Production Models

The Toyota Fortuner has been a fixture in the top rankings of the mid-size SUV segment since it was first introduced locally - most of the time at the very summit.

That comes from continually adding and improving on features - inside and out - and on providing what Fortuner owners and would-be owners want. Always adding value to product already filled with value.

The new latest upgrade has been given the GR treatment. That's for Gazoo Racing, Toyota's motorsports development arm.

That treatment didn't affect the overall dimensions of the Toyota Fortuner GR-S 2.8 4X4 AT.

Like others in the Fortuner lineup, the GR-S variant is listed by Toyota at 4795 millimeters long, 1855mm wide and 1835mm tall.

The GR exterior treatment is mainly cosmetic. There's the GR Badge unobtrusively added to the Mesh-type front grille with the Bi-Tone finish.

Then there's the GR-design 18-inch Alloy Wheels with the Machine Cut finish that come with 265/60 R18 tires.

Also distinguishing it from other Fortuners is the back-door garnish that is the same color as the body paint. The same is true of the outside door handles.

The Fortuner GR-S shares with the Fortuner LTDs the same Split-Type LED headlamps, and all-LED Daytime Running Lights with Line Guide, Sequential Front Turn Signal Lamps, and Front Fog Lamps.

The rear lamps features a combination of LED with Line Guide, Sequential signal, and Bulb light.

The GR-S also features Black and Chrome door belt moulding, front and rear mudguards, roof rail, and the Blacked-Out Rear View Mirrors with Welcome Lamp that power-adjust and fold.

More cosmetic changes were done to the interior, too:

Suede plus leather for seat upholstery and trim.

Smoke silver metallic, matte carbon, and red stitching accent the instrument panel, center cluster, and door trims.

Then there's the GR badge on the leather-wrapped steering wheel that also comes with paddle shifter and controls for the Multi-Information Display, and Cruise Control.

The steering wheel tilts and telescopes which is great for getting the preferred driving position for comfort or performance.

Both driver and front seat passenger enjoy 8-way power adjusting seats. The second row seat for three splits 60:40 slides and reclines and come with 1-touch Tumble function to allow for easy ingress and egress to and from the third row seating for two.

The center armrest also adds to comfort if only two occupy the second row.

The third row seat splits 50:50, can be reclined, and feature Easy-Space Up function to increase luggage space in the back.

The GR-S comes with all of the comfort and convenience, as well as smart-connectivity features of the latest Fortuners.

These include Smart Keyless Entry and Push Start System, Dual Zone Auto Cimate Control, as well power windows with auto up/down function and jam protection and speed-sensing door locks.

The rear tailgate also opens and closes electronically. A kick sensor makes for hands-free opening and closing of the tailgate, which can come in handy.

Also quite useful are the glove box, cool box, and the 10 cup and bottle holders, the room and door courtesy lamps, and two 12-volt accessory outlet.

The GR-S shares with other higher end 4x4 Fortuners the infotainment system that comes with 8-inch Display Audio, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Smart Device Link as well as AM/FM radio, Bluetooth and USB, Voice Command, as well as a JBL 9-speaker system.

Those with the latest smart phones will like that the GR-S comes with wireless charger. Those will lesser mobiles would like to know it also comes with two USB chargers in the rear, as well as two 12-volt accessory outlets.

The GR-S treatment is more than cosmetic when it comes to ride and handling performance.

The Fortuner GR-S is powered by Toyota's 1GD-FTV (High) diesel engine. This is a 2755cc, 4-Cylinder, In-Line, 16-Valve DOHC diesel engine with Variable Nozzle Turbo and Air-cooled Intercooler.

This provides the Fortuner 204 PS and 500 Newton-meters of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and with a 4X4 drive train, the Fortuner GR-S is both comfortable and capable in on paved byways and highways and unpaved roads and trails.

The 4x4 drivetrain comes with differential lock with auto disconnect function.

And in these days of diesel costing nearly as much or more than gasoline, depending on the whims of oil companies, the Fortuner GR-S comes with two drive modes - Eco and Sport. Eco being more important for everyday driving; Sport coming in handy for weekend adventures.

The GR treatment comes to fore in the suspension and the brakes.

The Fortuner GR-S suspension got upgraded with Monotube shock absorbers for the double wishbones up front and the Multi-link system in the rear.

The brake system uses ventilated discs on all four wheels along with GR brake calipers.

The GR-S powertrain and chassis provide both a comfortable and confident ride, for a mid-size SUV that is, on varied road conditions, including off-road.

This is helped along by a power steering system with variable flow control that make turning the wheel feel light when going slow and progressively harder with speed.

Also adding to confidence are the passive and active safety features that come standard in every Fortuner - Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist.

The GR-S is also fitted with Toyota Safety Sense, an advanced collision prevention system that includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Also added for safety and security in the Fortuner GR-S are 3-point ELR seatbelts for seven, with seatbelt reminder and pretensioner and adjustable seatbelt anchors for driver and front passenger; Child Restraint System using Isofix and Tether anchors; Child Lock in rear doors, the Toyota Vehicle Security System featuring an immobilizer and alarm.

Parking the Fortuner 2.8 GR-S is made easier with a Panoramic View Monitor and clearance and back sonars in front and rear.

There's a lot to like in the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GR-S 4x4 AT. And it should help the Fortuner remain the best-selling model in its segment.