Toyota Fortuner 2020 review: Crusade off-road

When I first reviewed the Toyota Fortuner – way back in 2016 when it was launched here – I thought it was pretty good: a solid, if unspectacular, seven-seat 4WD. For a ute-based wagon it wasn’t a game-changer, but it was a decent effort.

Since then, Toyota’s given the Fortuner a few slap-and-tickles along the way – including safety upgrades (with AEB) this year – and that’s all been an attempt to keep it relevant, but the Fortuner has never really sold as well as Toyota has hoped it would.

Now, three years down the track – which can be a lifetime in the automotive world – the big question is: Is the Fortuner worth buying? I drove the top-of-the-range Fortuner Crusade to find out.

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[flyboy]

Toyota offers “PEACE OF MIND”. No problem even the warranty ends. If it breaks something, its only minor and can be fixed easily. Others offers more features and power, right, but it is an endless money pit. And i found it satisfying without those features-ready for toyotas, coz u can handpick and customize those with your choice. And still gets a reliable car . Don’t get fooled with power that u don’t need and those features that you gonna replace soon when it gets outdated.

[mohamedalihebboul]

It's a quit SUV with no problems at all, it's a serious off roader, it's made for longevity.

[varunnarain]

This car is so freaking ubiquitous in India, specifically in Delhi this car is freaking everywhere. I own one myself and love it to bits.

[vieuxbal]

Excellent and honest review. In fact the Fortuner is for people who cannot afford a Landcruiser but want Toyota quality. The car does the job and that's the most important thing. In Africa and Asia it is very popular.

[fairalbion]

There probably aren't too many compelling reasons for buying one of these in Australia. But they're ubiquitous in Vietnam - manual gearbox diesel 4-bangers. I was driven in one hundreds of km up and down the country. Anything less would be beaten to death on the poor roads.

[ianthomas]

The best 4x4 reviewer on the net. Calls it like it is! Brilliant. Thanks Crafty.

[ravneetbhullar]

Here, in india, it is best selling suv infact it sell double number as camapre to its arrivals 😇

[realVicTorres]

Too bad, in Malaysia and the Philippines, the Fortuner now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for the 2020 model year. I think other countries should also add the mentioned smartphone mirroring apps in their local spec Fortuners soon.

[thanaang]

It is no.1 in Thailand market, sales volume is far more than the next rival Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. This model has been selling since 2015 without minor change!

[quinnbotsoba]

Reliability is all that matters to the people buying buying fortuner, they don't really care about fancy stuff..

It is also a very capable offroader

[bigdarshan]

Top review Crafty! I'm from Sri Lanka and this is a luxury SUV over here in the third world. I have 2009 2.7L petrol and I have put it through the ringer in all...its rugged and reliable and has not let me down once. Hope you can do a comparison on this and the prado...they have the same engine as far as I know

[dadactive]

Sounds like this man has a vendetta against Fortuners

[yeerboi]

We bought a 2019 GXL (updated model) and have no complaints. If i'm being picky it doesn't have much of a top end but from a stand still it takes off not sure what this blokes on about. Compared to Pajero, Trail blazer and Mux the interior is only 2nd to Everest which is another 8k more on each variant .No 7 seater is built to carry 40yr old adults in the 3rd row. 3rd row folding would have been nice but we fit the shopping even with the seats up and plan to remove them for propper trips anyway. We get 10.5l per 100 with ARB bullbar Steps and scrub bars. Couldn't recommend a better small SUV,

[TycoonRR]

All these car reviews complain about the third row seats .... WE KNOW ITS for KIDS, just shift the middle seats forward and there is enough space for a teenager as well.

[xHellkite]

Love the review! Appreciate the honesty. I would love a Pajero Sport review or a comparison of this to that.. thnx for all the great content crafty! You a legend!

[nkristianschmidt]

First reviewer with honest opinions. Otherwise, reviews tend to be almost pure praise to keep the company happy, so they lend another car for review.

[simonwang]

Just 've got one. A tough car, not that comfortable but tough enough. Very very reliable. If you are tough man like me, you should have it.

[mustafabhatti]

My Toyota fortuner is equipped with 4.0 v6 engine... I love my car.. It is one of the best in its class ... very responsive car ...

[CrisSaez]

So how much did Ford pay you to give the brilliant review of the Everest considering when I drove it I was sure I was driving an underpowered bus?

[gregwallace]

I wish you'd have given this a glowing review cause I really like it. But it is what it is. The mate has a new one with a lift kit, big rubber and those stupid 7th seats removed (which should not be there) and it powers through the sand at Fraser Island. Love your reviews crafty. 👍