523) than the diesel variant, combined with a 4x4 drivetrain and advanced safety features. In this test drive, we focus on verifying: Can its 2.7L naturally aspirated engine meet daily family usage and light off-road needs? Is the top variant's configuration worth the price?

From a distance, the 2018 Fortuner 2.7 SRZ's exterior maintains the silhouette of a rugged SUV, with its body lines being straight and robust. In particular, the two creases on the hood and square wheel arches enhance the sense of strength. The front fascia features a large trapezoidal grille adorned with chrome accents, offering high recognition; the LED headlights and daytime running lights come as standard, providing sufficient brightness when illuminated, and the automatic headlight function switches on efficiently in tunnels or at dusk, adding practicality. The side view showcases 18-inch alloy wheels paired with 265/60R18 tires, offering a moderate tire wall thickness that balances road comfort and durability for light off-road conditions. The waistline extends from the fenders to the rear of the vehicle, preventing the side profile from looking bulky. The rear LED taillights adopt a vertical arrangement, echoing the front headlights, and the rear fog lights are embedded in the lower bumper. The overall design is simple but aligns with the rugged SUV's positioning.

Sitting inside the vehicle, the interior mainly uses darker tones. The upper portion of the dashboard is covered with soft-touch plastics, and the middle area includes piano black decorative panels, which, though prone to fingerprints, enhance visual quality. The steering wheel incorporates a multifunction design, with the left side controlling multimedia and Bluetooth calls, and the right side adjusting cruise control. Paddle shifters are also standard, making it convenient to operate. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is positioned slightly higher, allowing the driver to see it clearly without lowering their head while driving. It supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic navigation features, with a response speed that is average. Regarding seating, the driver's seat is equipped with electric adjustments, making it quick to find a comfortable position. The second-row seats support a 60:40 split and one-touch fold, while the third row is a 50:50 split that can be folded to expand the trunk space. In terms of space, the 2745mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom for the second row, allowing a 175cm passenger to have two fists' worth of space between their knees and the front seat. The third row is more suitable for children or short trips; adults might find it slightly cramped for extended journeys. Storage space is well-designed, with door panel pockets that can accommodate two bottles of mineral water, a roomy central armrest compartment, and a standard 220V power socket, convenient for rear passengers to charge their devices.

After starting the car, the noise control of the 2.7L naturally aspirated engine is commendable, with barely noticeable vibrations inside the cabin at idle. In terms of power specifications, this engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 166PS and a peak torque of 245Nm, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the power output is smooth when starting, without the abruptness of turbocharged engines. It handles city traffic or low-speed driving effortlessly. For mid-to-high-speed acceleration, the gas pedal needs to be pressed deeper to bring the engine revolutions above 4000 rpm for the torque to fully unleash. For overtaking, it is recommended to downshift in advance. The gearbox does not respond very quickly, but its logic is clear. The 4x4 drivetrain supports high-speed switching, offering better drivability on unpaved or mildly muddy roads than two-wheel-drive versions. However, this system is more suitable for light off-road conditions, as extreme terrain still requires the capabilities of a professional off-road vehicle.

In terms of chassis, the combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension can filter out most small bumps during road driving. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, vibrations transmitted to the cabin are relatively smooth without harsh impacts. When cornering at high speeds, the body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, the steering wheel has moderate weight, and the handling is precise, making it feel less cumbersome despite being a 2-ton SUV. Regarding fuel consumption, the fuel consumption in congested urban conditions is around 12-13L per 100km, while highway cruising can reduce it to 8-9L. The 80L fuel tank capacity ensures a decent driving range, with a full tank enabling approximately 700km of highway travel. Safety configurations are a highlight of this car, including 7 standard airbags (such as knee airbags and front and rear head curtain airbags), lane change assist, forward collision warning, and hill-start assist, providing enough safety assurance for daily driving.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4 lies in its balance: smoother power delivery compared to the diesel version, adequate off-road capability, extensive safety features, and a price approximately RM 12,000 lower than the top-spec diesel version (2.4 VRZ AT 4x4, RM 184,431). Compared to its counterparts like the Honda Pilot or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, its 4x4 system and 7-seat practicality better meet the needs of family users, and Toyota's reputation for reliability is also a bonus.

This car is clearly suited for a specific group: families needing 7-seat space, occasionally going camping in suburbs or driving on unpaved roads, favoring the smoothness of gasoline engines, and paying attention to safety features. If used mainly for city commuting, the diesel version might offer better fuel efficiency. However, the cost-effectiveness and balanced performance of the 2.7 SRZ make it very competitive among gasoline-powered hardcore 7-seat SUVs.

In summary, the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4 is a "well-rounded" family-oriented hardcore SUV. Its smooth power delivery, adequate off-road capability, and comprehensive safety features meet the diverse needs of most family users, making it a worthy option in this price range.