2011 Toyota Fortuner Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

Call the 2011 Toyota Fortuner a seven-seater SUV or a rugged off-roader—but not a luxury SUV, as it is positioned to be. Consider the 2011 Toyota Fortuner a seven-seater SUV with genuine off-road ability, and you are not far off.

2011 Toyota Fortuner quick specs

Body Style	SUV
Class	Large Utility
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	7

2011 Toyota Fortuner ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

The 2011 Toyota Fortuner oozes road presence on the roads with its sheer size. And in line with modern SUVs, there are more curves to minimise the rugged feel. The rear end may remind of the first-generation Toyota Harrier, but whether on the outside or inside, the 2011 Toyota Fortuner does not feel luxurious as the Harrier did. In fact, this large SUV looks more rugged than Toyota would like. The Toyota Fortuner underwent a mild facelift in 2008 and can be fitted with the TRD Sportivo bodykit.

Handling

The 2011 Toyota Fortuner's body-on-frame construction, consisting of a ladder-frame chassis with the body bolted on, means the on-road handling is not as agile, and the ride not as composed, as an SUV with monocoque construction. That, plus the 2011 Toyota Fortuner's high centre of gravity and body bulk, eliminate any possibility of driving fun. The story is different off-road, thanks to a full-time 4WD system with Torsen LSD (Torque Sensing Limited Slip Differential), low-ratio gear set, and lockable centre differential.

Comfort

The ride can be a little fidgety and could deal with road imperfections better, as too much of the resulting impact filter into the cabin. Cruising is carried out in relative peace with audible but non-intrusive wind and road noise. Other than the raised height which gives good visibility, the cabin is car-like and comfortable, providing a simple dashboard and a fine driving position. Seat-height adjustments are available, but the steering column only adjusts for height and not reach.

Quality + Reliability

The cabin consists of many parts taken from the IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) project, from which the Toyota Hilux and Innova have been created. As such everything works as it should with tactility and precision expected of a Toyota. Although the dashboard is made up of tough rather than appealing plastics, the fit-and-finish are good. The leather upholstery in the 2.7V further adds a sense of quality the 2.5G lacks. Toyota is renowned for reliability, and the Fortuner should remain trouble-free mechanically.

Performance

Either a 2.5-litre common-rail turbodiesel or a 2.7-litre petrol with VVT-i is paired to a four-speed automatic with ECT. The 2.5-litre diesel produces 101 bhp at 3600 rpm and 260 Nm at 1600-2400 rpm. The 2.7-litre petrol has 158 bhp at 5200 rpm and 241 Nm at 3800 rpm. Both engines provide sufficient urge to move the 2011 Toyota Fortuner's mass at a decent pace. The refined nature of either engines is complemented by the smooth gear shifts, although the diesel can be vocal when extended.

Roominess

Key to the 2011 Toyota Fortuner's appeal is the seven-seater configuration. The front and middle rows are spacious as expected, and the last row is adequate in terms of legroom for the average-sized adult. Access to the last row could be easier, however. The sliding middle row seats can 60:40 split and tumble for additional flexibility, while the last row seats 50:50 split and fold against the sides instead of folding flat into the floor.

Running Costs

The 2.5-litre diesel should require less visits to the pumps compared to the 2.7-litre petrol. But neither will be cheap to run given the 2011 Toyota Fortuner's weight to carry. As for other Toyota models, the Fortuner should benefit from affordable servicing and repairs, and minimal depreciation. The amount of depreciation varies according to the original price, but Toyota models, and in this case the Fortuner, usually retain values in class-leading manner.

Value for Money

Although positioned as a luxury SUV, the 2011 Toyota Fortuner fails to live up to that in terms of its styling, ride comfort, refinement, cabin quality or overall image. Instead, the Toyota Fortuner combines genuine off-road ability with useful room for seven—two qualities that should have formed the foundations for the 2011 Toyota Fortuner's positioning. The pricing is on the high side relative to other IMV models, but if history has taught us anything, it is that any car wearing the Toyota badge will sell well, even if its positioning is somewhat off-the-mark.

Equipment

The 2.5G comes with 17" alloy wheels, fog lamps, power-adjustable/retractable side mirrors with turning light, roof rail, metallic silver centre cluster, 2-Din head unit with in-dash 6-disc CD changer/MP3/radio and 6 speakers, auto up/down power windows, fabric upholstery, front/rear parking sensors, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and dual front airbags. The 2.7V adds chrome outer door handles and back door garnish, wood trim centre cluster, automatic air-conditioning, leather steering wheel with controls, leather upholstery, and 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat. TRD Sportivo versions add an aerokit.

Environment

Sure, there is a diesel engine and room for seven (meaning less pollution per occupant), but there is no running away from the fact that SUVs, especially a large one such as the 2011 Toyota Fortuner, are heavy and engines work doubly hard to carry their mass, emitting more carbon dioxide and consuming more fuel in the process. Bottomline: SUVs are just unsuitable for anyone with a “green” conscience.

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2011 Toyota Fortuner Review

2011 Toyota Fortuner at a glance