Would love to see this comparison. Prado would win outright, but it would be good to see your thoughts couched from a "value" perspective. E.g. for the money you pay...
i have never seen a more practically demostrated, through and in depth review until yours, you truly are a legendary car reviewer. You tested the vehicle to its limit and practically showed us unlike other youtubers, who just sit in there and talk, definately recommending this channel to my friends and family
This man gives great reviews. Spot on, realistic 4WDing followed up by a honest review. No fancy shit, great work Ronny, looking forward to more 4WD and even car reviews!
We bought our 2018 tuna about 3 months ago. Since then I've watched about 100 reviews of the car and yours is the first that actually rates the paddle shift! Would love to watch the comparo vid for sure! Thanks Ronny!
Very good evaluation as always Ronny - I now drive a 2010 Hilux (nine Subarus before this) and if I wanted a wagon the GX Fortuner with Hilux-like abilities is a no brainer - also like the nimbleness compared to a heavy big Prado and rear vertical lift door being way more practical than the awful rear swing door on the Prado and Pajero because it gives you temporary shelter and does not impede in tight parking spaces. John in SA
After using ours for about 12 months and deciding we loved it enough and committed to buying some goodies. Tow bar, Snorkel, bull bar and winch and a cool rhino backbone system to which keeps a lot of OLD sun of my top. drawers and fridge in the back have really settled the rear down. {took the rear seats out 2 bolts each for memory } Our boat is a really heavy mid eighties fiberglass & and you dont even know its there. Its got great ground clearance out of the box and I wont be raising it any time soon . The kids in the rear love having access to their own AC controls and there are plugs for your fridge in the rear too . . I think buying a 4WD is a totally individual thing . . .I tested Rangers & Mitzi Sports and they all had some great points of sale. . However the main reason I went looking for my baby is that . . . "It just felt right for me" I got to say Ronnie's summing up and comparisons are 100 % spot on and after listening carefully to you mate I have so much respect for your roundup. . If your searching for a upgrade of some sort do yourself a favor and go test drive them all. . & find out what suits your need most. . I would like to thank my Mrs who suggested we didn't need a Ute . .she was right. . most of the time. . all my gear in the back is totally secure always. Also has key-less entry which is awesome. {prob standard on most vehicles now} . My darling Blue is a 2015 and Yes ! I still have the feeling. . .
Well done - another honest and professional video... It puts ‘another’ publicly listed ‘big budget’ media outfit to shame! Also credit should go to Galleria Toyota for providing the vehicle. The normal process is a big car company will spend millions on paid advertising with a particular media outlet - than suddenly their car of the year 🤔
I have had one of these for a couple of years and done a few basic mods on it. Tyres, lift/suspension, rack, radio, recovery point as well as all the safety stuff. Absolutely love it and has been used in a few different places now. I'm no expert 4wd'er but it amazes me with just where it will go and doesn't really seem to be trying too hard. The thing I love about them is that they are a real Jekyll and Hyde vehicle. One minute you can be flogging around in the sandhills and the next minute you can be sitting on 110kph on the open road and not even realize you are in an off road vehicle. I spoke to a guy in a park where we just stayed who has one and tows a 3 ton van all over the place and he loves his as well. My brother has had 3 mitsi's now, uses them hard and has never had the slightest problem with any of them. He does have the real Pajero though.
Thanks for the good review. I bought the Fortuner GLX over the Prado simply because of the excellent value. For the price of a Fortuner GLX (compared tio the Prado GLX) i was able to get a 2" lift, BFG KO2s, snorkel, diff breathers, UHF radio, bull bar & winch AND a ARB long range full tank (125 lts which gets me over 1100 km per tank). With all that fitted on my Fortuner GLX that came up to the price of a Prado GLX without any modifications. It has been an excellent performer on and off road. When i tested the Prado the seats were hard and unsupportive, whereas the Fortuner seats (cloth) were much better in my opinion. My mate has the Prado and the Fortuner out performs it on road plus the Fortuner can tow an additional 300 kg than the Prado. Off Road, with the diff locks the Fortuner can go anywhere that the Prado can.....maybe even further. Why Toyota don't promote the Fortuner more is most likely it would take sales away from the Prado.....and the name 'Fortuner' is a rather silly name for an off road vehicle. Look foward to your Fortuner vs Prado....hope they are both GLXs.
@@fatboyswim, the spare wheel sits under the ARB tank (as per usual). However it sits lower. With all the tracks i have done including rocky steep ones it has never bottom out. Well worth it especially for remote travel such as the Simpson desert etc 😊
Your review poses a number of right questions for those who are seriously considering this vehicle and was very helpful: I just ordered one today. Thank you.
Way better review than them big car youtube channels. Informative, entertaining and quite literally impressive 👏👍👌. Makes me excited about getting my own forty! Great job
The Fortuner is probably one of the best, if not the best, best value 4x4s any carmaker makes, let alone Toyota. I live in Karratha WA - Toyota and Toyota Hilux Country, where anything other than a Toyota falls apart. FYI. the Fortuner is an upgraded Hilux with a body kit - i.e., all its mechanicals are Toyota Hilux - Australia's best-selling car for years - upgraded with rear discs and rear springs (i.e., the Hilux comes with drums and leaf-springs). I've had my Fortuner for 3 years and 55 000 kms, and it is still as solid as new despite me taking it to some of the toughest offroad conditions in the country. When I bought the Fortuner it replaced an 80 Series Land Cruiser (still one of the best-regarded 4x4s ever made) and a Nissan Dualis, and it does the jobs of both cars better than either of those cars! Eg, the traction control system and factory rear locker means that I have taken the Fortuner to places that even the 80 Series would have struggled to go and to places where most Fortuner owners can only dream of driving. Eg, there is a track up telegraph hill just outside Karratha which is ~45 degrees and full of loose rocks, gravel and holes, and the Fortuner made it up no trouble at all with no wheel spin at all. The track to Gregory's Gorge is like a Sunday family drive for the family in the Fortuner despite being 30+km long rough track and its 2 water crossings - one always deep and the other always rocky. The Fortuner has been incredibly tough - as tough as the 80 Series. I have also driven it at 180km/h on a gravel road with complete stability and traction, 150km/h for 2 hours on a highway to get home before sunset, and it handles sand like a beast - the best sand driver I have ever driven including 80 series and a 2012 Hilux. I.e., it handles sand amazing well with all traction control systems off - i.e., as a raw basic 4x4. I have also done ~2000 km road trips with my kids with the Fortuner packed to the gills and the kids in the rear seats, and the Fortuner did the trip with ease and in comfort even after 20+ hours driving. And it is perfect for the school run and putting around town too. It also only cost me ~$50 000, which is amazing value for Toyota that can do anything and go virtually anywhere. I could take the Fortuner anywhere that a 300 Series owner would take their car - more places, because a 300 Series owner wouldn't take their $100 000+ car half the places I will take the Fortuner because I'm not worried about damaging a very expensive vehicle. I have also made no mechanical changes to the Fortuner because it comes out of the factory good enough for me to take it anywhere. I've improved the all-terrains and I’ve put on 32-inch all-terrains, but a suspension lift would be pointless because it goes everywhere I need to go with the factory suspension. And the factory suspension is solid around town, but also good for rough tracks too. And I bought it using Toyota's Access finance with a 6% interest rate and which gives multiple choices to refinance or sell it. The Fortuner is severely underrated because most reviewers ignore it and/or do not even try to push it anywhere to its full capabilities. I suggest reviewers actually try to push the Fortuner to its limits to discover its limits - they probably will not find it before their fear or their insurance makes them back off. My suggestion - GET A FORTUNER WHILE YOU CAN! When I bought my 2021 Fortuner they were rare around Karratha, but they are now everywhere as the locals are finally waking up to how good and capable they are.
Does it rub on 32inch wheel on stock suspension? What's your wheel size? Nice summary of what the car can do. I love driving on soft sand. Very underrated indeed. I need to upgrade the HT wheels and go deep to offroad land.
Great review. We've got a 2012 4.0 petrol Fortuner, and it's a legend in the sand. Obviously not as refined as the new ones, but it is full time 4WD (same transfer case as the Prado and my manual trans FJ) with a physical selector lever. Ours came with the 17" rims, and it's been on AT tyres since the original set wore out. This thing takes the family EVERYWHERE. It's only slightly less capable than my lifted FJ, and with a few mods, it would be even closer. It's absolutely bulletproof - it's never left us stranded a d even with damage that would render other vehicles inoperable, the Fortuner kept on going. Just recently one of the original shocks failed (the bottom end of the strut bent through 90 degrees, and it was able to be driven out of the desert and back home albeit slowly. If you're looking for a tourer, then the Fortuner minus the 3rd row seats would have to be pretty close to the top of your list.
Would love to see a weigh bridge ticket during tests in the future. You do such a good job, it would be the final touch in a review when suddenly you realise the vehicle is at gvm with 4 adults and an esky.
Ronny, great thorough review. Better than some "expert" reviews around. I have a 2018 GXL set up to tour and tow my 2500kg off-road caravan. This car tows like a dream. Only problem was I needed to beef up the rear suspension (Dobinson's - but without a lift) and added Airbag Man airbags. Even so, it still is down my about 20mm when I put the van on. I removed the rear seats and put a set of Drifta drawers in. Storage problem solved. Bullbar (genuine) and Lightforce lights on the front. Rhino rack on the top (I regret doing that now that I know how much you can't put up there). CB under dash on driver's side. Yes, I love the paddles. When I first sat in the car I turned to the boss and said - I'm buying this one. She was shocked (I am usually very methodical), but once I sat in it, I knew it was the car for me. Thanks again for the review.
@@efrainalvarado8574 Sorry, mate, but I don't do Instagram. The upgrades are pretty much as I have described them. Can send you some pics if you are interested, once the car is back in my home State.
I actually walked in to my Toyota dealer the day these were released ready to sign on the dotted line. I had watched videos of them online, really liked the look of them, and the idea of having the same driveline as my Hilux in a nimble wagon sounded great (the Prado was a bit over my budget). Then I found out Toyota Australia did their usual trick of limiting the range, so we didn't get the V6 (I always go for petrol over diesel), so I kept the 1GR Lux.
Appreciate the review mate, only just discovered your channel but will be sticking around for sure! I've just put a deposit on a 2021 GXL, still keeping my 98 Hilux SR5 though! haha
Love ya channel and your run downs on these new 4x4 but nothing compares to the trucks made in the 90s. You and Graham Cahill are the only good thing to come out of WA 😆 keep up the good work👍
It’d make my 100 series Sahara feel like I’m docking the Queen Mary in every car park. But I’ve had my Sahara for 10 years and a fortuner would also make my wallet feel far too light! But it’s great to see they are now selling them in this country...Toyota should have brought them here decades ago. Great review Ronny! Might be good to even mention if there are long range tanks etc available from aftermarket suppliers etc
Another great review Ronny. I am definitely looking forward to the fortuner vs prado review having recently brought a 2nd hand prado for a trip to cape York in 2021. Keep up the great work 👍🍺
This is a great video Ronny :) Been thinking about selling my Disco 4 and getting either a GXL Fortuner or GXL Prado (so can't wait for that comparison video to be released). Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
aaaaaaaannnndddd...... one year later, I've bought a 2022 GXL (with Leather for the Mrs) Fortuner in Feverish Red. Why Red?.... because they had it "In Stock" in the Showroom!!!! Yes, that's crazy in these times, where there is no stock for most cars right???!!!. I walked into the Showroom one day, bought it the next haha. THANK YOU for the video's they helped me choose the Fortuner over the Prado... though TBH, the extra $15k saving also guided me to that choice too LOL. Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
Great review Ronny, was hoping you would do the Fortuner, plus you tried it out on the rocks for this review ... looking forward to the Fortuner Prado comparison, cant decide which one to buy, keep going back and forth on the pro's and con's of each, cheers
Ronny, I've noticed you haven't really tested the traction control in these vehicles (Prado and Fortuna). I'd seriously recommend you do, the traction control will out perform the rear locker in almost every situation. I can attest to this opening both a GXL and Kakadu Prado. It does take a bit of practice to use though. If you have a look at Robert Pepper's channel and his Hill of death, you'll see just how good it is when compared to only a rear locker. Cheers
@@nickgalea82 - yeah mate the the Tacoma’s are great, especially with all the Baja TRD bolt on stuff you can get... However you only get a a “C” section chassis compared to the Hilux with full Box section, plus lower load and towing capacity.
Absolutely fantastic video as always. Really appreciate the little comparisons you made with the Hilux. Totally honest and not biased at all. Keep up the great work mate. Hilux for me mostly because of accessories as well such as bullbars, rear bars and rock sliders.
Hey Ronny, I watched this video when it was released and again today as we just purchased a Fortuner Crusade! Thank you for such a detailed video which helped us make a descion :)
Very crisp and clear review. I saw many others and only this one is fluff free and talking about the things that matter. Glad that you don't like the electronic tail gate. More electronics to break! Its useless inconvenience.
Cannot wait to see the Prado 150 comparison, Ronnie you should also do a vid on optional mods you would recommend for both and the cost to get either the Prado or Fortuner to a highly capable off road tourer in your mind. It will help potential buyers decide between the two like me 👍
Great test. The Fortuna is a lovely vehicle for off road but really expensive. Please test a Mahindra Scorpio as well. It’s a LOT cheaper but it seems to offer good value and ability for the money.
so ronny are you going to review the 200? i really wanna see an expert 4 wheel driver like you review that beast (the v8 4.5litre diesel) and maybe when the 3.3v6 comes out but i wanna see the 2020 sahara diesel please
Loved the review, I'm really enjoying your channel! 😊👍 I do have a quick question about the tyres, is the vehicle fitted with tyre pressure sensors? If not, are they an option?
Ronny, great video thank you. Am about to buy my first 4wd for touring on the 'backroads' of this country and bush tracks and fire trails. Choice in front of me M'bishi Paj,( the real one), Isuzu MU-X and this one. Curious to know what compressor inflator kit you were using? Glad to see also that it has a real full size spare!! P.S., have driven thousands of k's backroads in a 1990 240 Volvo carrying two spares, touchwood never needed them. Thanks.
Just brought a secondhand pre facelift model, very capable 4x4, not as comfy as the Prado but for what it is it’s great, much better then the other brands. One thing I’ll add is a snorkel won’t increase the wadding depth , based on a number of different components not just air intake
Thank you very much for this great review, can i know if please what the best suspension kit for it? I am confuse between ARB and Ironman? what is your recommendation based on your off road long experience ? thanks
Great review thanks Ronnie! I just bought the new GXL, which is definitely more suited to offroading than the Crusade stock with 17inch rims and AT tires. I’ve been unable to source a bullbar that fits due to remodelled front end which must be an issue for the new Hilux to? Any suggestions on the front would be helpful!
Give it time mate I’m in the same situation, well not quite there are plenty out there but I don’t like them. Waiting on other brands to release so I can see them. The front must look good as well a be useful and actual protection. You will have to look at the big brand names to find a Fortuner bar or look at the Toyota bars.
This video has driven up the price of second hand Fortuner. Other car reviewer laughed at paddle shift in 4wd car and actual 4wd driver appreciated it.
I agree on the paddle shifters, makes great shifting easy when navigating retains. The negative on the shifters on the Fortuner is that it rotates with the steering wheel. It can get lost easily especially when you are on the turn and shifting gears. Otherwise the shifters on the Pajero Sport (for example) stays on the column and does not rotate with the steering. So you will know that is going to be there regardless of the steering position.
Great review but can you tell me if you turned off the traction control completely or just the first stage or did you leave it on especially for the sand driving.
Hey Ronny, often wondered the price comparisons between Toyota Aus and Toyota NZ, just had a quick look and based on the GXL Fortuner NZD is $55,000 which converted to Aus is $51,500. Maybe you guys need to be having a bit of negotiation with the dealers? Keep up the Good Work mate and have good rest of the festive season!!
Hi Ronny, thanks for the review. Any suggestion for 2inch left set up for a comfortable ride for back passengers as the stock one is way too bouncy. Thanks
That's something I couldn't figure out from the review... Where is HL and LL? All I could see was the H2-H4-L4 button. There's no high-4 with locked center diff???
Just about to pick up my 2nd GXL Tuna. I have gone this path over the Hilux for a number of reasons. 1. I like having the extra seats for those family trips. 2. I like the extra security of my stuff being inside the car rather then prone to easier theft in the utes tub. And 3. I like showing up ute drivers on the tracks, its very capable for a 'soccer mum' car. The one downside is lack of options for rear protection. Other then expensive kaymar bars there arent any real options.
*What did you think of the Fortuner?
Prado vs Fortuner?? Who'd like to see this comparo?
Prado wins ;)
Definitely keen for that comparison!
Be great to see a comparison. Fortuner under rated by Aussies due to the dominance of the Prado.
Would love to see this comparison. Prado would win outright, but it would be good to see your thoughts couched from a "value" perspective. E.g. for the money you pay...
Yes!
Sooo much better 4x4 reviews than the UA-cam car journalist crowd!!
Please keep them coming
For 5 years of sand off-roading and touring, my fortuner took me wherever I wanted to go and did whatever I needed to do, with no issues.
Quite the norm for a Toyota 4x4
What year is your fortuner mate if you dont mind me asking . Cheers
@@unna1996 2015
@@overlandme cheers for the reply mate just one more question do you have a problem with the DPF at all?
@@unna1996 no worries...mine is 4.0 L v6 petrol...so
...DPF doesn't apply on my vehicle
Best review of the fortuner I’ve seen anywhere keep up the good work
Thanks mate 😁
@@Ronny_Dahl where the Prado vs fortune review 😩?
i have never seen a more practically demostrated, through and in depth review until yours, you truly are a legendary car reviewer. You tested the vehicle to its limit and practically showed us unlike other youtubers, who just sit in there and talk, definately recommending this channel to my friends and family
This man gives great reviews. Spot on, realistic 4WDing followed up by a honest review. No fancy shit, great work Ronny, looking forward to more 4WD and even car reviews!
Another great review! Now have to wait for the next one to get your thoughts on THE real question, Fortuner vs Prado!
We bought our 2018 tuna about 3 months ago. Since then I've watched about 100 reviews of the car and yours is the first that actually rates the paddle shift! Would love to watch the comparo vid for sure! Thanks Ronny!
I have a 2020 tuna and love the paddle shift
❤️
Great Review Ronny, I had a 2017 GXL Fortuner and just upgraded to the new 2020 Crusade model. Lover these vehicles, they are so capable and versatile
One of the best review, v smooth and so informative with the highlights of what this car is capable of, thumbs up 👍
From Malaysia
Very good evaluation as always Ronny - I now drive a 2010 Hilux (nine Subarus before this) and if I wanted a wagon the GX Fortuner with Hilux-like abilities is a no brainer - also like the nimbleness compared to a heavy big Prado and rear vertical lift door being way more practical than the awful rear swing door on the Prado and Pajero because it gives you temporary shelter and does not impede in tight parking spaces. John in SA
After using ours for about 12 months and deciding we loved it enough and committed to buying some goodies. Tow bar, Snorkel, bull bar and winch and a cool rhino backbone system to which keeps a lot of OLD sun of my top. drawers and fridge in the back have really settled the rear down. {took the rear seats out 2 bolts each for memory } Our boat is a really heavy mid eighties fiberglass & and you dont even know its there. Its got great ground clearance out of the box and I wont be raising it any time soon . The kids in the rear love having access to their own AC controls and there are plugs for your fridge in the rear too . . I think buying a 4WD is a totally individual thing . . .I tested Rangers & Mitzi Sports and they all had some great points of sale. . However the main reason I went looking for my baby is that . . . "It just felt right for me" I got to say Ronnie's summing up and comparisons are 100 % spot on and after listening carefully to you mate I have so much respect for your roundup. .
If your searching for a upgrade of some sort do yourself a favor and go test drive them all. . & find out what suits your need most. .
I would like to thank my Mrs who suggested we didn't need a Ute . .she was right. . most of the time. . all my gear in the back is totally secure always. Also has key-less entry which is awesome. {prob standard on most vehicles now} .
My darling Blue is a 2015 and Yes ! I still have the feeling. . .
Well done - another honest and professional video... It puts ‘another’ publicly listed ‘big budget’ media outfit to shame!
Also credit should go to Galleria Toyota for providing the vehicle. The normal process is a big car company will spend millions on paid advertising with a particular media outlet - than suddenly their car of the year 🤔
What an excellent video! It's great how you explained everything clearly for us novices. Greetings from South Africa!
Hey Ronnie, huge fan of the channel. Could go please review the new Pajero Sport? Cheers.
If I can get the opportunity then yes 💯
I have had one of these for a couple of years and done a few basic mods on it. Tyres, lift/suspension, rack, radio, recovery point as well as all the safety stuff. Absolutely love it and has been used in a few different places now.
I'm no expert 4wd'er but it amazes me with just where it will go and doesn't really seem to be trying too hard.
The thing I love about them is that they are a real Jekyll and Hyde vehicle. One minute you can be flogging around in the sandhills and the next minute you can be sitting on 110kph on the open road and not even realize you are in an off road vehicle.
I spoke to a guy in a park where we just stayed who has one and tows a 3 ton van all over the place and he loves his as well. My brother has had 3 mitsi's now, uses them hard and has never had the slightest problem with any of them. He does have the real Pajero though.
Ronny ....really the best fortuner test, you know what you are talking about, thanks for the video!!!
I never even thought of the fortuner for a off road vehicle but looks capable I like, thanks Ronny 👍
Great vid again, really like that you say what tyre pressure you run and when diff lock is used or not.
Keep it up!
Thanks for the good review. I bought the Fortuner GLX over the Prado simply because of the excellent value. For the price of a Fortuner GLX (compared tio the Prado GLX) i was able to get a 2" lift, BFG KO2s, snorkel, diff breathers, UHF radio, bull bar & winch AND a ARB long range full tank (125 lts which gets me over 1100 km per tank). With all that fitted on my Fortuner GLX that came up to the price of a Prado GLX without any modifications.
It has been an excellent performer on and off road. When i tested the Prado the seats were hard and unsupportive, whereas the Fortuner seats (cloth) were much better in my opinion.
My mate has the Prado and the Fortuner out performs it on road plus the Fortuner can tow an additional 300 kg than the Prado. Off Road, with the diff locks the Fortuner can go anywhere that the Prado can.....maybe even further.
Why Toyota don't promote the Fortuner more is most likely it would take sales away from the Prado.....and the name 'Fortuner' is a rather silly name for an off road vehicle.
Look foward to your Fortuner vs Prado....hope they are both GLXs.
Did you have to remove the spare tyre to fit your 125 litre fuel tank?
@@fatboyswim, the spare wheel sits under the ARB tank (as per usual). However it sits lower. With all the tracks i have done including rocky steep ones it has never bottom out. Well worth it especially for remote travel such as the Simpson desert etc 😊
Love the Fortuner and love your review definitely the best car reviewer I’ve seen on UA-cam!!!
Your review poses a number of right questions for those who are seriously considering this vehicle and was very helpful: I just ordered one today. Thank you.
Way better review than them big car youtube channels. Informative, entertaining and quite literally impressive 👏👍👌. Makes me excited about getting my own forty! Great job
The Fortuner is probably one of the best, if not the best, best value 4x4s any carmaker makes, let alone Toyota.
I live in Karratha WA - Toyota and Toyota Hilux Country, where anything other than a Toyota falls apart.
FYI. the Fortuner is an upgraded Hilux with a body kit - i.e., all its mechanicals are Toyota Hilux - Australia's best-selling car for years - upgraded with rear discs and rear springs (i.e., the Hilux comes with drums and leaf-springs).
I've had my Fortuner for 3 years and 55 000 kms, and it is still as solid as new despite me taking it to some of the toughest offroad conditions in the country.
When I bought the Fortuner it replaced an 80 Series Land Cruiser (still one of the best-regarded 4x4s ever made) and a Nissan Dualis, and it does the jobs of both cars better than either of those cars!
Eg, the traction control system and factory rear locker means that I have taken the Fortuner to places that even the 80 Series would have struggled to go and to places where most Fortuner owners can only dream of driving. Eg, there is a track up telegraph hill just outside Karratha which is ~45 degrees and full of loose rocks, gravel and holes, and the Fortuner made it up no trouble at all with no wheel spin at all. The track to Gregory's Gorge is like a Sunday family drive for the family in the Fortuner despite being 30+km long rough track and its 2 water crossings - one always deep and the other always rocky.
The Fortuner has been incredibly tough - as tough as the 80 Series. I have also driven it at 180km/h on a gravel road with complete stability and traction, 150km/h for 2 hours on a highway to get home before sunset, and it handles sand like a beast - the best sand driver I have ever driven including 80 series and a 2012 Hilux. I.e., it handles sand amazing well with all traction control systems off - i.e., as a raw basic 4x4. I have also done ~2000 km road trips with my kids with the Fortuner packed to the gills and the kids in the rear seats, and the Fortuner did the trip with ease and in comfort even after 20+ hours driving.
And it is perfect for the school run and putting around town too.
It also only cost me ~$50 000, which is amazing value for Toyota that can do anything and go virtually anywhere.
I could take the Fortuner anywhere that a 300 Series owner would take their car - more places, because a 300 Series owner wouldn't take their $100 000+ car half the places I will take the Fortuner because I'm not worried about damaging a very expensive vehicle. I have also made no mechanical changes to the Fortuner because it comes out of the factory good enough for me to take it anywhere. I've improved the all-terrains and I’ve put on 32-inch all-terrains, but a suspension lift would be pointless because it goes everywhere I need to go with the factory suspension. And the factory suspension is solid around town, but also good for rough tracks too.
And I bought it using Toyota's Access finance with a 6% interest rate and which gives multiple choices to refinance or sell it.
The Fortuner is severely underrated because most reviewers ignore it and/or do not even try to push it anywhere to its full capabilities. I suggest reviewers actually try to push the Fortuner to its limits to discover its limits - they probably will not find it before their fear or their insurance makes them back off.
My suggestion - GET A FORTUNER WHILE YOU CAN! When I bought my 2021 Fortuner they were rare around Karratha, but they are now everywhere as the locals are finally waking up to how good and capable they are.
Does it rub on 32inch wheel on stock suspension? What's your wheel size? Nice summary of what the car can do. I love driving on soft sand. Very underrated indeed. I need to upgrade the HT wheels and go deep to offroad land.
Great review. We've got a 2012 4.0 petrol Fortuner, and it's a legend in the sand. Obviously not as refined as the new ones, but it is full time 4WD (same transfer case as the Prado and my manual trans FJ) with a physical selector lever.
Ours came with the 17" rims, and it's been on AT tyres since the original set wore out. This thing takes the family EVERYWHERE. It's only slightly less capable than my lifted FJ, and with a few mods, it would be even closer.
It's absolutely bulletproof - it's never left us stranded a d even with damage that would render other vehicles inoperable, the Fortuner kept on going. Just recently one of the original shocks failed (the bottom end of the strut bent through 90 degrees, and it was able to be driven out of the desert and back home albeit slowly.
If you're looking for a tourer, then the Fortuner minus the 3rd row seats would have to be pretty close to the top of your list.
Would love to see a weigh bridge ticket during tests in the future. You do such a good job, it would be the final touch in a review when suddenly you realise the vehicle is at gvm with 4 adults and an esky.
You’ve got 700kg to play with in these though if I’m not mistaken?
This man is really good in reviews when it comes to off roading.
Excellent review. Covered all the points about Fortuner. Thanks Ronny
Like your reviews mate. Pro, but accessible terminology and earthy. Well done.
Ronny, great thorough review. Better than some "expert" reviews around. I have a 2018 GXL set up to tour and tow my 2500kg off-road caravan. This car tows like a dream. Only problem was I needed to beef up the rear suspension (Dobinson's - but without a lift) and added Airbag Man airbags. Even so, it still is down my about 20mm when I put the van on. I removed the rear seats and put a set of Drifta drawers in. Storage problem solved. Bullbar (genuine) and Lightforce lights on the front. Rhino rack on the top (I regret doing that now that I know how much you can't put up there). CB under dash on driver's side. Yes, I love the paddles. When I first sat in the car I turned to the boss and said - I'm buying this one. She was shocked (I am usually very methodical), but once I sat in it, I knew it was the car for me. Thanks again for the review.
Hi, do you have a instagram where I can see the mods on your car? Thx
@@efrainalvarado8574 Sorry, mate, but I don't do Instagram. The upgrades are pretty much as I have described them. Can send you some pics if you are interested, once the car is back in my home State.
Really good in depth reviews!!
Awesome to finally see a review on the Fortuner by one of the pros. Thanks Ronny!
Great review Ronny keep them coming, hopefully you get to do more of the less common 4wd's out there, Pajero Sport, Jimny etc
Looking forward to the Fortuner vs Prado.... Fortuner vs Everest would be great too.
Detailed, informative, pragmatic answers to FAQs...best of all, in simple language! RARE... well done, keep it up. Tqvm.
I actually walked in to my Toyota dealer the day these were released ready to sign on the dotted line. I had watched videos of them online, really liked the look of them, and the idea of having the same driveline as my Hilux in a nimble wagon sounded great (the Prado was a bit over my budget). Then I found out Toyota Australia did their usual trick of limiting the range, so we didn't get the V6 (I always go for petrol over diesel), so I kept the 1GR Lux.
Appreciate the review mate, only just discovered your channel but will be sticking around for sure!
I've just put a deposit on a 2021 GXL, still keeping my 98 Hilux SR5 though! haha
200 vs Y62 😉 cmon Ronny you know you wanna.
200 > Y62 any day.
There. No need for a review 😉
Y62 every day.
I also want this review after the prado v Fortuna. Not like I can afford either car but good to know in case I find money somewhere
Love ya channel and your run downs on these new 4x4 but nothing compares to the trucks made in the 90s. You and Graham Cahill are the only good thing to come out of WA 😆 keep up the good work👍
I like how you make it seem so easy. You drive smooth on those rugged stuff man!
Amazing review. Never seen such a review on youtube. Job well done 👍🏼
It’d make my 100 series Sahara feel like I’m docking the Queen Mary in every car park. But I’ve had my Sahara for 10 years and a fortuner would also
make my wallet feel far too light! But it’s great to see they are now selling them in this country...Toyota should have brought them here decades ago. Great review Ronny! Might be good to even mention if there are long range tanks etc available from aftermarket suppliers etc
BRILLIANT REVIEW as all ways
always a thorough, well thought out review! thanks Ronny!
Actually watched whole 30 minutes without skipping. WOW
Love the way you review. Very easy to understand. Very practical
Another great review Ronny.
I am definitely looking forward to the fortuner vs prado review having recently brought a 2nd hand prado for a trip to cape York in 2021.
Keep up the great work 👍🍺
Can you do more reviews like this. These are great Ron
This is a great video Ronny :) Been thinking about selling my Disco 4 and getting either a GXL Fortuner or GXL Prado (so can't wait for that comparison video to be released). Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
aaaaaaaannnndddd...... one year later, I've bought a 2022 GXL (with Leather for the Mrs) Fortuner in Feverish Red. Why Red?.... because they had it "In Stock" in the Showroom!!!! Yes, that's crazy in these times, where there is no stock for most cars right???!!!. I walked into the Showroom one day, bought it the next haha. THANK YOU for the video's they helped me choose the Fortuner over the Prado... though TBH, the extra $15k saving also guided me to that choice too LOL. Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
Great review Ronny, was hoping you would do the Fortuner, plus you tried it out on the rocks for this review ... looking forward to the Fortuner Prado comparison, cant decide which one to buy, keep going back and forth on the pro's and con's of each, cheers
Hey dude absolutely fantastic review there well done awesome channel cheers for sharing your content
Best reviews, great job! Back on the short list it goes.
Great video Ronny, as usual. Could you please make a video reviewing Fortuner vs Pajero Sport 2021?
Excellent review, great content and very detailed. You have covered off so much more then a lot of others.
Great video. Thanks ! Could you please tell a little bit more about paddle shifters? When and how do you use it on the beach?
WHAT AN IMPRESSIVE FLOW OF A REVIEW!!! KUDOS!!!
Hands down best reviewer on youtube
Ronny, I've noticed you haven't really tested the traction control in these vehicles (Prado and Fortuna). I'd seriously recommend you do, the traction control will out perform the rear locker in almost every situation. I can attest to this opening both a GXL and Kakadu Prado. It does take a bit of practice to use though.
If you have a look at Robert Pepper's channel and his Hill of death, you'll see just how good it is when compared to only a rear locker.
Cheers
Great review. Have they fixed the DPF problem? Can you get a Pajero Sport and compare that with the Fortuna?
These are great tests! I would like to see your take on a Ram pickup and a Jeep Wrangler.
as an American watching this, it's like watching a parallel universe review of the 4runner and Tacoma
true, biggest difference is the engines are exlusive, petrol only USA and Diesal only Australia.
Yeah, what the hell is a Fortuner????
As an Aussie I'd gladly take a Tacoma or 4Runner over what we get here.
@@nickgalea82 - yeah mate the the Tacoma’s are great, especially with all the Baja TRD bolt on stuff you can get... However you only get a a “C” section chassis compared to the Hilux with full Box section, plus lower load and towing capacity.
It looks more like a lexus gx 460 except with 4runner off road features
Absolutely fantastic video as always. Really appreciate the little comparisons you made with the Hilux. Totally honest and not biased at all. Keep up the great work mate. Hilux for me mostly because of accessories as well such as bullbars, rear bars and rock sliders.
Hey Ronny, I watched this video when it was released and again today as we just purchased a Fortuner Crusade! Thank you for such a detailed video which helped us make a descion :)
Very crisp and clear review. I saw many others and only this one is fluff free and talking about the things that matter. Glad that you don't like the electronic tail gate. More electronics to break! Its useless inconvenience.
Cannot wait to see the Prado 150 comparison, Ronnie you should also do a vid on optional mods you would recommend for both and the cost to get either the Prado or Fortuner to a highly capable off road tourer in your mind. It will help potential buyers decide between the two like me 👍
Awesome video Ronny! Maybe next time you could put your all terrain tyres on the Fortuner to really test it’s capabilities and the difference?
Great test. The Fortuna is a lovely vehicle for off road but really expensive. Please test a Mahindra Scorpio as well. It’s a LOT cheaper but it seems to offer good value and ability for the money.
Hey Ronny nice vid the back windows are not tinted they have privacy glass which’s offers no UV protection you still need to put clear tint on it.
Good to know mate cheers
@@Ronny_Dahl I only know as I just did the tint on mine and I thought the exact same thing and the bloke at Tint a car told me about it. 🤙
I loved your video.
Peddle Shift, good knowledge 👌
Best review of the Fortuner I have ever seen.... !
so ronny are you going to review the 200? i really wanna see an expert 4 wheel driver like you review that beast (the v8 4.5litre diesel) and maybe when the 3.3v6 comes out but i wanna see the 2020 sahara diesel please
Been waiting a long time for a good review on the fortuner crusade getting one in a few months
Getting mine next week if I'm lucky (already paid for it).
I never drove a 4x4 and this seems fun.
I just got a Fortuner GXL and love it!!!
Loved the review, I'm really enjoying your channel! 😊👍
I do have a quick question about the tyres, is the vehicle fitted with tyre pressure sensors? If not, are they an option?
Hi Ronny, great review! What settings did you put it on the soft sand? Thanks.
Ronny, great video thank you. Am about to buy my first 4wd for touring on the 'backroads' of this country and bush tracks and fire trails. Choice in front of me M'bishi Paj,( the real one), Isuzu MU-X and this one. Curious to know what compressor inflator kit you were using? Glad to see also that it has a real full size spare!! P.S., have driven thousands of k's backroads in a 1990 240 Volvo carrying two spares, touchwood never needed them. Thanks.
Another great review , thanks. Time to review Nissan Patrol and Ford Ranger Raptor please
Give Nissan and Ford a push for me 😜
Best fortuner review....keep up da good work mate!...looking forward to ur more videos...
More to come including Fortuner VS Prado
Just brought a secondhand pre facelift model, very capable 4x4, not as comfy as the Prado but for what it is it’s great, much better then the other brands. One thing I’ll add is a snorkel won’t increase the wadding depth , based on a number of different components not just air intake
Thank you very much for this great review, can i know if please what the best suspension kit for it? I am confuse between ARB and Ironman? what is your recommendation based on your off road long experience ? thanks
Great review thanks Ronnie! I just bought the new GXL, which is definitely more suited to offroading than the Crusade stock with 17inch rims and AT tires.
I’ve been unable to source a bullbar that fits due to remodelled front end which must be an issue for the new Hilux to? Any suggestions on the front would be helpful!
Give it time mate I’m in the same situation, well not quite there are plenty out there but I don’t like them. Waiting on other brands to release so I can see them. The front must look good as well a be useful and actual protection.
You will have to look at the big brand names to find a Fortuner bar or look at the Toyota bars.
@@Ronny_Dahl thanks mate, I’m hanging in there for ARB to release something next year.
Excellent reviews. Keep up the good work.
This video has driven up the price of second hand Fortuner. Other car reviewer laughed at paddle shift in 4wd car and actual 4wd driver appreciated it.
I agree on the paddle shifters, makes great shifting easy when navigating retains. The negative on the shifters on the Fortuner is that it rotates with the steering wheel. It can get lost easily especially when you are on the turn and shifting gears. Otherwise the shifters on the Pajero Sport (for example) stays on the column and does not rotate with the steering. So you will know that is going to be there regardless of the steering position.
Awesome reviews mate!
Thanks Ronnie! I’m test driving a Fortuner tomorrow. It’s a 2016 though as I much prefer the manual transmission and they’re hard to find!
I'm really excited to pick up mine in 2 days 🎉
great as usual how did it compare to the new defender
dude. love your content at the moment!
Ronny, great review, can you start with basic vehicle info, engine gearbox etc... For a non Toyota tragic I still don’t know how many gears...
Great review but can you tell me if you turned off the traction control completely or just the first stage or did you leave it on especially for the sand driving.
Hey Ronny, often wondered the price comparisons between Toyota Aus and Toyota NZ, just had a quick look and based on the GXL Fortuner NZD is $55,000 which converted to Aus is $51,500. Maybe you guys need to be having a bit of negotiation with the dealers?
Keep up the Good Work mate and have good rest of the festive season!!
Also the top spec Fortuner NZ $60,000 Aus $56,200
We don't get the paddle shift in NZ though, but do get electric tailgate on gxl
Hi Ronny, thanks for the review. Any suggestion for 2inch left set up for a comfortable ride for back passengers as the stock one is way too bouncy. Thanks
Good work mate. Nice review. Im a new follower
Awesome, thank you!
Ronny's 3 dislikes convinced me to get a Fortuner Crusade.
Proud owner, big fan Ronny .
Mine is 2013 fortuner . Driven 140000kms so far in stock ..no ironman, no old man emu but with center differential locker😊
That's something I couldn't figure out from the review... Where is HL and LL? All I could see was the H2-H4-L4 button. There's no high-4 with locked center diff???
Nevermind... I found out they ditched the center diff on this new gen
@@pabloazh1467 HL IS H4 AND CEN DIFF LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY WITH TC ON, LL IS L4 WITH DIFF LOCK ANF TC OFF AUTOMATICALLY.
@@pabloazh1467 YES.
Just about to pick up my 2nd GXL Tuna. I have gone this path over the Hilux for a number of reasons. 1. I like having the extra seats for those family trips. 2. I like the extra security of my stuff being inside the car rather then prone to easier theft in the utes tub. And 3. I like showing up ute drivers on the tracks, its very capable for a 'soccer mum' car.
The one downside is lack of options for rear protection. Other then expensive kaymar bars there arent any real options.
very nice brother,, plz upload information about new 2021 fortuner...one of the best video on fortuner...
Gora Saab This is already the review of it.
Great in depth review 👏
Great vid cheers and respect to Morley Toyota for giving you the vehicle!