Toyota Fortuner - Fortune Favors the Bolder

Looking for a family ride which offers both power and versatility? Why not try the best-selling PPV in the Philippine market – the Toyota Fortuner!

The Toyota Fortuner has been around the market for a while now, and it has been a top choice for PPV users. PPV stands for Pickup Platform Vehicle. Usually, these are also classified as midsize SUVs (yes they’re midsize even if they’re huge) or Sports Utility Vehicles. PPVs mainly come from pickup trucks that had an outer shell. Later on, the shell was not the only addition but another row of seats, fully integrated into the chassis and design, and the PPV was born.

Going back to the Fortuner, it is one of the PPVs of choice, especially mainly because of its Toyota badge which mainly means ‘reliability’ in the Philippines. The Fortuner line-up has four variants, the G which is the base model, to the A, the Q, and the top-of-the-line LTD. This excludes the GR-S variant, or the topmost top-of-the-line trim which is basically a sportier version of the LTD (as in, nothing much difference really, aside from the Gazoo Racing badge). The G base model is actually not bad at all, and it’s the only variant which has a manual transmission option. The rest are automatic transmission. The G and the A variants share same features such as similar engines and limited features, while the Q and the LTD share similarities too. In terms of price, the grouping of the variants are much close to one another as well.

The only huge difference between the Q and the LTD is the number of wheels driving. The LTD is obviously a 4x4 while the Q is a 4x2. The G and the A are all 4x2s. Because of this trait, in terms of fuel efficiency, the 4x2 are more fuel efficient, but the 4x4 of course, is supposed to be sportier, grittier in all road conditions.

The Fortuner, in all variants, have the same dimensions: 1835 mm height, 1855 mm width, 4795 mm length, and 193 mm ground clearance. The main difference physically is the looks of the rest of the variants vs the LTD variant which has a sportier stance and more aggressive front grille, plus a floating roofline.

All variants share the same safety features: Dual Airbags, Driver’s Knee Airbag, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, 3-point seat belts for all passengers, and front and rear proximity sensors. Meanwhile, all variants, except the G, also has a 360-camera. Also, as the LTD is the top-of-the-line variant, expect that there are extra safety features included, such as Toyota Safety Sense, Side and Curtain Airbags and Hill Descent Control.

Inside the Fortuner is a 7- or 8-inch infotainment system (and you can guess which variants have which; hint: the bigger one is the pricier one). There are leather seats for the LTD while none for the lower variants. The LTD has red accents, read thread marks on the leather stitching even on the dashboard and the sides. Ambient lighting is also present. At the second row, there is digital AC controls and AC vents even on the third row for the LTD version. There is a center console too for the second row, as well as cup holders and two USB charging ports.

All around, the Fortuner is a great buy, and if one has the budget, the LTD version is a good choice. The price however is a bit steep at PhP 2,450,000, with the lower variants lower by about two hundred thousand pesos per step. Somewhat at home with its competitors in terms of price range.

However, with the great features, reliability, good looks and engine power, the Fortuner is truly a PPV of choice. One can use it whether for the family outings on long weekends, the barkada road trips and out-of-towns, as well as a daily driver and for business purposes. Just choose the right Fortuner variant for your own purpose and liking. Remember: fortune favors the bold, so take a leap of faith on the Fortuner.

Also Read: Safety Features of 2021 Toyota Fortuner Philippines