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2016 Toyota Fortuner Road Test: Capable Off-Road, Compromised on Pavement

A 2016 New Atlas road test found the Toyota Fortuner confident on rutted tracks and gravel, but less comfortable and refined on paved roads.
Entry811 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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New Atlas’s April 2016 Australian-market Toyota Fortuner road test found a clear split: the SUV handled steep, rutted tracks and loose gravel with confidence, but felt unsettled over uneven pavement and lacked refinement. Its low-range four-wheel drive, reported 225 mm ground clearance and 700 mm maximum wading depth suited remote trips; ride comfort, engine noise and cabin ergonomics were less convincing.

How did the Fortuner perform off-road?

Scott Collie’s week-long test took the Fortuner onto steep, winding four-wheel-drive tracks, deeply rutted sections and loose gravel. He reported confident progress on the rough tracks and composed behavior on loose surfaces, including washboard gravel. The review’s headline is therefore grounded in the vehicle’s performance in the conditions he encountered, rather than a claim that it is equally accomplished everywhere.

For the Australian-market test vehicle, New Atlas reported switchable low-range four-wheel drive, 225 mm of ground clearance and a maximum wading depth of up to 700 mm. These are figures published in 2016 for that test context; they should not be assumed to apply to every Fortuner model year, trim or country. See the New Atlas road test, published April 22, 2016.

What was it like on paved roads?

The trade-off was clearest on uneven pavement at low speed. The reviewer found the ride unsettled, with the body continuing to rock after bumps. That may matter less on a trip dominated by remote tracks, but it is a notable drawback for a vehicle expected to spend much of its time carrying a family on ordinary roads.

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The diesel also felt workmanlike rather than refined. The 2016 review reports 130 kW (174 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque from 1,600 rpm. Collie described the power output as modest but said the low-rev torque helped the Fortuner haul passengers and luggage. He also noted noticeable diesel vibration and rising cabin noise as engine speed increased. These are the road-test figures and impressions, not a current specification for all Fortuners.

Was it practical for family trips and towing?

New Atlas reported seven seats, a 3,000 kg towing capacity and 1,080 L of cargo space with the rear seats folded for its Australian-market test vehicle. Those figures make the Fortuner relevant to buyers considering towing or carrying gear to remote camping areas, but they do not tell the whole story of its family usability.

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The test article also reports a vehicle mass of 2,120 kg and dimensions of 4.8 m long by 1.85 m wide. These, like the performance and capacity figures above, describe the vehicle in New Atlas’s 2016 test and should be checked against the relevant market’s specifications before making a purchase decision.

Who is this Fortuner best suited to?

The review’s recommendation depends on where and how the vehicle will be used. Buyers who need low-range four-wheel drive, want to tow, or regularly travel on rough routes to remote camping spots may value the Fortuner’s demonstrated track ability and practical torque. Buyers prioritizing a settled ride, quiet cabin and easier everyday family use may find its paved-road compromises harder to accept.

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For road-focused family use, Collie suggested considering the Toyota Kluger (called the Highlander in some markets) or Land Rover Discovery Sport instead. That is the reviewer’s period-specific advice, not a current head-to-head comparison of today’s models. The April 29, 2016 New Atlas video review likewise frames the Fortuner as more capable off-road than refined on-road.

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What the road test does—and does not—establish

This is a one-week road test published in 2016 of an Australian- and Asian-market Fortuner. Its observations and specifications should be read as applying to that vehicle and period. The article does not establish how later model years or vehicles sold in other markets compare, so buyers should verify the equipment, towing limits and dimensions for the exact Fortuner they are considering.

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  • Cool light and sound: Press the front of the car to trigger sounds and lights. Press steering wheel to trigger horn sound.
  • Pull back model car: Place the toy car on the ground, hold down its body and pull it back, it will drive forward. Very interesting.
  • Awesome Gift: It is an ideal gift toy model car for children, also great to use for collection and decoration.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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