The Toyota Fortuner is available in 4 models priced from SAR 123,855

The appearance of the Toyota Fortuner easily reminds one of the larger SUVs in the Toyota family; some even refer to it as the "baby Land Cruiser." Though its starting price is SAR 123,855, which is not inexpensive, it absolutely offers value for money with its robust performance and versatile functionality.

Designed to handle a variety of road conditions and harsh environments, the Fortuner effortlessly navigates everything from city streets to deserts and mountainous terrains, providing a wealth of options for consumers who value reliability and versatility.

Exterior Design

The Fortuner, first introduced in 2004, initially resembled a transformed version of the Toyota Hilux. Over time, through innovative design changes, it has developed a distinctive appearance. The Fortuner has a robust frame, sharing the same ladder-frame structure as the Hilux, which provides significant off-road capability and clearance.

The rugged and powerful exterior of the Fortuner is particularly eye-catching, retaining the characteristics of a tough off-road vehicle while incorporating contemporary, stylish elements. Its front features a Toyota-family trapezoidal grille connected to sharp LED headlights, creating a strong visual impact. This unique design not only emphasizes the vehicle's power but also ensures visibility in dusty environments. Chrome trim on either side of the grille and a broad front bumper give the vehicle a more formidable look.

The side profile of the Fortuner is clean and dynamic, with a smooth waistline that stretches from the front fender to the taillights, adding a sense of motion. The high ground clearance and 17 or 18-inch wheels enhance its off-road capabilities, while the wheel arch design increases its resistance to impacts, meeting the durability needs for rough terrains.

The rear design balances practicality with a modern flair, featuring a large rear windshield, three-dimensional LED taillights, and chrome trim that visually extends the vehicle's form.

The dimensions of the vehicle (length x width x height) are 4795 x 1855 x 1835 mm, with a wheelbase of 2745 mm.

Interior and Comfort

Upon stepping into the cabin of the Toyota Fortuner, one is immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of luxury and durability. The interior utilizes high-quality materials, with seats and door armrests wrapped in leather, while the dashboard is enhanced with metallic trim, adding a palpable sense of texture throughout the vehicle. This design not only meets the demands for durability preferred by consumers in the Middle East but also significantly elevates the comfort level for passengers.

The Toyota Fortuner offers various seating configurations to cater to the diverse needs of families and off-road enthusiasts. Higher-end models are equipped with electric leather seats and wood accents. An 8-inch central display supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing the driver to enjoy music, navigation, and calling features during travel.

Additionally, the Toyota Fortuner is equipped with rear air conditioning vents and an independent temperature control system, providing a comfortable riding experience even in the harsh desert climates.

In terms of space, the Fortuner features a well-planned interior layout. The second-row seats are adjustable and have a fold-down feature, offering ample legroom for rear passengers and additional cargo capacity. The third-row seats are also adjustable, providing flexible loading space ideal for long trips, family outings, and everyday needs.

Engines

In terms of powertrain options, the Toyota Fortuner typically offers two engine configurations in the Middle Eastern market to cater to various driving needs and budgets. The entry-level version is equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 164 horsepower and a torque of 245 Newton-meters, meeting the requirements of everyday urban driving and light off-road activities. This model boasts respectable fuel efficiency, making it suitable for owners who need a vehicle for daily use.

For those seeking higher performance, the Fortuner also features a 4.0-liter V6 engine, capable of producing up to 235 horsepower with a torque of 376 Newton-meters. This powerful engine is ideal for harsh off-roading and high-speed driving, providing ample power support in complex terrains, thus enabling drivers to effortlessly conquer desert and mountainous landscapes. Whether navigating city streets or embarking on wilderness adventures, the V6 engine ensures a robust driving experience.

Both engines are coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and rapid gear shifts.

Additionally, the Fortuner shares a four-wheel-drive system with the Hilux, equipped with Active Traction Control (A-TRC) and an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (A-LSD). These features offer exceptional performance on low-grip surfaces, providing ample assurance for off-road driving, making the Fortuner a versatile SUV suitable for all terrains.

Safety

In terms of safety, the Toyota Fortuner upholds the brand’s consistently high standards, providing comprehensive protection for its owners. It is equipped with Toyota’s advanced Safety Sense package, which includes a pre-collision warning system, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams, ensuring a reliable shield for driving safety.

Additionally, the vehicle is fitted with a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control System (TRC), and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), effectively enhancing the vehicle’s stability and controllability on wet, slippery, or gravel surfaces.

The Fortuner also boasts commendable passive safety features. The body is constructed with high-strength steel and equipped with up to seven airbags, including those for the driver, front passenger, and side curtains, ensuring comprehensive protection for all occupants in the event of a collision.

Market Positioning

The Toyota Fortuner targets a diverse audience in the Middle East, including families, young off-roading enthusiasts, and business professionals. This vehicle not only meets the needs of daily commuting but also easily handles outdoor adventures. With its robust off-road capability, luxurious interior design, comprehensive features, and an extensive after-sales support network, the Fortuner offers exceptional value for money. It is particularly suited for consumers who value durability, reliability, and versatility.

Currently, in the Middle East, the price range of the Toyota Fortuner varies from approximately 120,000 to 180,000 dirhams depending on the configuration. This pricing strategy provides it with a competitive edge in the SUV category, reflecting Toyota's longstanding approach to affordability in the Middle East market. Compared to its competitors, the Fortuner has relatively low maintenance costs. Thanks to Toyota's comprehensive after-sales service and maintenance guarantees, owners can enjoy a high-quality experience at a lower cost.

Summary

In summary, the Toyota Fortuner, with its robust design, luxurious interiors, powerful performance, and comprehensive safety features, has become a popular all-round SUV in the Middle East market. It effortlessly handles both urban commutes and challenging terrains like deserts and mountains. Coupled with reasonable pricing and extensive versatility, it offers great value for money, particularly appealing to consumers who prioritize performance and reliability.

In the Middle East, the Toyota Fortuner undoubtedly holds a unique market position. Its comfort, durability, and impressive off-road capabilities make it irreplaceable.