Toyota Fortuner

First Impressions and Confidence Boosting Performance

The excitement stemmed not just from testing an off-road vehicle, but specifically the new Toyota Fortuner. The author, a fan of the Fortuner's traditionally rugged design, felt the new version lacked some of that "macho/brute/dominating character" due to its sleeker curves.

The Toyota Fortuner Drive Camp provided a unique opportunity for customers and media to experience the vehicle's off-road capabilities. A challenging track with obstacles like acceleration/braking tests, a deep ditch, inclines/descents, and water wading pushed the Fortuner to its limits.

The initial tests, including acceleration and braking, proved confidence-inspiring. The new all-disc brake system provided excellent stopping power, even during panic braking, a significant improvement over the previous iteration's drum brakes at the rear.

Conquering the Elements - Downhill Assist, Water Wading, and Inclines

The deep ditch challenge showcased the Downhill Assist Control (DAC) system. Engaging DAC with the transmission in "S" mode or first gear (manual) allowed for smooth descent with minimal steering adjustments. The Hill Hold Assist further impressed by preventing the SUV from rolling back on a steep incline, even after releasing the brake pedal.

While traversing the rumblers and chicken holes, the stiffer suspension, essential for good handling, caused a slightly bouncy ride, potentially impacting second-row passenger comfort.

Water wading, a crucial off-road skill, was navigated successfully. Despite having a slightly lower water wading capacity (700 mm) compared to the Ford Endeavour (800 mm), the Fortuner handled the flooded section with ease, with no water intrusion.

The final test on the track was a 30-degree side incline, a breeze for the Fortuner with its 40-degree theoretical lean angle.

Pushing the Limits and a Note on Differential Options

Two final sections, vehicle articulation and a slush pit, were restricted to instructor demonstrations. The Fortuner tackled them effortlessly. However, the author observed a potential drawback – the Limited Slip Differential (LSD) compared to locking differentials offered by some competitors. While the LSD helps, a locking differential would provide maximum power to a wheel with the most traction, allowing for faster maneuvering in challenging situations. The Fortuner's Toyota Auto LSD partially addresses this by applying brakes to the wheel with less traction.