Gr Sport Fortuner
Nerio Cintron
Toyota wasn't kidding around when it promised to launch high-performance versions of everything it sells. That announcement was made in February 2019, but the GR portfolio actually debuted in September 2017 at home in Japan with Gazoo Racing-branded versions of small hatchbacks, sedans, and even minivans.
The lineup consists of three layers of performance, with the entry-level ones carrying the GR Sport badging, followed by GR, and the GRMN. Toyota's hybrid hypercar with around 1,000 horsepower will be positioned at the very top and will be complemented by an LMDh race car as part of the firm's FIA WEC program. Meanwhile, the GR family keeps growing, with the Fortuner GR Sport serving as the latest addition to an already expansive range.
Wait, what is a Fortuner? On sale since 2004 and currently in the sixth year of the second-generation model's life cycle, the Fortuner can be best described as an SUV equivalent of the Hilux pickup truck. Much like the recently launched Land Cruiser GR Sport, it's a body-on-frame SUV with Gazoo Racing branding, which might seem a bit confusing since we usually associate the word "sport" with on-road performance rather than off-road chops.
Introduced this week in Indonesia, the Fortuner GR Sport comes to replace the old TRD Sportivo branding, and since it's a GR Sport version rather than a hotter GR or GRMN, the changes are limited to cosmetic upgrades. It's offered exclusively with a 4x2 setup, meaning we're dealing with a rear-wheel-drive SUV.
Offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Toyota Fortuner GR Sport is powered by either a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine making 161 hp and 242 Nm (178 lb-ft) or a 2.4-liter turbodiesel good for 147 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). It gets the same oily bits as the other versions of the ladder-frame SUV as Toyota reserves mechanical tweaks to the GR and GRMN models.
The Fortuner is not the only model from Toyota Indonesia to get the Gazoo Racing treatment considering the Yaris supermini is also available as a GR Sport, along with the Rush small crossover, the pint-sized Agya city car, and the Veloz minivan.
If you want to fit seven aboard (or five and lots of gear) and have the confidence to travel off-road, two recently updated and facelifted options that can mix business with pleasure are the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner.
These 4x4 wagons are based on their utility brethren (HiLux and Triton), sporting a ladder chassis, ute-sourced driveline and heavy-duty suspension, although the rear leaf springs are swapped out for coil springs and five-link geometry.
Of great importance to family haulers, both the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner have been updated with advanced active safety technology: autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning.
Both have five-star ANCAP safety ratings. Both attained a maximum score in 2015, but the Fortuner gets extra brownie points for being re-tested in 2019 (under more strict conditions) and kept its full five stars.
This is one area where Mitsubishi has a clear authority over Toyota. In this specification, the Pajero Sport gets a digital instrument display and 360-degree camera, although neither is executed particularly well. In better news, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto run through the new 8.0-inch infotainment display, which otherwise has TomTom navigation and digital radio.
While both of these 4WD wagons make efforts to move away from their utilitarian lineage, the Pajero Sport is the most revamped inside. The built-up centre console is most notably different, giving a premium air to the design. I think it makes the slightly narrow cabin feel cramped at times, although this new model does get some handy storage points built in. Particularly, the hide-away space underneath the centre stack, making it more practical for day-to-day use.
When you look at the numbers, the 716L of the Fortuner beats 673L for the Pajero Sport, but in reality boot space is quite similar between the two. With three rows deployed, that space is small: 200L for the Fortuner and 131L for the Pajero Sport. Turn them into a two-seater, and the Pajero Sport has the superior numbers: 1488L beats 1080L. Safe to say, they both turn into a part-time van when you need it.
While the Fortuner uses a six-speed automatic gearbox familiar to HiLux and Prado applications, the Pajero Sport picks up an eight-speed automatic transmission though both are Aisin units. Both have proper 4WD systems with low-range and locking rear differentials, but Super Select II (the ability to run 2WD and 4WD on the bitumen) of the Pajero Sport is more flexible.
The Pajero Sport's motor is more efficient, with less capacity and more ratios to draw upon. Mitsubishi claims 8.0L/100km on the combined cycle, while Toyota lists 8.6L/100km. We used a little more in both cases, but the Toyota was slightly thirstier overall.
The more bountiful and widely available torque of the Fortuner is the most important figure in this comparison, leaving it feeling gutsier, more relaxed and less rev-reliant to get (and stay) moving. Both are fairly refined for diesel donks, but both get clattery when working hard at the upper echelons of the rev ranges.
In direct comparison, the Pajero Sport is certainly a softer-riding rig around town, feeling particularly smooth over some surfaces. That can give into a bit of wallow and shake at times, however. The Fortuner feels tighter, more controlled and responsive through suspension and steering, while losing out slightly in the stakes of outright comfort.
Both of these 4WDs offer good potential as tow vehicles, with the Pajero Sport offering a greater braked towing capacity of 3100kg compared to the 2800kg of the Fortuner.
We didn't take these two on a towing test during this comparison. But, beyond those numbers on the spec sheet, you can get a bit more insight into the towing performance of these two 4WDs by checking out this story.
Sensual surfaces, stunning contours, and breath-taking beauty, the new Fortuner GR-S is built to be the centre of attention. The bold exterior helps you stand out from the crowd, while making sure you can comfortably keep up with them.
True beauty lies within. Plush new interiors combine form with function, the new sport seat made with suede and a combination of leathers lets you relax in comfort as you enjoy the stunning views around you. A shade of smoke silver metallic covers everything in sight, providing a truly unique mix of sport and unabashed utility.
Powered by the New Generation 2.8-liter Diesel engine (IGD-FTV), the Fortuner GR-S has had its Variable Nozzle Turbocharger and Intercooler refined for higher power and torque output while providing better fuel economy.
A limited slip differential (LSD) keeps power going to a drive wheel that has traction, this ensures that you can traverse mud and other soft surfaces with ease. It also provides better control during extreme corners
When off road or driving in slippery conditions, the Active Traction Control (A-TRC) provides assistance when wheel slippage is detected, helping you accelerate safely and efficiently in slippery conditions.
Part-time 4WD allows the driver to turn on 4WD only when needed. On regular driving surfaces without the 4WD engaged, it works like a rear-driven 2WD vehicle, allowing for greater fuel efficiency. However, it can easily be switched to 4WD or 4WD low when sensing a slip in the wheels in the rain, sand, or mud.
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) brakes individual wheels to maintain control and provides a safe rate of descent without any driver intervention required. It prevents the wheels from locking by managing engine braking and brake pressure, ensuring a stall-free vehicle.
The Rear Differential Lock system, once engaged, ensures both the wheels spin at the same rate, and provides unequal torque to each tyre on the axle to reduce the risk of losing traction or spinning out. This is particularly helpful in muddy terrain to provide stronger grip and control.
Every Fortuner GR-S is outfitted with cutting-edge advanced security features that include smart entry wireless door locking, speed sensing door-locks, an independently-powered alarm, and an immobilizer to ensure your car remains yours.
That said, the current generation Fortuner is moving towards the end of its lifecycle with the new generation expected to make its global debut by late 2024. The new offering is expected to continue with the ladder-on-frame construction but will sport a new design language, an upmarket interior and a new range of powertrain options. The next-gen Fortuner will arrive with strong and mild-hybrid engine options. It needs to be seen as to which ones make it to the Indian market.
Toyota Fortuner GR-S has a powerful 6-speed Diesel and Petrol AT and MT engine that can convert mountains into molehills. With so much raw, unrestrained power at your disposal, the new Fortuner makes blazing new trails and conquering unexplored territory a piece of cake. The 2019 Fortuner is more than just an SUV; it's a force to be reckoned with. Every detail, from the chrome-accented front grille to the tough alloy wheels and 4x4 capabilities, is designed to set the standard.
Fortuner GR-S is expertly constructed so that no matter how difficult the road, you are always linked and cocooned in luxury and safety. The new Fortuner has unique connected capabilities that allow you to stay in charge of your vehicle while driving. With the car at your disposal, you may concentrate on overcoming any terrain that lies ahead of you. The new Fortuner keeps you secure no matter how difficult the road ahead appears to be. Its safety features, such as Active Traction Control and an Anti-lock Braking System, offer you the confidence to soar over any barrier and triumph.
2023 Fortuner GR Sport has a few aesthetic upgrades over the normal model. The front fascia has been updated with a new piano black-finished grille and inlays, new fog light bezels, a new front and back bumper, and a spoiler similar to the Legender. The front bumper has been customised with the GR Sport insignia put on the bottom part. The body-coloured decor extends to the LED tail lights, sporty red brake callipers, new black-painted alloy wheels, GR-accented front seats, GR insignia on the trunk lid and fenders, and The GR logo appears on the start/stop push button system.
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