Loading

What is the disadvantage of a Fortuner?

In brief, the Fortuner's main drawback is its rugged, body-on-frame design that delivers off-road capability at the expense of ride comfort and interior practicality, along with higher ownership costs and sometimes dated technology compared with newer rivals.


Key drawbacks for daily use


Below are the main issues buyers commonly weigh when considering the Fortuner against unibody SUVs and newer crossovers.



  • Rugged, body-on-frame construction yields a noticeably stiffer ride and more road noise on imperfect surfaces, compared with many modern unibody SUVs.

  • Rear-seat space and cargo capacity shrink when the third row is in use, making the seven-seat configuration less practical for adults on long trips.

  • Higher ownership costs: maintenance, diesel fuel consumption, and parts in some markets can be more expensive than those for rival SUVs with lighter designs.

  • Tech and safety features can feel dated on older trims, with infotainment and driver-assistance options not always on par with current rivals.

  • Handling in urban settings is less agile due to weight and chassis design, which can make parking and city driving slower and less nimble.


Overall, the Fortuner trades everyday comfort and modern features for proven off-road ability and long-term durability—a choice that can matter a lot depending on how you plan to use the vehicle.


Market and ownership considerations


Because equipment and pricing vary by country, buyers should assess market-specific drawbacks that might apply to their situation.


Powertrain options and efficiency


In some markets, the Fortuner is offered mainly with diesel engines and particular transmissions, which can limit fuel-economy options and the availability of petrol variants or hybrid-like efficiency figures found in some rivals.


Service costs and parts availability


Parts prices and the density of authorized service networks differ by region, which can affect maintenance bills and turnaround times.


Resale value and long-term value


While the Fortuner typically holds value well due to reliability, its aging platform may impact depreciation compared with newer rivals in certain segments or markets.


Bottom line


If your priorities include off-road capability, seven-seat practicality for families, and proven reliability, the Fortuner remains compelling. If you want a smoother ride, the latest tech, and the best fuel economy in its class, you may prefer a newer unibody SUV.


Summary


The Fortuner's main disadvantages are a stiff ride and limited interior practicality relative to newer rivals, plus potentially higher ownership costs and less-advanced technology on some trims. Buyers should weigh rugged capability against daily comfort and price in their region, and consider model-year updates that address these drawbacks.

Which car is better, BMW or Fortuner?


X3 has 1998 cc (Petrol top model) engine, while Fortuner has 2755 cc (Diesel top model) engine. As far as mileage is concerned, the X3 has a mileage of 17.86 kmpl (Diesel top model) and the Fortuner has a mileage of 14.6 kmpl (Diesel top model).



What is the weakness of a Fortuner?


It is generally reliable but does face weaknesses such as injector wear, turbocharger failure, transmission issues, suspension fatigue, and rust. With routine servicing and early attention to faults, the Fortuner remains one of the toughest SUVs for family and adventure use.



Is the Toyota Fortuner a reliable car?


It features a powerful 2.8-liter diesel engine, providing impressive towing capabilities of up to 3 tons. With seven-seat configuration, advanced safety features, and modern technology, the Fortuner offers a reliable and enjoyable driving experience for those seeking a versatile and sophisticated SUV.



Is a Fortuner worth buying?


DRIVING: Toyota engines are way more reliable than others. The Fortuner comes with two well tested and trusted engine options, it will easily last for 2-3 lakh kilometers and if it is well maintained, then this would run for more than 5 lakh kilometers.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.