The 2.7L petrol is refined but underwhelming for a vehicle this heavy. It produces 166 PS and 245 Nm, and even with the 5-speed manual, it feels strained under load or during highway overtakes. Mileage hovers around 8-9 kmpl in the city.

The 2.8L diesel is where the magic lies. It puts out 204 PS and 420 Nm (MT) or 500 Nm (AT), and that low-end torque is perfect for city crawling and highway overtakes. We drove the 4x4 AT over mixed terrain, and it felt torquey, smooth, and surprisingly refined.

Despite weighing over 2 tons, 0-100 kmph comes up in around 11 seconds in the diesel AT. Real-world mileage stands at 10–11.5 kmpl in city conditions and 13–14 kmpl on highways. The 80-litre tank ensures long highway hauls without worry.

The 6-speed torque converter gearbox is smooth, and the paddle shifters are responsive. Whether it’s high-speed overtakes or low-speed crawling in traffic, the diesel feels composed and confident.

Ride and Handling

The Fortuner rides like a proper SUV—ladder-frame bounce is evident at low speeds, especially over potholes or expansion joints. That said, it handles broken roads better than many monocoque SUVs. Above 50 kmph, the suspension settles nicely and absorbs undulations cleanly.

In corners, body roll is evident but predictable. Steering is heavy at parking speeds but weighs up well on highways. The brakes are progressive, and the 4WD system with low-ratio transfer case is confidence-inspiring in off-road sections.

We took it over loose gravel and steep inclines during our test, and the Fortuner didn’t flinch. The traction control intervenes neatly, and ground clearance means you can tackle most terrain without scraping anything underneath.

It’s not a car you throw into corners—it’s a vehicle you point and drive with authority.

Space is a major draw. The front seats are large and offer good under-thigh support, and even taller drivers will feel comfortable. In the second row, there’s ample knee and headroom for two adults, though fitting three across is slightly tight due to the central tunnel and seat width.

The third row, as with most SUVs in this class, is best left for kids or short trips. Accessing it requires folding the second row sideways—not the most convenient method. Once there, space is just about manageable for average-sized adults.

Storage is sorted with bottle holders in all doors, a cooled glove box, a large center armrest bin, and decently sized door pockets. The 296-litre boot with all rows up can hold a few cabin bags, and folding the third row gives you more usable space.

Material quality is not premium, but it feels long-lasting. The soft leather upholstery (on top trims), ambient lighting, and automatic climate control help elevate the experience somewhat.

The Fortuner’s design is all about road presence. With its tall stance, squared-off body lines, and chunky chrome grille, it demands respect. The LED headlamps with integrated DRLs and high-mounted tail lamps still look sharp, though not futuristic. The side profile with flared wheel arches and 18-inch alloys adds to its muscular vibe.

The 2025 update hasn’t drastically changed anything visually. You still get silver skid plates, a high bonnet line, and a commanding road stance. Compared to softer SUVs like the Kodiaq or Tucson, the Fortuner feels more like a body-on-frame brute—and that’s exactly what people love it for.

Inside, the cabin is utilitarian and robust. There’s a sense of durability in every panel. The black-and-maroon dual-tone interior in higher trims adds some class, but plastics are still hard in most areas. The powered driver’s seat, 8-inch touchscreen, and semi-digital cluster feel dated, but usable. Visibility is fantastic, and ingress-egress is easy despite its height, thanks to the well-placed side step.

Toyota has added more safety features in recent years, and the Fortuner now comes with seven airbags, ABS with EBD, VSC, hill-start assist, downhill assist, and traction control. While it hasn't been tested by Bharat NCAP or GNCAP yet, real-world durability is often cited by owners as a strong point.

We drove it over pothole-ridden urban roads and on broken tarmac—its chassis shrugged off the punishment. The ladder-frame platform does transmit more shocks than a monocoque SUV, but it also feels solid in a way crossovers can’t match.

Higher trims get a 360-degree camera, and the visibility from the large windshield and rear glass is excellent. There’s no ADAS yet, which feels like a miss in 2025, especially given its price.

The 2025 Fortuner still rules its niche but faces more competent rivals than ever before. The MG Gloster (₹38.80 lakh–₹43 lakh) offers a 2.0L twin-turbo diesel (218 PS, 480 Nm), ADAS features, and a more premium cabin, but lacks the Fortuner’s reliability and resale value.

The Jeep Meridian (₹33.60 lakh–₹39.66 lakh) is more agile, with a 2.0L diesel and monocoque underpinnings, but its lower power output and off-road limitations don’t quite match the Fortuner’s rugged charm. The Skoda Kodiaq (₹39.99 lakh) is the most refined of the lot, with a 2.0L TSI petrol engine (190 PS), but its soft-road persona doesn’t appeal to buyers wanting true SUV grit.

Even the Isuzu MU-X (₹37.90 lakh–₹40.40 lakh) is back in play, with a reliable 1.9L diesel (163 PS) and 230 mm ground clearance, but its dated interior and limited dealer reach undercut its appeal.

In the end, nothing blends brute appeal, resale, and peace of mind quite like the Fortuner—though you’ll sacrifice some features and finesse for it.

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner is still the go-to full-size SUV if you want presence, dependability, and capability in one package. Yes, it's expensive, and no, it doesn’t pack the most tech or premium touches—but it delivers where it matters most: powertrain reliability, off-road capability, and road presence. It’s a vehicle you buy with your head and your heart—if you’re okay living without ADAS and some plushness, the Fortuner still feels bulletproof.