Toyota Fortuner 4x4 Automatic

So let’s dive into the Toyota Fortuner 4x4 Automatic and get what you need to know, and none of the fluff. It’s no wonder why you see the Fortuner eyeballing you from all sides of the road, it’s one of those vehicles. Rugged, reliable, and has a punch whether it's cruising city traffic or roughing out road terrains on a weekend getaway.

The Toyota Fortuner 4x4 Automatic is priced in India at 17.56 lakh.

Okay, that’s nice, but we should talk numbers, that’s where we all start. Currently priced at ?40 – ?45 lakh (ex-showroom) is the Toyota Fortuner 4x4 automatic. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for Toyota’s legendary build quality and off road capability. If you are one of those who love long drive, adventure trips or just love to feel a powerful SUV under your feet, think of it as an investment.

I hear you, that is a hefty price tag for a car. But here’s the thing: If you’re getting a vehicle that’s built to last, and with resale values holding up pretty well for Toyotas in India, it won’t be money down the drain. You could almost name the Fortuner your friend who brings you out of the doldrums, no matter what comes your way on the road.

Specs that Matter

That being said, let’s not get lost in the nitty gritty with respect to specs. To get the drift, for once, it's a good thing to note that the Fortuner 4x4 Automatic comes with a 2.8-litre diesel engine that packs a punch of 204 bhp and 500 Nm of torque to have the drift done right. Translation? This thing has balls to haul, and you’ll feel it even more, especially when you’re not on a beaten path. The ride is smooth, no matter if you are riding potholes strewn roads or highways, courtesy the automatic gearbox which does its job well.

Personally I’ve driven this beast, and it has surprisingly light acceleration, for its size, it must be stated. It’s not like you wrestle with a heavyweight, you do kind of dance along, if you know what I mean. It’s like that big guy at the box who can, surprisingly, run fast, sort of like that.

Top Speed and Performance

As for speeds, you won’t be racing it, but if you’re interested, the Fortuner 4x4 Automatic is capable of around 176 km/h. But, honestly, where do you ever hit those speeds in real world conditions? More importantly this car is made to be easy to tackle rough lands. There’s seamless 4x4 mated to the 225 mm ground clearance so there’s no scraping of the bottom on rough patches.

It really shines here, especially if you are willing to stray beyond your comfort zone and hit the mountains or those roads that are not traveled so often, the Fortuner 4x4 can get you there with no sweat. You’ve ever tried trying to drive through Ladakh? Those are roads this thing would eat for breakfast.

Mileage? It’s not the Best, but it makes sense.

The Fortuner isn’t winning any medals right here alright. The gas mileage for Fortuner 4x4 Automatic is around 10-12 km/l now left foot is fat. It’s not the most economical ride but again, you drive a 2.8-litre diesel SUV. That power and off road capability comes at a trade off.

If this is going to be used mostly for inter city commute, yeah, the mileage might pinch a bit, but if you want the Fortuner, you are looking for more than a city hauler right? As you want a car that can take you places… literally. Thinking along those lines, it does seem like a fair mileage.

###So, Should You Go for It?

The Toyota Fortuner 4x4 Automatic, if you are someone who needs a reliable SUV that can drive through city streets just as well as they can tackle rough terrain. Yes it is a little pricey and the mileage isn't fantastic, but it’s tough as nails, drives very smoothly and with plenty of gear supplied, it’ll take on anything you throw at it.

If long drives on wide expanses of tarmac, checking out ghats no one has heard of, or simply feeling like the king of the street while knocking down traffic in a real SUV makes you go charbhuja, well, this humongous hunk of metal is perfect for you. It’s that “I-can-do-anything” car that seems like it can handle anything life will throw at you.

So, what do you think? Would you really take this type of SUV out on the open road?