Introducing our new 2022 Toyota Fortuner! Why we chose a modern day Hilux Surf
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2024
- If you've seen our last video, you'll know we sold the Hilux at the end of 2021. It wasn't working well as a family tourer - and it was time for something a bit more "nice". After many test drives we ordered a Fortuner in April 2021 - it finally arrived in January 2022!
Can't wait to get it setup and ready to go for Overland NZ adventures!
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The Fortuner is probably one of the best, if not the best, best value 4x4s any carmaker makes, let alone Toyota.
I live in Karratha WA - Toyota and Toyota Hilux Country, where anything other than a Toyota falls apart.
FYI. the Fortuner is an upgraded Hilux with a body kit - i.e., all its mechanicals are Toyota Hilux - Australia's best-selling car for years - upgraded with rear discs and rear springs (i.e., the Hilux comes with drums and leaf-springs).
I've had my Fortuner for 3 years and 55 000 kms, and it is still as solid as new despite me taking it to some of the toughest offroad conditions in the country.
When I bought the Fortuner it replaced an 80 Series Land Cruiser (still one of the best-regarded 4x4s ever made) and a Nissan Dualis, and it does the jobs of both cars better than either of those cars!
Eg, the traction control system and factory rear locker means that I have taken the Fortuner to places that even the 80 Series would have struggled to go and to places where most Fortuner owners can only dream of driving. Eg, there is a track up telegraph hill just outside Karratha which is ~45 degrees and full of loose rocks, gravel and holes, and the Fortuner made it up no trouble at all with no wheel spin at all. The track to Gregory's Gorge is like a Sunday family drive for the family in the Fortuner despite being 30+km long rough track and its 2 water crossings - one always deep and the other always rocky.
The Fortuner has been incredibly tough - as tough as the 80 Series. I have also driven it at 180km/h on a gravel road with complete stability and traction, 150km/h for 2 hours on a highway to get home before sunset, and it handles sand like a beast - the best sand driver I have ever driven including 80 series and a 2012 Hilux. I.e., it handles sand amazing well with all traction control systems off - i.e., as a raw basic 4x4. I have also done ~2000 km road trips with my kids with the Fortuner packed to the gills and the kids in the rear seats, and the Fortuner did the trip with ease and in comfort even after 20+ hours driving.
And it is perfect for the school run and putting around town too.
It also only cost me ~$50 000, which is amazing value for Toyota that can do anything and go virtually anywhere.
I could take the Fortuner anywhere that a 300 Series owner would take their car - more places, because a 300 Series owner wouldn't take their $100 000+ car half the places I will take the Fortuner because I'm not worried about damaging a very expensive vehicle. I have also made no mechanical changes to the Fortuner because it comes out of the factory good enough for me to take it anywhere. I've improved the all-terrains and I’ve put on 32-inch all-terrains, but a suspension lift would be pointless because it goes everywhere I need to go with the factory suspension. And the factory suspension is solid around town, but also good for rough tracks too.
And I bought it using Toyota's Access finance with a 6% interest rate and which gives multiple choices to refinance or sell it.
The Fortuner is severely underrated because most reviewers ignore it and/or do not even try to push it anywhere to its full capabilities. I suggest reviewers actually try to push the Fortuner to its limits to discover its limits - they probably will not find it before their fear or their insurance makes them back off.
My suggestion - GET A FORTUNER WHILE YOU CAN! When I bought my 2021 Fortuner they were rare around Karratha, but they are now everywhere as the locals are finally waking up to how good and capable they are.
Great choice. Have done well over 100,000km’s in Fortuners now and really rate them. Prado’s are more comfortable overall but Fortuners handle better on the tarmac. Look forward to seeing what you do.
Oh nice! That's a decent amount of time to spend in them eh! They do handle fairly well on the road for a 4WD, was part of what appealed to me. The MUX drove like a boat comparatively. And I find the Fortuner comfortable, though coming from a Hilux, most things are 😂
We have done 50000km in ours and we love it. We were looking at the prado and decided against it in the end. Fortuner was amazing all round, we looked at heaps of cars first because we were paying cash we wanted to make sure and we kept going back to the fortuner and do not regret it one bit.
After taking a ute 30,000 kms across the country and then also owning a 2014 Prado and doing the same thing, I would never go back to owning utes. I don't really need a tub and the added benefit of having a spacious interior far outweighs the "luxury" of having a tub.
I don't know about you, but the wagons have always shit on the utes as far as comfort goes and that's something I appreciate. I'm now in a Pajero (not the sport - too small a motor), and absolutely love the thing. 3.2L Inline 4 annihilates anything I throw at it and was half the price than what I sold my Prado for. Would never go back to a ute lol
That's such a good point, we don't need overlanders in NZ. We need camp hoppers, and that means we can do it far more cheaply, build our trucks more suited to the terrain because they don't have to be full of 10 days worth of essential survival stuff. The barrier of entry is pretty low to see some amazing parts of NZ, parts few people get to see.
Nice truck mate, I reckon it will appeal to a very large audience. There are a lot of young families in the same stage of their lives who would get a lot of benefit out a build series like this. Cheers man!
Cheers! Super happy with it. Very good point! Will be an interesting balance between overland truck and daily dad car - and I imagine a few goes at getting certain bits right. Hopefully it helps people out though!
Congratulations mate. Looking forward to seeing some adventures in this truck, and especially as I've got 2 young uns i'd love to adventure with one day. I think you've made the right decision for your needs and the family. Cheers
Cheers man! Should be good fun! So good having a wagon again for daily use - hoping it works well for trips. Only one way to find out. Wasn’t an easy decision, the Hilux was awesome, but yeah - family matters!
Love Your reasoning for buying this Toyota. We all buy different wagons for different reasons. Me, I've still got my V6 90 series Prado shorty. Yes it's old, buts it's only got 170000ks on it and, I'm a mechanic, well was, so can fix most problems. I did go through it after buying it and replaced a lot of suspension bushes, brakes, steering, did a full on service, new shocks. I don't wheel hard, just a weekend tourer so it suits me fine.
Can't wait to see your new wagon tricked out. I reckon it will look awesome 👍
Was such a hard decision, but hoping we made the right one. I still have a longing for 90s Toyota wagons - they’re awesome bits of engineering. I used to love spending every weekend working on cars - have gotten a tad older and with a kid, just struggle to find the time. Can’t go wrong with an old Prado though eh - especially a petrol one, even if they take a bit of work!
I ordered mine 8 months ago, no word when it arrives but I’m pumped, especially after watching this!
Hopefully you get some form of heads up soon! Worth the wait, we're a year and 21,000kms into ours and love it
Just ordered ours in the same colour but its the crusade version for us in AUS. Ours should arrive in October this year. We also liked the fact that it feels so strong and rigid as opposed to the typical family suv.
Congrats on the purchase! That's not too bad of a wait eh, hopefully it shows up on time. They do - I guess being a body on frame 4WD vs a "SUV" does that. Super happy with ours - does everything I want it to do well
Looks like a great mate, really excited to see the modifications start.
Cheers man! Can’t wait to get it looking like how I’ve got it pictured in my head!
Awesome brother. I bought it after one month’s of waiting in 2022.
I love my 21 Gx. Suspension and tyres changed its look and ride for the better. I have removed my rear seats and have one single drawer unit on the right and a drawer fridge on the left. All flush with wings which is still great for the pram etc on top.
What suspension did you end up running? Good to know about the space - still can't decide what to do in the back... Drawers are tempting but I also like the idea of just using big storages boxes so we have an empty boot when needed
@@OverlandNZTV hunted forums for a long time looking for feedback and ended up going Outback armour with internal bypass shocks.
I have to say with a truck u had for three year and it took you guys so many places it was good to make memories with the truck but as time goes on I know you can’t keep a car for a long time and the new shape Toyota fortuners locks amazing as and I love it so much but one thing is never let yourself down and do what you to make you dream come true ❤ ❤❤
Hi I am Japanese 4 x4 lover living in Auckland, very good car!
Pretty happy with it so far!
I'm watching this in 2024 from Aust while I wait for the 250 Prado to arrive, and I am in between my 2014 Prado (already sold) and driving a 2023 SR5 and GWM Cannon X (modified). I agree about the MUX statement, it felt like it was made in China, and I mean that given the Cannon I drive is great but its also literally 50% cheaper, so I accept some of the minor refinement issues. Otherwise, its absolutely fine, looks great (2" Lift and 32" Maxxis Razor ATs and black rims), but its not the best family car (I have three kids) and although the Cannon has the BEST back seat hands down of any dual cab, you can't beat a 7-seat wagon for leg room and A/C performance.
Which brings the Hilux into the chat, how good does that drive! The 150kw motor is way underrated! It hauls ass! And the refinement of the N80 Platform is understated as well, so while I also REALLY love the Prado, I suspect in 250 series form it will be $10k AUS dearer that the 150 platform, which brings the Fortuner back into focus, I am now just waiting for the 48v Hybrid system to land an see how it improves low end tractability and fuel economy (also I hear it deletes the alternator, starter motor and 12v battery in favour of a generator and Li-Ion pack).
So following your channel with interest, the Crusade in Pearl with lift and black wheels and ATs would be my choice.
Great video. The design quirks in the 2021-2022 Fortuner-including the one you pointed out-was why I recently got the 2014-2016 Fortuner. It looks more like a classic off-road SUV, though I do miss the comforts of the 2021 Fortuner that I test-drove (lane assist, minimalist key fob, push-button, USB ports, etc) especially after watching your video. I'll be looking forward to seeing more of your videos to find out how to mod mine too.
Cheers Kris! I quite like the 2014-2016 shape - we never got them in New Zealand for some reason, would've bought one last time vs my Hilux. The toys in the later one are nice, and I really like them, but you don't need them. Though radar cruise is amazing! Hope you enjoy your Fortuner!
Sir this is really under rated channel. U deserves more 👍👍
Totally agree. It’s the only truck in its class that makes sense. Pajero Sport is nasty to look at. The back seat is horrible and it feels cheap. If I could justify $$ the I’d get the Prado, but for $83k it’s a no go. And yeah the MU-X should be good, but for $80k?! Who would buy it over a Prado. I’m gunna go either new Fortuner or Slightly used Ford Everest - Fortuner is still a better buy
There Pajero sport does feel very cheap - and I guess it is a touch cheaper, but yeah, wasn’t for me. We seriously thought about the Prado but 23k is a lot more money that I’d rather not spend. 100% agreed on the MUX - I expected more from it. Everest is a good option too - they look mint done up!
Prado is part of LC family, I drove both prado and fortuner, prado is lots comfy from inside room size to outside suspension
@Raymond The Prado is a better car, built on a better chassis with a nicer interior, can’t deny that. They are awesome. But $83k is a lot of money to take bush/beach. I prefer the way the Fortuner drives too - more Hilux like, which I know doesn’t appeal to everyone
Those things look great mate. Looking forward to watching you make it your own. Just a word of warning though, make sure you do your homework properly on the rinorack backbone setup. The weight ratings are a bit of a joke to say the least for off road use. May be different on the fortuna over the hilux but definitely worth looking into. Ronnie dahl made the mistake on the weight rating and did a youtube video explaining where he went wrong and decoded the ratings to make it easy to understand.
Cheers mate! Can’t wait to make it a bit more unique!
Have gone over the setup with RhinoRack - the Fortuner has a different setup to the Hilux (thankfully) - bolts down using factory points vs uses rivets, so there’s no reduction of offroad. I personally feel the whole thing was a bit overblown, 30 seconds of looking on the RhinoRack site would’ve saved those guys a bit of… pain…
13:50 ... "You don't need hundreds of liters of water or spare wheel, you are always less than an hour from a town" ... Australians be MAD.
I look forward to seeing what you do with the new Toyota and of course the adventures you take it on. Well done!
Just watched the video across the ditch! Just bought a 2017 and gotta say i like driving on my old 120 prado
Soo great to find a local channel (I’m WLG based as well) and have been avidly watching the videos. I’m at the backend of kids. Where you will be in ~20yrs. New Hilux ordered and hanging out to follow your footsteps. Given your new rig is essential a Hilux platform I’m very interested to see what you do with it and how you integrate camping, mobility and youngins into the mix. 👍
Cheers James! Nice - how long till it arrives? Assuming they still have some decent delays? Being Hilux based was why we went with the Fortuner, our old one never really went wrong. Going to be an interesting experiment getting everything we need for camping, family and video production into the car. All stuff I'm sure you've done over the years 😅
@@OverlandNZTV Supposed to turn up June. I'm living in hope it might be a little sooner. At the moment I'm debating with myself if I add the toyota snorkel to the order now or wait and do it later. Re kids, as you have already discovered there is a vast amount of shite that seems to go with them. Prams, cots, which turn into scooters, bikes, boogie boards, flippers, toys of various types etc etc etc. You might need a camping trailer yet. :-D Oh and be warned, they can be addictive. Before you know it there will be two!!
Mint little wagon mate, stoked to see the mods and what you do with it
Pretty stoked with it so far! Have started making a few small mods already - always fun to start the process eh
@@OverlandNZTV that’s the one mate, look forward to seeing it covered in mud and bush rash 😉
It’ll have its own patina soon enough! Hopefully being white hides some of the bush rash - but we’ll see
Nice wagon, should be able to do alot to it with the 25k saving on the Prado.
Cheers Rob! Very good point haha - not sure I could find 25k worth of things to actually buy though 😅
I got the same one. I know I need to put mods to use its full potential but have no idea where to start. Looking forward to your upcoming clips about modifications. Btw, thanks heap for the awesome app.
Nice! All you really need is a set of ATs and you'll be set - they go pretty well straight out of the factory. First mod video drops this Sunday, bit of a random one, but looks fairly different now! Glad the app is helpful!
i think they do sell a 5 seater version just not in nz/aus
Great nice looking car. I’m living in Wairarapa with a 2019 Fortuner. Looking forward to see you have some adventure and modifications with your new Fortuner. Also keen for a ride with you one day.
Cheers mate! Oh nice - they're pretty decent cars eh! In the process of getting it setup for filming on the road - first adventure shouldn't be too far away
Totally agree on the door line that you don’t like.
No idea why they had to do it eh! Rest of the design is fairly decent - that line though! It bothers me less now the car has a few mods on it. When I add the branding I'm going to use the space it creates and hopefully distract away from it more
Nice wagon mate! Would definitely recommend getting some body guard (clear bra) put on it to keep it looking mint no matter how much Bush rash you encounter. Look forward to see the adventures you take in it!
Cheers! Have been looking for something like that to help protect it even a little bit. Try keep it looking tidy for as long as I can
@@OverlandNZTV Bushwrapz is a clear PPF that would help save bush pin striping for showing up too much. I'm personally getting PPF from my friends detailing business, but not until May/June, when he's available to do it...... will have to stay away from bush tracks until then!!! LOL
Nice Vid.. what's your impression of the Fortuner after a couple of years on the road? I am looking at getting one but wondering if it has issues with the DPF..
Really need to do an update video. I’ve done ~45,000kms in it now over two years - it’s brilliant, just works really really well and does exactly what I want it to do.
I’ve had no issues with the DPF, it just does its thing. The facelift model should have fewer issues. I do drive it like a diesel though - it doesn’t bumble around the city commuting, gets driven big kms each week
Only issue I’ve had was with the gearbox, Toyota applied a software update at ~12,000kms which has solved it
Super happy with the car. Its not perfect, but ticks all my boxes
I would take it on a few tracks that you done previously and work out what mods are necessary. I had a stock standard 07 Prado on Grandtrek AT22 tyres and I was amazed how good it was in mud. I got stuck once because I bellied it. I now have a 200 series and haven't changed anything. I have faith in crawl control features. Better than lockers. My 2 cents worth .
It’s sitting on HTs at the moment, wouldn’t want to push them too far offroad. And, more importantly to me, I don’t like silver wheels - so good excuse to bolt the ones I had on the Hilux on
I’ve heard amazing things about crawl control - I wish the Fortuner had it - Toyota don’t put it in their Hilux products for some reason though - guessing it’s a cost thing. Watching cruisers pull themselves out of bogged situations is pretty cool though!
Watching this had me on trademe straight away. I found a 2016 one but I see what your saying about the brown interior. Black looks much better
Haha! Yeah - it’s an interesting choice eh. I didn’t want to buy a brand new car - but between the crazy second hand prices at the moment and the brown interior… made it an easier decision. Guess seat covers would help - but still a bit of brown going on. The black is “boring” but quite nice
Nice man, looking forward to see where you take it
Cheers! Big change from the old truck. Can’t wait to get it out on its first adventure!
Congrats yes indeed a long wait I can't wait for mind this month
Not too long to go now!
Good choice, I think - hired one to go over Rainbow Station, worked very well...
Should be! Oh nice - they’re fairly well rounded vehicles eh
Can’t wait to see this with mods
It's looking a tad different now! Amazing how a few small things transforms it. Watch this space
Great video and ordered mine yesterday - exact same as yours.
And completely agree on the rear seats - already have the plugs for the holes when seats are removed + USB ports - I'll asked if more can be added by Toyota at build (which makes sense) but no have to do afterwards.
I'll also replace the tyres with Cooper AT/3 (may go down a size from 265/60R18 to what I've been using 265/65R17 (as been using them for my Surf and Prdao over last 15 years and love them (just did 104000 kms on a set on Prado).
Biggest thing is sad they don't still have the auto rear window like me trusty old 1997 Surf - loved that feature. Oh and having to pay the Jacinda Diesel Tax! But should be hear in August.
Question - the rear bumper protector - where did you source yours? Been watching a couple in Aust on eBay but as you mentioned it thought I'd enquire.
Anyway enjoying your video and will keep following
Oh nice! Still a decent wait on them eh - but will be worth it, they're awesome vehicles. Not sure why they only put one USB port in the whole car, doubt it'd cost them much to chuck a few more in. At least they're easy to add. Removing the rear seats was the best thing I did, has given me so much more room and a few useful mounting spots for some gear.
I'd recommend going 17" - bit more sidewall when offroad. Personally I'm not a big fan of the stock rims either, but I know that some people love them,
The rear window on the Surfs was awesome eh! They also offered a more 'square' boot - Fortuner does tuck in a bit as it goes up to the roof. The new 300 LandCruiser looks a tad odd, but I like the flat back - way more room in the boot.
I bought my bumper protector from here - www.mangoracing.net/shop/toyota-fortuner - took maybe a week to arrive, was pretty impressed. Seems to be doing the job well.
Cheers mate!
@@OverlandNZTV Hi Just wondering where can you get those plugs for rear seats. Thanks
Love from heart ❤️
I wouldn't call it a "modern day surf" because they are far far better than a surf. Also the surf I once owned had a pneumatic 4x4 engagement system that was absolute trash.
They are far better - having owned an old Surf with that same 4x4 system, I fully agree. They're the same idea though - Hilux chassis with a wagon body
have a look at trail max roof racks.
Nice work. I like the wagons too especially with kids.
One good thing about the fortuner is the way the back seats can be removed, unlike the Prado where they take up cargo space mounted in the floor. Also if you keep the truck long enough, with the little ones you might find you use those 7 seats one day 🤣.
One thing I wondered was if any of the mods you plan to do will affect the warranty?
Much more practical eh! I feel kinda silly being excited about a boot - but after almost four years of not having one, it's great!
100% - they're next on my list to pull out, from what I can see, it's pretty simple. Saves a bit of weight too. Ha very true!
Shouldn't have any issues, obviously if I replace the suspension for example, I'm not covered for any issues with it, which is fair enough. I had some warranty work done on my Hilux, had zero issues with my local dealer. My biggest concern is DPF (though they say they've fixed it) and general motor issues, which I'm not touching
Not sure I would wait 9 months for a Fortuner, Everest offers more room and more features…
We looked briefly at the Everest - I don’t mind the way they look, especially when done up - seeing more of them around. Was a decent wait for one back when we were looking - everyone was 6+ months.
Didn’t chose one though as they’re another $15k-ish though and to me at least, don’t offer anything over the Fortuner, other than being slightly bigger
Awesome... waiting for mine (coming in 5 months 0_0)... can it go through the Devil's Gate on stock wheels?
Not tooooo long to go! Easy - assuming it’s not too smashed up on the day. Haven’t been out to it for a little while
They are brilliant vehicle mate enjoy
Loving it so far! Cheers mate!
Nice choice bro very nice looking truck 👍
Wasn’t an easy choice, but pretty stoked wit it so far! Gonna be a fun fit out
Did you buy the boot lip protector (aftermarket), or did it come with the SUV?
It’s an aftermarket product from a place called Mango Racing 👍
Well done !
Cheers mate! Pretty happy!
what is the US equivalent to this car?
There isn’t really one - the 4Runner is sorta’ the same, but not really at the same time
Hey can you share the link for the tow hitch please 😊
As in the towbar? It’s just the one my local Toyota dealer fitted for me
@@OverlandNZTV Thanks 😊
Does the NZ model have a SOS button in the middle of the light console upfront? The OZ model have it and i fear toyota has cheaped out by putting the GX styled white plastic light trim with normal halogen bulbs along the middle row with a slide light switch because of the sos button addition. I'm waiting for 6mnth for it. Congrats to the new adition.
They don’t - there’s a whole section in the users manual saying “this is only for the Australian market, please skip” 😂
Mine has LEDs in that section - horrible light, gotta be honest. Way too white. The old halogens were much easier on the eyes at night
Big wait times on them eh! Worth it though - loving it so far!
@@OverlandNZTV hahaha they really put that huh in the manual, hilarious! Now that you said so, I don't feel bad getting the halogen bulbs then. I thought LED was much better. Anyways, thanks for the info and looking forward to your next vid. Keep up the good job!
Crazy eh! It’s personal preference - but yeah - the led isn’t quite as nice as I was excepting. Cheers man!
@@alexbarquin9 any word on yours yet?
I ordered a Crusade in December and was told 6 months
Got the call today (early March) saying it ll be here by months end
Living on the South Coast of NSW
@@OverTheHillsAdventures No news yet. The dealer couldn't tell me an update on it. They say last time early april but we will see. Oh btw, when you get yours, could you check the vin numbers if your model is still made in Thailand or Indonesia as i heard Indonesia is sending 600units to Australia. I have a feeling my one could be the Indonesian built.
Definetly the 4wd i would buy new. Love prados as well but so expensive for the spec, looking foward to th new videos
They are - I love the Prado too but I just didn’t think it was worth it. Fortuner was a good middle ground between features and price. Can’t wait to film some trips with it!
👍🏾
HABRA DE 7 ASIENTOS NAFTERA ESTANDAR
great truck, weldone.
Cheers mate!
Soccer mom when is the next vid out so we can see this thing in "action" and the upgrades??
(Soccer mom)
noun
INFORMAL
a suburban mother who spends a lot of time taking her children to play soccer or engage in similar activities.
Sunday.
Pajero sport much better good value
I’m personally not a fan of the Pajero Sport, don’t like the way it looks or the motor. But they are good value, won’t deny that - and offroad they’re not half bad
@@OverlandNZTV Thanks for feedback
HAHAHA, great School run car.
Sure is. Will be one of its many jobs over the next few years!
@@OverlandNZTV Am here for serious 4x4 Tv not soccer mom doing school runs.
@@bountyhunter1890 If you are after 'serious 4x4' then Overlanding is not for you chief. This is a good channel and inspired me to create a fantastic all round truck rather than some mud tire equipped thing that vibrates on the motorway.
@NZ Prepper Good thing it has low range and a diff lock then
@@OverlandNZTV Ye well until I see that soccer mom wagon do the biz it will be soccer mom 4x4 from here on it. Get that white glaze crap off put some raptor on it will be a start.