Best features of the all-new Toyota Fortuner

LED DAYTIME running lights are standard on the Fortuner.

TOYOTA has launched the all-new Fortuner after 10 years of market domination by the first-generation model. The new Fortuner is no longer as revolutionary as its predecessor, and faces a much more competitive segment.

It has also moved up in price, with the top model breaching P2 million. It does come loaded with more features and better equipment, though.

Here are some of the most prominent features of the all-new Fortuner:

New looks. If the previous Fortuner looked conservatively handsome, managing to look current even after several facelifts, the new Fortuner looks more confident and striking.

With its tapered lights, it looks sleeker and more streamlined, more horizontal. Going by the tape, it is now wider than it is tall. Its most adventurous feature is the tapering window behind the rear door, a look shared with the new Lexus RX SUV.

Bigger frame. The new Fortuner’s body is mounted on a thicker and bigger cross-section box frame, preserving not just its off-road and cargo-carrying capability but also enhancing its chassis stiffness.

Smoother ride. The stiffer chassis has allowed Toyota’s engineers to dial in a more comfortable ride for the Fortuner. Gone is the kidney-shaking choppiness. It’s in its element, too, on rough or dirt roads, managing to move forward rapidly while still maintaining a stable feel.

Engine and transmission. Under the hood are new-generation diesels, and upgraded gasoline engines. The new diesels have been designed to warm up more quickly. The reduced displacement, now 2.4 and 2.8 liters, are compensated for by enhanced turbocharging and injection systems.

The 2.4 generates more torque than the previous 3.0-liter engine. The gasoline engine gets variable valve timing on both intake and outtake sides. They are mated to a six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.

Better driving position. The seat is more comfortable and moves in a seemingly wider range of positions. The steering wheel now tilts and telescopes. The top V variant has power-actuated front seats.

One-touch folding second row and folding third row. The second row seat finally has a one-touch fold and tumble function, allowing easier access to the third row. It still slides forward to share the legroom with the third row. The third row of seats still folds to the side and still takes up cargo room when folded. But it’s now much easier to fold, possibly with one hand, as the folding function is spring-assisted. The lock for folded seat is still a simple hook, but it now clips easily at the rear, instead of to the overhead handgrip.

LED headlamps and daytime running lights. The top Fortuner V uses bright LED headlamps a la BMW. LED daytime running lights are standard as well.

18-inch alloy wheels. The top Fortuners ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, with the lower variants making do with 17-inchers. Some rivals are already going as big as 20 inches for their top models. The conservative wheel size matches with taller profile 60- or 65-series tires.

THE INTERIOR exudes a more upscale feel.

More upscale interior. There are no Fisher-Price quality plastics in the Fortuner interior. The top trim level does look like a P2-million cabin. The center console is trimmed with leather and metallic trim, and so is the dashboard. The touchscreen audio unit includes a navigation system.

Keyless entry. The top Fortuner variant features a smart key with push-button engine start. There’s a power tailgate for easier loading.

Active safety features. Limited to the V variants, the Fortuner has available stability control, hill start assist, and active traction control.

And what the new Fortuner doesn’t have:

Permanent all-wheel drive. Gone is the permanent all-wheel drive of the 4×4 model. The new 4×4 variants are the part-time four-wheel drive type. You have to turn a knob on the dash to switch from rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, and it’s limited to off-road use. This may improve the fuel economy, but it also lessens the safety advantage of an all-wheel drive system in slippery conditions.

Rear wheel disc brakes. The Fortuner carries on with rear drum brakes. That being said, stopping power seems perfectly adequate from moderate speed.

Eight-person seating capacity. Fortuner seating capacity is limited to seven, with the third row having only two seat belts, as before.

Backup camera. Most new cars are equipped with this, but the Fortuner is not. What’s more, only the V-spec Fortuners have a backup sensor, which is now a necessity for any SUV.