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2025 Toyota Fortuner review – Top 5 Pros & Cons

Since its debut in Australia way back in 2015, the Toyota Fortuner has become a well-regarded name in the body-on-frame SUV market. Its HiLux-based platform has given it a robust build and more rugged capabilities than your average SUV.

Ten years on, as Toyota hangs onto the same generation, we set out to see how it is ageing when compared to the influx of modern competitors.

From a sales perspective, VFACTS figures show signs of weakness; with a 15.9 per cent decrease in volume over 2023 to 2024. Available in three trim levels – the GX, GXL and Crusade – we spent a week with the middle spec GXL to determine its top five pros and cons.

2025 Toyota Fortuner GXL - Australia

2025 Toyota Fortuner GXL: Pros

1. Rugged, no-nonsense off-road capability:

The Fortuner GXL doesn’t try to be a luxury vehicle or a high-tech family hauler. What it does do is offer strong off-road ability. With a solid body-on-frame build, 216mm of ground clearance, downhill assist, a rear diff lock, and selectable driving modes, this is an SUV designed to take a beating. Whether you’re crossing a muddy creek or crawling over rocky trails, it handles the bumps with surprising composure.

Sure, it’s a bit bouncy compared with softer crossovers and other SUVs, but when the going gets tough, the Fortuner’s suspension shines. There are double wishbones at the front and five-link with coil springs at the rear, unlike the leaf-sprung HiLux sister car.

The responsive brakes on the Fortuner also deserve a mention. The stopping power is impressive – you don’t have to press down hard to bring the car to a halt. This is particularly reassuring when you’re hauling heavy loads or driving down steep grades where beefy brakes are essential for maintaining control.

Steering is also another aspect of the Fortuner that is purpose-built for the dirt. It requires more steering turns to lock, which makes it more of an effort navigating in parking lots, but fitter for off-road situations where sensitivity is not as favourable.

2025 Toyota Fortuner GXL - interior

2. Durable and familiar interior:

If you’re the kind of person who wants something that can take dirt, dust, and grime without breaking a sweat, the Fortuner’s stripped-back, no-frills interior is a welcome change from the premium cabins that feel more suited to pampering. Surfaces feel tough, easy to clean, and perfect for a workhorse.

The materials are hard and plain, sure, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find yourself rubbing your hands across surfaces that could probably survive a few wild camping trips and still look as good as new. It’s not the most luxurious in the pack, but its refreshingly easy to maintain, and designed to withstand the rigours of daily use and off-road adventures.

3. Practical:

All variants come standard with seven seats. The second-row also slide and tumble forward to offer a larger opening area than other SUVs, so it’s easier to hop into the third row. Though, this means the second-row seats don’t lie completely flat if the shape of your cargo needs that. The GXL also scores rear air vents and three 12-volt sockets. Boot space is rated at 200L with all rows up, or 716L with the third row down, and 1080L with the third and second row down.

2025 Toyota Fortuner GXL - boot

4. Great for towing:

Another advantage of the Fortuner GXL’s sturdy HiLux underpinnings is its towing capacity. Whether you’re hauling a trailer, a boat, or all your camping gear, the Fortuner is up to the task. With a gross combination mass of 5900kg, minus the braked towing capacity of 3100kg, minus the 2185kg kerb weight, you’re left with a decent 615kg for cargo and passengers. Many rivals leave you with much less.

5. Price:

Thanks to a long model run and a lack of really advanced features and big screens, like what is found in more modern SUVs, the Fortuner GXL is competitively priced. The mid-spec GXL starts from $58,895, undercutting the Ford Everest Ambiente 4×4, and the mid-spec Isuzu MU-X LS-U 4×4. Only the mid-spec Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS 4×4 beats it, by $2k.

Servicing costs are reasonable on the Fortuner. The first six services will cost $305, then $377.38, $813.93, $572.55, and $478.93 for the next four. Though, servicing is required more often than average, at 10,000km or six months. A free service is also performed at 5000km or three months. Being a Toyota, you can also count on one of the best resale values around.

2025 Toyota Fortuner GXL - folding seats

2025 Toyota Fortuner GXL: Cons

1. Outdated tech:

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Fortuner GXL is its tech package, which feels like a relic from a bygone era. The centre screen is small (8.0 inches), low-resolution, and underwhelming in a world where competitors are boasting massive touch-screens with crystal-clear graphics.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Not here. You’ll be fumbling with cables every time you want to connect your phone. The lack of modern features like wireless phone charging, side door exit warning, or even an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror are noticeable in comparison to newer SUVs. And you need to pay extra for the Crusade model to receive a 220-volt power outlet, a powered tailgate, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree cameras. We think some of these items should be standard in a mid-spec model by now.

2. Seating options not suitable for some:

While the Fortuner offers space for seven, the second-row seats don’t fold completely flat, which can make loading wider items a bit tricky. And it’s a clunky process to remove the third-row seats from the vehicle compared to the fold-down design that other SUVs offer. It is handy if you need more cargo space, but they’re not the most user-friendly around.

2025 Toyota Fortuner GXL - wheels

3. Reactive radar cruise control:

Toyota’s radar cruise control system on the Fortuner GXL can be a bit jarring. While it works, it feels overly reactive, often downshifting and beeping when you’re traveling downhill. Other systems have refined this technology to offer a smoother, more gradual braking response, while the Fortuner’s system seems more abrupt. On long drives, this can be a bit annoying, especially when it fails to creep closer to vehicles ahead – leaving a large gap between you and the car in front.

4. Underwhelming performance:

Performance-wise, the Fortuner GXL is a bit slow to get moving. While it’s certainly not a slug, acceleration is more of the slow-but-sure variety. The 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder produces 150kW and 500Nm, which results in a 0-100km/h sprint time of 9.80 seconds (based on previously tested GX). If you’re after something with a bit more zip, there are other options. The engine does the job, but it’s not going to win any races – nor is it trying to.

2025 Toyota Fortuner GXL - headlights

5. Ageing looks:

The Fortuner’s design, both inside and out, is starting to feel tired. The exterior hasn’t evolved much over the years (except for the LED lights), but it’s undeniably tough-looking. And the interior is all about hard-wearing materials, but the lack of refinement can be off-putting for some in comparison to rivals with plush interiors and more tactile surfaces. If you’re after an elegant feel, this is not the SUV for you.

2025 Toyota Fortuner GXL: Specifications

Engine: 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Output: 150kW@3400rpm / 500Nm@1600-2800rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto
Drive type: Four-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 17×7.5, 265/65
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2125kg
Power-to-weight: 14.16:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 7.6L/100km
Our consumption: 8.8L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 80L/Diesel
Power efficiency: 19.73kW:L/100km
Starting price: $58,895
How does it rate against its rivals?
  • Price
  • Quality look & feel
  • Interior tech
  • Powertrain performance
  • Ride & handling
  • X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
3.4

Final word

The Toyota Fortuner GXL is a great option if you’re looking for a familiar, durable SUV oriented for rugged duties, and one that won’t break the bank. It might be bouncy in the city and outdated compared with modern alternatives, but it’s also a tough, no-nonsense workhorse that can handle whatever you throw at it. Just don’t expect it to wow you with tech or fancy designs.

Mark Davis

Mark's fascination with cars originated long before he was allowed to get behind the wheel himself. To him, cars are more than just a mode of transport; especially the ones that adopt purposeful innovations while preserving the joy of driving. With a master's degree in IT, he brings a tech-savvy perspective to our car reviews, particularly as the automotive industry embraces digital advancements. Mark joins Driving Enthusiast as a road tester after more than a decade at PerformanceDrive.

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