Well I test drove a new Fortuner today. I am really impressed with the experience, specially when comparing it to previous generation Fortuner. It is nicely built and very well designed overall.
We were 4 guys, and I took turns in sitting in the rear (chauffer driven mode), as well as driving myself.
(disclaimer: My opinion only, base purely on what I feel; please do not feel offended, nor do you have to take my word as an expert advise)
ENGINE:
The engine performance is what one should realistically expect from a 2.7 in this sized SUV. It is designed towards being economic and that is what it might be. In power mode, the performance was evidently better than in ECO mode. However, I am the lazy cruiser type, and do not mind what people think of the power this engine generates. I didnt find it slower than my driving style needed.
TRANSMISSION
The transmission is pretty neat. Shifts are pretty smooth, without jerks etc. There is lag when you really step on the gas pedal, more so in eco mode than in power mode. However, this is not a drag race designed vehicle.
BRAKES
Very assuring brakes. Gave good confidence.
SUSPENSION
I would admit I would have liked them to be more on the comfort side. The rears are a bit stiff, although nothing like a vigo etc. They are reasonable and acceptable, but ideally should have been 20% softer, for my preference, that is. This was with four people in the vehicle.
TYRES
The road grip (dry, 38 Celsius) was excellent. There was no screeching on cornering, braking etc.
HANDLING
The road handling was pretty good. The slightly stiff suspension actually does support on-road characteristics such as cornering, the vehicle sway is reduced.
CABIN SPACE & QUALITY
Pretty decent overall. Sufficient leg room in 2nd row, even with front seat pushed back. We know that the 3rd seat is always tight, but this was better than I expected.
Recline option in 2nd row is very welcome.
The sound insulation and build quality is definitely is superior to the 'cheap' feel associated with some PKDM vehicles. This was a very good experience. Leather, and its stitching, is eye catching.
COMPARISON VS PRADO
(disclaimer, again: I do not own either yet. I have owned a Surf SSRG 2004, 2.7, and am driving a PKDM Vigo G these days. Additionally, this is my opinion, and it is not meant to offend anyone. To each his own, please)
I have extensively checked out the prado 2.7, 7 seater, 34k km self import by a friend, grade 4.5, A.
There is no comparison.
Both have their pros and cons.
Fortuner is new with warranty and all. Same engine in smaller vehicle with 6 speed SEQUENTIAL transmission gives better response etc. (I am not considering dual vvti factor here).
Prado is much larger, comfortable and roomy. Suspension is significantly 'softer'.
There is added leg space in 2nd row, it is wider by a noticeable margin (i think over 2" on paper). It is, comfortably, over twice the cost if new, and about 25 to 50% expensive if old.
Really no comparison, except for a decision based on preferences and some arguments on pros and cons.
If I had the money, I would have selected a prado any day (specially due to larger cabin mainly). Since I am on a budget of a budget of a budget, and I 'want' a new car, I will have to settle for fortuner between the two.
Comparison between the two, in my opinion, is not to be based on specs, but on budget, preferences etc. Prado is a notch or two above the fortuner, however, at a cost, and I would not say or conclude on which is better in that sense. That is an individual preference. If one wants a new vehicle in under 5.5mi, Fortuner it is.If one has no budget restriction, and can manage vehicle without warranty etc, Prado is the way to go.
