Introduction
Toyota is known for manufacturing some of the most reliable and durable vehicles on the market. The Toyota Fortuner and Toyota 4Runner are two popular SUVs that are often compared due to their similar size and capabilities. Both vehicles have earned a reputation for being tough and dependable, making those popular choices for off-road adventures and family road trips.
If you’re in the market for a new SUV, you may be wondering which of these two vehicles the better choice for your needs is. In this post, we’ll compare the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota 4Runner across several categories, including exterior design, engine and performance, interior features and technology, price and value, and pros and cons. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of which vehicle is the right fit for you.
Exterior design and dimensions
The exterior design of a vehicle is often one of the first things that people notice. Both the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota 4Runner have bold and rugged designs, with styling that reflects their off-road capabilities.
The Toyota Fortuner has a boxy design, with sharp angles and prominent wheel arches that give it a muscular appearance. It also has a ground clearance of 225mm, making it ideal for tackling rough terrain. The Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, has a more traditional SUV design, with a slightly rounded shape and a bold front grille. It has a ground clearance of 244mm, which is even higher than that of the Fortuner.
In terms of dimensions, the Toyota 4Runner is slightly longer, wider, and taller than the Toyota Fortuner. However, both vehicles offer plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making them ideal for long road trips.
Engine and performance
When it comes to engine and performance, both the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota 4Runner offer powerful options that are designed for off-road adventures. The Fortuner comes with two engine options: a 2.8-liter diesel engine that produces 174 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, and a 2.7-liter gasoline engine that produces 164 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque. The 4Runner comes with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota Fortuner has an advantage over the Toyota 4Runner due to its smaller engine options. The diesel engine has a fuel economy rating of up to 27 mpg, while the gasoline engine has a rating of up to 20 mpg. The Toyota 4Runner has a fuel economy rating of up to 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Both vehicles are designed for off-road adventures, with features like four-wheel drive and locking differentials. The Toyota Fortuner also has a low-range transfer case and downhill assist control, which can be helpful for navigating steep and rugged terrain.
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Interior features and technology
The interior of a vehicle is where you’ll be spending most of your time, so it’s important to have a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. Both the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota 4Runner offer a range of features and technology to make your driving experience more enjoyable and convenient.
The Toyota Fortuner comes with a variety of infotainment features, including a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system. It also offers features like leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a rearview camera. In terms of comfort and convenience, the Fortuner offers seating for up to seven passengers and a maximum cargo capacity of 108 cubic feet. It also has a towing capacity of up to 6,600 pounds.
The Toyota 4Runner offers similar features, including a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system. It also has features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a rearview camera, and heated and ventilated front seats. In terms of space, the 4Runner can seat up to five passengers and has a maximum cargo capacity of 89.7 cubic feet. It has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
Both vehicles come with a range of safety features, including a suite of airbags, traction and stability control, and a backup camera. The Toyota Fortuner also offers features like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Toyota 4Runner has similar safety features, as well as a rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitoring.
Price and value
Price is always an important factor when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. The Toyota Fortuner and Toyota 4Runner both offer good value for their price, but there are some differences to consider.
The Toyota Fortuner has a starting price of around $45,000, while the Toyota 4Runner has a starting price of around $36,000. However, the Fortuner comes with more standard features, including a touchscreen display, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The 4Runner offers some similar features, but they are often only available on higher trim levels.
In terms of value for money, the Toyota Fortuner may offer more features for its price, but the Toyota 4Runner is often praised for its durability and reliability. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and preferences.
Pros and cons
Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of each vehicle:
Toyota Fortuner:
Pros: More standard features, more fuel-efficient, more towing capacity
Cons: Higher starting price, may not be as durable as the 4Runner
Toyota 4Runner:
Pros: Lower starting price, more durable and reliable, more off-road capability
Cons: Fewer standard features, less fuel-efficient, less towing capacity
Which vehicle is better suited for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Toyota Fortuner may be a better choice if you value fuel efficiency and towing capacity, while the Toyota 4Runner may be a better choice if you want a more durable and reliable vehicle with more off-road capabilities.
Conclusion
Both the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota 4Runner are excellent SUVs that offer great value for their price. When it comes to choosing between the two, it really comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you value fuel efficiency and towing capacity, the Fortuner may be the better choice for you, while if you’re looking for a more durable and reliable vehicle with more off-road capabilities, the 4Runner may be the better choice.
It’s also important to consider factors like seating capacity, cargo space, and safety features when making your decision. Both vehicles offer a range of features and technology to make your driving experience more enjoyable and convenient, so it’s worth taking a closer look at each model to see which one is the best fit for you.
Ultimately, the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota 4Runner are both great SUVs that offer excellent value for their price. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable and spacious family vehicle or a rugged and capable off-road SUV, you can’t go wrong with either of these popular Toyota models.
