The second-generation Toyota Fortuner has been going strong since 2016. Here’s what you should know about this stalwart as a used buy.
If there is a single vehicle that defines the South African middle-class aspiration, it is the Toyota Fortuner. When the second-generation model launched locally in 2016, it cemented Toyota’s absolute dominance in the bakkie-based SUV segment. Abandoning the boxier aesthetic of its predecessor, the 2016 Fortuner introduced a sleek, swept-back design, while retaining the near-indestructible ladder-frame chassis shared with the Hilux. However, if you want to dominate the market, you must be prepared for some competition. To fend off the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, Toyota executed two updates. The 2020 facelift brought a massive mechanical overhaul to the flagship powertrains, while the subsequent 2023 facelift focused on visual enhancements and technology upgrades.
A rundown on the Toyota Fortuner
The 2016 launch model featured a chrome-heavy, swept-back fascia. The 2020 facelift modernised the aesthetic with slimmer LED headlamps and a larger mesh grille, while the 2023 update introduced sharp aero-corner moulding, black trapezoidal foglamp housings, and sequential LED indicators. Inside, the cabin offers a commanding driving position and durable materials. A notable quirk of the Fortuner is its third-row seating, which folds up against the side windows rather than flat into the floor, slightly compromising maximum cargo volume. Crucially, the 2020 update finally brought modern Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the infotainment system, while the 2023 flagship models received a bespoke dual-tone black and maroon leather interior.
The powertrain options are dominated by Toyota’s GD-6 turbodiesel engines. The entry point is the 2.4 GD-6, producing 110 kW and 400 N.m of torque. It is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, but these days, the former is only available on the entry-level model in the Fortuner range.
The flagship 2.8 GD-6 is where the timeline becomes critical. Launch models (2016-2019) produced 130 kW and 450 N.m (in automatic guise). However, the pivotal 2020 facelift introduced a larger turbocharger and improved cooling, bumping up outputs to 150 kW and a stout 500 N.m. This transformed the vehicle’s highway overtaking capability and towing dynamics, though fuel consumption sits marginally higher at a claimed 7.6 L/100 km. While petrol derivatives – including a 2.7-litre four-cylinder and a thirsty 4.0-litre V6 – were initially offered, they were quietly phased out due to low demand and poor fuel efficiency.
In our 2018 Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4×4 6AT test, we noted:
“The Fortuner really comes into its own when the tarmac ends. Dirt roads are tackled with ease and, when the going gets tough, low range and a differential lock contribute to off-road ability that makes this Toyota feel nearly unstoppable over rough terrain. The fact that this hard-worked test unit displayed no quality issues with more than 20 000 km on the clock is testament to its build and integrity. The ride is typical body-on-chassis fare, with a constant shimmy.”
What to look out for when buying a used Toyota Fortuner
- Cold start injector rattle: on early GD-6 diesel engines (both 2.4 and 2.8), listen carefully for a harsh, metallic ticking or knocking sound upon a cold start. This can indicate worn fuel injectors.
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging: Fortuners used exclusively for short, low-speed urban commutes can suffer from DPF blockages. A clogged DPF will trigger a warning light and eventually force the engine into limp mode.
- Jittery unladen ride quality: Because it shares its underpinnings with the Hilux bakkie, the rear suspension can feel overly firm and jittery when driving without passengers or cargo.
- Side-folding third-row wear: inspect the brackets and straps of the third-row jump seats, because constant folding and unfolding can wear out the mechanisms.
- Theft and hijacking risk: the Fortuner is statistically one of the most targeted vehicles by organised crime syndicates in South Africa. Consequently, insurance premiums are notoriously high.
Which one to get
The best option is a post-2020 facelift trim equipped with the 2.8 GD-6 4×4 automatic powertrain. Pre-2020 models, while mechanically sound, lack the critical 150 kW power upgrade and the essential smartphone mirroring technology. The upgraded 500 N.m torque output on the 2020 models onwards allow the heavy SUV to cruise effortlessly at highway speeds and dispatch steep inclines without aggressive gearbox hunting. Securing a 4×4 derivative is highly recommended, even if your off-roading is limited. In the South African market, 4×4 Fortuners hold their residual value far better than their 4×2 counterparts.
