2017 TOYOTA FORTUNER
For the second-generation Fortuner, Toyota has addressed the complaints that buyers had with the preceding model. First off, the chassis uses enhanced box sections, making the platform stiffer and stronger, and thereby improving safety as well as overall performance. Ride comfort now borders on crossover-smooth, but it still feels very much like a proper truck. Turning radius has also improved to below 6m versus the previous 6.2m.
In the the top-spec V variant, the six-speed automatic gearbox is linked to a four-wheel drivetrain that comes with Advanced Traction Control or A-Trac, which regulates engine power, traction and stability aids, and ABS. While it might not be as sophisticated as Ford's or Mitsubishi's system, it's just as effective in real-world applications. Shame that there's no differential lock, but the vast majority of people will use the Fortuner as a rapid on-road express that can tackle occasional off-road jaunts, flash floods, and poor roads. It is here that the powertrain and chassis upgrades can be felt.
The ride is well-damped, and wheel articulation is excellent on rough roads. The 265/60 R18 Bridgestone Dueler tires provide a more aggressive stance, especially with alloy wheels that look straight out of a Lexus catalog. The suspension still utilizes the same live-axle rear setup, but you'd think it was underpinned with a more sophisticated multilink.
The ABS-EBD-equipped brakes have good modulation and feel. On the track, the Fortuner handles emergency lane changes and braking maneuvers well despite significant chassis roll and pitch; the chassis never feels flustered or overwhelmed. In terms of NVH levels, you don't get as much tire, wind, road or engine noise inside the cabin.
Seating position is also vastly better. Toyota has improved the steering-wheel-column-to-shoulder angle, so there's less effort required whether during spirited driving or long cruises. Reach-and-rake adjustment is now available, but the latter could do with a couple more inches of pull.
The steering remains light, but it now offers much better feedback and accuracy, and a more natural self-centering effort. It falls short particularly compared with the Montero Sport, the latter feeling better-suited for long-distance highway use. On the other hand, there's a sense of heft in the Toyota that the larger Everest seems to lack.
Against the others, fit-and-finish here is the best in this motley crew. Fortunately it comes with a very nice AVT multimedia system, with GPS navigation.
To sum it all up, the new Fortuner is a vast improvement over its predecessor. The others have upped their game, too, but thankfully, the Fortuner has one edge against its rivals: the Toyota name, and with it, a reputation for cars that are as reliable as death and taxes. Even better, the cars are now injected with excitement and drama never seen before.
SPECS: TOYOTA FORTUNER 4x4 V
Engine: 2.8-liter turbodiesel I4
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 174hp @ 3,400rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 1,600-2,400rpm
Seating: 7
Price: P2,223,000 (Iloilo Price w/ Freight Cost)
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