2016 Toyota Fortuner Handling
Handling is vastly improved over the earlier model. Body roll is much better controlled and the Fortuner will not cringe at the thought of a sweeping corner. However, it still is a body on frame SUV and will not be a match for those with a monocoque construction. That said, high speed straight line stability is impressive and the 265 profile rubber has good grip levels. There is no nervousness at triple digit speeds on the highway. Braking is a huge improvement and finally there are discs all around unlike the earlier model that had drums at the rear. Ride quality is also better than before. It feels less bouncy than earlier. Small undulations are still felt inside the cabin but the Fortuner will just glide over bad roads without having to slow down. Though not outright luxurious, it is still very compliant and comfortable for the SUV that it is.
Unlike its predecessor which was a full time four wheel drive, the new Fortuner does things differently. It gets part time 4×4 with 4H and and 4L low range ratios as part of the Sigma four wheel drive system. You can switch between the 4×4 modes via a knob on the dashboard. You need to be in neutral to shift to 4L. The approach and departure angles are 29 and 25 rad respectively. Other aids include Hill Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control and Active Traction Control. The 225 mm ground clearance is more than adequate. The Fortuner has a water wading depth of 700 mm. If you intend to do extreme off-roading with your Fortuner, be sure to switch to a set of All Terrain tyres. Giving HT tyres on the 4×4 Fortuner is a big blunder from Toyota. We had driven the Fortuner in a hardcore off-roading environment at the Boot camp organized by Toyota last year and we can tell you that its damn good at the job. You can read about the Boot Camp off-roading experience here.
Safety features include seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Whiplash injury protection, three point seat belts, Hill Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control. The Fortuner comes with a standard warranty of 3 years/1,00,000 kms, whichever is earlier and Toyota now offers extended warranty up to 7 years.
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