The 2025 Toyota Fortuner is a robust, versatile mid-size SUV, built on the trusted Hilux platform. While it is not as popular as its ute sibling in markets like Australia. The Fortuner remains a favorite in regions such as the UAE, Kenya, and Southeast Asia for its rugged reliability and family-friendly features. The 2025 model aims to stay competitive in a crowded SUV market due to a refreshed design, mild-hybrid powertrains, and updated technology.
Design and Build
The 2025 Toyota Fortuner exterior is bold and modern, blending ruggedness with sophistication. It features:
- Redesigned front grille: Larger and more prominent
- Sleek LED headlights: With boomerang-style daytime running lights, giving it a commanding presence.
- Ground clearance: 216mm
- Approach angle: 29 degrees
- Departure angle: 25 degrees
- Rear features: LED taillights and a power-operated tailgate for easy access to the cargo area.
- Other features: Sharp body lines, muscular wheel arches, and 17- to 20-inch alloy wheels
Built on a body-on-frame chassis, it is well-suited for off-road adventures. The exterior design is both functional and stylish, appealing to urban drivers and off-road enthusiasts alike, enhancing its aggressive yet refined look.
Interior and Comfort
The 2025 Fortuner interior offers a practical and durable cabin designed to withstand tough conditions. The interior features
- Hard-wearing materials: Easy to clean, ideal for families or outdoor enthusiasts.
- SUV seats: Seven in number, with a sliding second row for flexible cargo and passenger space
- Boot: Offers 296 liters with all seats up, expanding to 716 liters with the rear rows folded
- Centerpiece: 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected car tech for remote start and vehicle monitoring
- Other features: Soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof
A JBL sound system and heads-up display add a premium touch. However, some reviews note that the interior feels dated compared to newer rivals, with hard plastics in lower trims and less intuitive ergonomics.
Performance and Powertrains
The 2025 Fortuner offers a range of powertrains to suit different needs. Different powertrains of Fortuner are:
- Base 2.7-liter engine: Four-cylinder, petrol engine delivers adequate performance for city driving
- 4.0-liter V6: Provides more power for demanding tasks, though it’s less fuel-efficient.
- 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine: With a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque.
The Toyota Fortuner powertrain is popular due to its following specifications:
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic or manual transmission
- Fuel efficiency: Up to 14.6 kmpl
- Fortuner’s 4×4 system: Includes low-range gearing, crawl control, downhill assist, and a rear differential lock, making it a capable off-roader.
- Suspension: Double wishbones upfront and a five-link coil-spring setup at the rear ensure a balanced ride, though it can feel bouncy compared to softer crossovers.
On-road handling is competent but truck-like, with heavy steering that’s better suited for off-road precision than tight urban maneuvers.
Safety and Reliability
Toyota’s reputation for reliability shines through in the 2024 Fortuner, built to endure tough conditions with minimal maintenance. Standard safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Multiple airbags
- Advanced stability control
The robust chassis and Toyota’s extensive service network add peace of mind for owners.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Fortuner price can vary according to its variants and trim levels:
| Base GX trim | $34,821 |
| Top-spec Crusade | $66,755 |
| Lease options | $545/month |
While competitively priced, the Fortuner faces stiff competition from the Ford Everest, which outsells it significantly in some regions. Its blend of off-road capability, family-friendly features, and reliability makes it a strong value proposition, though its aging platform and less modern interior may deter buyers seeking cutting-edge tech.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rugged off-road capability with 4×4 and low-range gearing
- Reliable and durable build quality
- Spacious seven-seat cabin with flexible storage
- Advanced tech, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a mild-hybrid option
- Strong safety features
Cons
- Interior feels dated compared to modern rivals.
- Heavy steering and a bouncy ride in urban settings
- Limited sales appeal in some markets (e.g., Australia)
- No significant platform overhaul since 2015
Verdict
The 2025 Toyota Fortuner remains a compelling choice for buyers seeking a rugged, reliable SUV with strong off-road credentials and family-friendly practicality. Its mild-hybrid powertrain, refreshed design, and updated tech keep it relevant, but the aging platform and less refined interior hold it back against newer competitors like the Ford Everest. For adventure enthusiasts and those in regions where the Fortuner thrives, it’s a dependable workhorse that delivers value for money.
