The Toyota Fortuner GR-S is here – bolder, sharper and the most powerful Fortuner yet. With 165kW, GR suspension and a sporty new look, it’s built for adventure and style.
Alongside the Corolla Cross, Starlet and Hilux, the Fortuner is one of Toyota’s best-selling models in South Africa. The Japanese brand has now introduced a special GR-Sport version, and we attended the local launch that was held just outside Cape Town.
This marks its entry into Toyota’s growing lineup of GR-S models in the local market, following the Hilux GR-S, Land Cruiser GR-S and Corolla Cross GR-S. For context regarding the naming convention, Toyota’s GR pyramid is split into four sections: GR Parts, GR-Sport (GR-S), GR Performance and GRMN. GR-Sport models get cosmetic upgrades and dynamic handling improvements.
The Fortuner goes up against solid offerings from various automakers like the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Pricing for the Fortuner range starts from R679 100 and tops out at R999 000 for the GR-S.
The local introduction of the Fortuner GR-S also coincided with the ninth edition of the Fortuner Challenge, a contest that sees participants going through a number of grueling physical and mental challenges in order to win a brand-new Toyota Fortuner. In the contest, four participants, representing four media partners of the Fortuner Challenge, are each paired with a local sporting hero to participate in a series of 4x4 obstacles, speed and endurance tests as well as brainteasers.
Most powerful
The Fortuner now boasts its most powerful diesel engine yet and so matches both the style and performance of its Toyota Hilux GR-S sibling. At the heart of the Fortuner GR-S is a 2.8 GD-6 diesel engine that has outputs of 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque, transferred to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Included as part of the Fortuner’s GR-Sport package is a monotube shock absorber system.
The exterior benefits from a new front bumper, reworked lower grille and a more aggressive black front spoiler. There are only two body colour options available, Attitude Black and Platinum Pearl White, and it rides on 18-inch GR alloy wheels.
Black and red is the theme on the inside, which is also complemented by smoke silver metallic and matte carbon trims. The GR sports seats (with GR-branded headrests) are upholstered in perforated leather and suede with red stitching. Other GR bits include the steering wheel, GR-engine start button and aluminium sport pedals.
The standard specification list is lengthy and comes with seven airbags, a JBL sound system, an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control and a reverse camera with front and rear parking sensors.
How does it drive?
One thing distinctive of ladder-frame-equipped SUVs is that you sit quite high, which is great because you have a clear view of the road. The diesel engine puts power smoothly to the road via two or four wheels, and there’s a Sport mode to sharpen the responsiveness ever so slightly.
The extra power makes the solid engine even better, although the six-speed automatic transmission feels a bit dated when compared to some of its rivals. With that being said, the seven-seater navigates corners in a more stable manner, which is largely down to the monotube shock absorber system.
After a day of driving, we ended our time behind the wheel with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9.7-litres per 100km. For comparison, Toyota claims an average fuel consumption of 8.4-litres/100km. Most of the driving was done on highway roads where speeds of more than 100km/h were the order of the day.
The current generation Fortuner remains a complete package for many buyers in SA and is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to creating vehicles that meet local conditions. And with enhanced power, a bold new design and sport-inspired features, the GR Sport makes a statement whether on rugged terrain or city streets.
Spec, pricing and aftersales
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 GR Sport - R999 000
It also comes standard with a nine-service/90 000km service plan (with intervals of 10 000km) and a 3-year/100 000km mechanical warranty.
In the market for a new or used car? Get it on Gumtree! There are over 50,000 cars listed on Gumtree. Whether you're looking for a small car, family car, vintage car, fancy car, or your next project car; we've got it all! Browse Cars & Bakkies on Gumtree.
