Toyota Fortuner Review

2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4 is a 7-seat SUV that balances family comfort and mild off-road capabilities, with smooth gasoline power and a practical 4x4 system, offering low maintenance requirements suitable for various family scenarios.

RM 169,167-207,553

Toyota Fortuner

Segment

D-Segment

Body Type

SUV

Capacity(L)

2.4,2.7,2.8

Engine Power(PS)

148,166,204

Transmission

Driven Wheels

All Wheel Drive

View Toyota Fortuner > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

In Malaysia's D-segment 7-seat SUV market, vehicles that balance everyday family comfort and light off-road capabilities are always popular choices among family users. The 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4 is one of the core competitors in this segment. Its key selling points include the smoothness of its gasoline engine, the practicality of the 4x4 system, and a lower maintenance threshold compared to the diesel version. In this test drive, we focused on evaluating its overall performance in daily commuting, family trips, and light off-road scenarios.

In terms of appearance, the 2021 Fortuner 2.7 SRZ maintains the muscular feel of a rugged SUV. The front face features a large trapezoidal grille adorned with chrome accents, giving it a high level of recognition. The side profile of the vehicle exhibits straight lines with a length of 4795mm and a width of 1855mm, giving it a stable presence. The 265/60 R18 tire specifications ensure comfort during road travel while also being capable of handling simple unpaved roads. At the rear, the LED taillights are vertically aligned, consistent with the overall style of the car, and the silver skid plate below the rear bumper enhances its off-road persona. The lighting system comes standard with LED headlights and daytime running lights across all trims. The automatic headlight function can switch on during tunnels or overcast conditions, offering good practicality.

Inside the vehicle, the interior design leans towards functionality. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical layout, mainly using soft-touch plastic and leather wrapping, which meets the tactile expectations of this segment. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system serves as the visual focal point, offering decent operational smoothness and supporting basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity features. The front row is equipped with 8-way power-adjustable seats, providing both the driver and the front passenger an easy way to find a comfortable seating position. The seat cushioning is relatively firm but offers adequate support. The instrument cluster has been upgraded to a 4.2-inch colored TFT display, capable of showing information such as fuel consumption, speed, and 4WD status, which is more intuitive compared to the mechanical instrument panel in the 2018 model. In terms of storage space, the front door panels can accommodate two large bottles of mineral water, the central armrest box provides sufficient depth for small items, and the rear row also includes independent cup holders and storage compartments, making everyday use quite convenient.

Space performance is one of Fortuner's strengths. The 2745mm wheelbase ensures generous seating space for both the front and rear rows. When a 175cm tall passenger sits in the front row, there is an extra one fist and two fingers of headroom. Shifting to the second row, legroom can reach two fists, with one fist of headroom. Furthermore, the second row supports a 60:40 split fold and one-touch tumble function, making it convenient for third-row passengers to get in and out. The third-row seating is relatively compact, making it more suitable for children or adults on short trips. When folded down, it expands the trunk space, fulfilling the cargo needs for family trips. Rear-row air conditioning comes as standard, with independently adjustable temperature, ensuring a cool interior environment even with seven passengers fully loaded.

In terms of power, the 2.7L naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power output of 166PS at 5200rpm and a maximum torque of 245Nm at 4000rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily commutes, the initial acceleration is quite smooth, with linear throttle response, and there is no jerky sensation at low speeds. During acceleration, the engine shows noticeable power after 3000rpm. When overtaking and pressing the pedal harder, the transmission downshifts promptly, providing sufficient power reserves, though high-speed acceleration (e.g., speeding up beyond 100km/h) feels slightly lacking. The 4x4 drive system supports high-speed four-wheel drive switching, significantly enhancing grip on wet roads during rainy weather or light muddy terrains, easily handling unpaved roads in suburban areas.

In terms of handling performance, the steering wheel offers moderate turning effort and has minimal play, making daily driving very convenient. The combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension performs well when dealing with city speed bumps or minor jolts, effectively filtering them, ensuring passengers don't feel significant discomfort. On roads with continuous bumps, the suspension rebounds quickly, maintaining good vehicle stability. During cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, avoiding any overly loose feeling. Regarding fuel consumption, the actual measured consumption is about 12-13L/100km in urban conditions and about 8-9L/100km on highways. The 80L fuel tank capacity ensures sufficient driving range.

As for driving comfort, noise control inside the cabin is well-handled, with wind and tire noise remaining within acceptable ranges at high speeds, allowing for normal conversations. The seats offer good support during long-distance drives, ensuring comfort even after sitting for 2 consecutive hours. The HUD head-up display projects speed and navigation information, reducing the frequency of the driver looking down at the dashboard and enhancing safety. The inclusion of a 220V power outlet is convenient for rear passengers to use a laptop or charge devices, adding to its practicality.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4 lies in its balanced performance: smooth and easy-to-maintain petrol engine, 4x4 system capable of handling light off-road driving, 7-seat space suitable for family needs, and a configuration that covers essential daily functions. Compared with the diesel version in the same segment (e.g., 2.4 AT 4x4), it has lower maintenance costs, making it ideal for those who don't frequently drive long distances or have no specific preference for diesel engines. Compared with the 2018 model with the same configuration, the 2021 version upgrades to a color instrument cluster and HUD, slightly enhancing the tech feel.

This car is best suited for families who value balance — mainly for city commuting and school runs, with occasional weekend trips for family camping or light off-roading. If you're looking for a 7-seat SUV that meets daily family needs, can handle occasional unpaved roads, and is simple to maintain, the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ is a great choice. It may not be the most powerful or well-equipped, but it is undoubtedly one of the most reliable and worry-free options in its class.

Pros

The interior is comfortable, with leather/fabric seats providing a pleasant sitting experience, and the rear independent air conditioning has excellent cooling performance

Comprehensive safety features, standard 7 airbags, vehicle stability control, etc., with timely system intervention

Performance is suitable for local road conditions, the diesel engine has sufficient low torque, smooth following in traffic jams, and good climbing capability

Cons

The power reserve for rapid acceleration at high speed is insufficient; overtaking above 110km/h requires hard pressing of the accelerator

When fully loaded with 7 people and climbing steep slopes, the power is somewhat weak, and the torque output is not strong enough

The interior contains many plastic components, and some areas lack premium feel and luxury

Overall Rating

4.5

Excellent

From 15 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.5 / 5

Interior Design

4.5 / 5

Safety

4.5 / 5

Exterior Design

4.5 / 5

Showing 15 reviews

5 Excellent

TacomaTRD

Owner of 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4

To be honest, driving my 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ AT 4x4 in Malaysia is really comfortable! Let me first praise the interior, it totally deserves a 5-star rating — the leather seats feel smooth, and they don’t get stuffy even after sitting for a long time; the 9-inch central control screen is super clear when using navigation during traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur, and the passenger seat can be adjusted electrically in 8 directions. My family says the rear seats feel spacious. Especially the rear air conditioning, given that Malaysia is always over 30 degrees, even on long drives, the third row doesn’t feel hot, which makes me very satisfied! Now, speaking of performance, I’d give it 4 stars because it is sufficient for everyday use but leaves a bit to be desired. Driving in the city, the 2.7L naturally aspirated engine is smooth, and overtaking on the LDP highway is no issue; however, last week when taking the whole family to Genting, I had to push the revs to 4000 RPM to feel noticeable torque while climbing hills, and it felt slightly strained when fully loaded with 7 people and luggage. On the other hand, the 4x4 performed steadily on muddy roads in Sabah, East Malaysia, and the high ground clearance handled uneven paths without much bumpiness. Overall, its performance is pretty good. In conclusion, the comfort of the interior completely won me over, and the performance is sufficient for family use, but it could use a little more power when climbing hills with a full load!

5 Excellent

007_007

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 in Malaysia for almost five years, the overall experience is really solid! Giving the performance a 4-star rating is reasonable—its 2.4 diesel engine has strong low-end torque. When following traffic during Kuala Lumpur’s morning rush hour, a light tap on the accelerator is enough to move forward without feeling sluggish. On weekends, taking the family to Genting Highlands, the gearbox shifts smoothly uphill without much jolt. However, when accelerating further beyond 110km/h on highways, the power reserve isn’t as strong, which is expected for a diesel car. I think its performance can be considered good and is perfectly adequate for daily use. The interior definitely deserves a 5-star rating! The brown leather seats feel incredibly premium, and even now they still feel as good as new; the second-row space is very generous. At 175cm tall, when I sit in the second row, there are still two fists’ worth of space between my knees and the front seat. The third row is fine for seating two small kids occasionally without feeling cramped. The most thoughtful feature is the independent rear air conditioning. With Malaysia’s year-round 30-degree weather, my family no longer complains about feeling too hot in the back. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is also super user-friendly. I also give safety 5 stars — seven airbags and vehicle stability control come standard. Last time, driving in the Penang suburbs on slippery, rainy roads, the wheels started to skid slightly but the system immediately intervened and brought the car back under control. I really broke into a cold sweat back then! Additionally, the front collision warning system is great; once on the highway, the car ahead braked suddenly, and the system immediately alerted me, helping to prevent a rear-end collision. The sense of safety is top-notch. I give the exterior a 4-star rating. The overall design is rugged and imposing, with LED headlights that are highly recognizable even during the day. Parking at Lotus supermarket, it definitely grabs some attention. However, the side profile is a bit conventional, and after a while, it lacks a fresh appeal. But considering that practicality is key for an SUV, I'm still quite satisfied with the looks. All in all, this car is really well-suited for family use under Malaysian road conditions—reliable and worry-free!

5 Excellent

HR_V

Owner of 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 AT 4x4

As the owner of the 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 AT 4x4, after driving it in Malaysia for almost two years, I truly feel that choosing this car was not a mistake! Let’s start with safety — it absolutely deserves a 5-star rating! Malaysia has lots of rainy days, and sometimes there are situations of hydroplaning on the highway, but the vehicle stability control intervenes very promptly. There was one time on the North-South Expressway when I had to suddenly change lanes to avoid a truck, and the car stayed stable without skidding. Plus, it comes standard with 7 airbags. Last time I took my whole family to Genting Highlands, where the mountain roads have many curves, the active braking even helped me avoid a minor accident from following too closely, giving me full peace of mind! The interior is 4 stars, practical but not luxurious. The 9-inch center screen operates smoothly, and connecting to CarPlay is very convenient. When I get stuck in traffic in KL, listening to music with it is a good way to relax. However, the front seats are manually adjustable, which is a bit inconvenient, and there are quite a few plastic components, making the touch feel somewhat average. But the rear air conditioning is great! In Malaysia, where it’s over 30°C year-round, even the people in the third row said they didn’t feel hot when I drove my friends to the beaches on the East Coast. This point really adds value. The exterior gets 4 stars and has a timeless design. The square body has a lot of presence when driving on rural roads in Sabah, the LED headlights are bright enough for night driving, and the fog lights are very useful during the rainy season’s foggy days. The only small regret is that the wheel design is quite ordinary — if they were blacked-out wheels, it would look even cooler. Overall, driving a Fortuner in Malaysia, whether it’s for city commuting or off-road adventures, is very reliable!

4 Excellent

CT5V

Owner of 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 AT 4x4

As the owner of the 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 AT 4x4, having driven it in Malaysia for nearly two years, the two things I want to talk about the most are its performance and interior. Let’s talk about performance first. I’ll give it 4 stars because I truly feel it performs quite steadily under local road conditions, but the burstiness of the diesel turbo isn’t particularly aggressive. When driving in Kuala Lumpur’s traffic jams, the low torque (maximum torque kicks in at just 1600 rpm) makes following cars especially smooth, without the need for frequent acceleration; on weekends when taking the family to Genting Highlands or the rural roads on the east coast, the 2.4T diesel + 4WD handles those bumpy tarred roads, or even occasional muddy terrain, with ease, and climbing inclines isn’t a problem either. However, on the highway, if you want to overtake, you need to press the accelerator down earlier and wait for the turbo to spool up, and the power delivery lacks the punch of larger displacement petrol engines — but as a family-oriented 7-seater SUV, this power is more than sufficient, after all, we’re not using it for racing. The interior definitely deserves 5 stars! Toyota really put effort into it this time; the overall cabin quality is comparatively strong in its class. The 9-inch central touchscreen is smooth and responsive, even my mom, who isn’t very tech-savvy, can quickly get the hang of it; the seats are fabric but feel very sturdy, and even after sitting for a long time (like driving from Kuala Lumpur to Penang for 3 hours), you won’t feel tired. The second row can be folded down with one touch, and although the third row is a bit narrow, it’s perfectly fine for seating two kids temporarily. The most thoughtful feature is the independent rear air conditioning; with Malaysia’s year-round 30-degree weather, the family in the back no longer complains about the heat. Also, the 4.2-inch colored instrument panel clearly displays data like fuel consumption and 4WD status, which makes it very convenient to check the numbers regularly. Overall, the Fortuner’s performance can handle Malaysia’s complex road conditions, and the practicality and comfort of its interior have greatly satisfied both me and my family. It’s definitely money well spent!

5 Excellent

i30N

Owner of 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x2

As the owner of the 2018 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ AT 4x2 and having driven it in Malaysia for almost five years, I truly feel I made the right choice! First, the performance deserves a full 5 out of 5! Everyone knows the road conditions in Malaysia — traffic jams are common in KL city, while suburban areas have plenty of potholes and small slopes. This diesel engine delivers torque early, with maximum torque available at just 1600 RPM. In traffic jams, it progresses smoothly with a light touch on the accelerator, neither sluggish nor jerky. On weekends, when taking the family to areas like the foothills of Genting Highlands or the rural roads of the East Coast, it handles potholes and small slopes effortlessly. The reserve power is quite sufficient, and the rear-wheel drive offers steady traction, never letting me down. Fuel consumption is around 8-9 liters per 100 km in the city and drops to about 6 liters on the highway. The fuel efficiency of diesel vehicles is indeed a highlight — a full 80-liter fuel tank lasts a long time, meaning fewer visits to the gas station. The exterior definitely gets a 5 out of 5 as well! Its boxy and rugged design, along with the LED headlights and daytime running lights, gives it an energetic look. The 18-inch wheels paired with 265-wide tires make it highly recognizable whether parked at a Lotus supermarket or in the neighborhood. Friends often remark that it looks more commanding than other SUVs in the same price range, perfectly matching Malaysians’ preference for bold and stylish vehicles. For the interior, I’d rate it 4 out of 5. Overall, I’m quite satisfied. The layout of the dashboard is very practical, with a responsive 9-inch touchscreen, and the physical buttons for air conditioning controls make blind operation while driving very convenient. The second-row seats can be folded down with a single touch, and although the third-row space isn’t particularly large, it’s enough to seat two kids or smaller adults comfortably. It also fits all the luggage needed for a family trip to Cameron Highlands. However, the plastic components inside feel a bit cheap to the touch. If more soft materials were added, it would be even better — but considering its position as a practical and rugged SUV, this small issue is completely acceptable. All in all, this car’s performance and looks exceeded expectations under Malaysian driving conditions, and the interior is practical enough. It’s a very reliable family companion!