Toyota Fortuner vs 4Runner: Battle of the Off-Road Titans

Posted by Masashi S.
7
Apr 9, 2025
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The 4Runner and Fortuner are mid-size SUVs based on the Hilux pickup truck, introduced in 1983 and 2004 respectively. The 4Runner evolved into a mid-size SUV, while the Fortuner models are built on a Hilux platform. The Fortuner and 4Runner are mid-size SUVs originating from the Hilux pickup truck. Both are capable off-roaders and durable vehicles. The Fortuner offers modern features, comfort, and upscale interior, while the 4Runner offers practicality, less frills, spacious interior, and better off-roading.


Interior & Exterior Comparison

Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner is a seven-seater SUV produced since 2004. Its first generation, AN50/AN60, was produced from 2004 to 2015, while the second generation, AN150/AN160, was produced from 2015 to present. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, similar to the Toyota Prado, with storage compartments for goggles, handbags, smartphones, and beverages.

The Fortuner is not sold in the USA as a Fortuner or badged version due to the availability of the Toyota Hilux 4Runner, or importable from other markets outside the USA. The Fortuner is a car with off-roading capabilities, spacious interior, advanced safety features, reliability, durability, and low maintenance cost. It features powerful 2.8-liter diesel and smooth 2.7-liter petrol engines, advanced active and passive safety technology, but is unaffordable for most buyers, has excessive body roll on corners, and is firm and bumpy on the road.


Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is a luxury SUV with a 4-door body style, 5 passengers, and part-time systems and full-time 4WD. It features ample storage for smartphones, handbags, bottles, and beverages in both the driver and passenger cabins. The vehicle also has a leather-trimmed steering wheel, 8 speakers, 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display, HD Radio, navigation, satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free, and a rearview camera.

The Toyota 4Runner, with a height of 71.5 inches, width of 75.8 inches, and length of 191.3 inches, offers more boot space and cargo space than the Toyota Fortuner. Its reliability is attributed to its overbuilt power plant and transmission, as well as its simplistic build quality, which makes maintenance easy and maintainable, even after 500,000 km. The 4Runner is a reliable mid-size SUV with off-road capability, versatility, and practicality. Its high MSRP and lack of advanced technology make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable, all-weather car.

Engine, Performance & Fuel Consumption

Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner is equipped with seven engine options: 2.7L 2TR-FE I4 Dual VVT-I, 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 petrol engines, and diesel engines 2.4 L 2GD-FTV ESTEC intercooler VN Turbo D-4D I4, 2.5 L 2KD-FTV High Version non-intercooler D-4D I4, 2.8 L 1GD-FTV ESTEC intercooler VN Turbo D-4D I4, 3.0 L 1KD-FTV intercooler VN Turbo D-4D I4, and 3.0 L 5L-E I4. These engines can be linked to a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, or 6-speed automatic. The Toyota Fortuner's fuel consumption varies based on the model, engine type, or transmission, typically ranging from 11.6 Km/L to 13.1 Km/L.

Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner offers two engine options: a 2.7L 2TR-FE I4 petrol engine with 157 hp and a 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 engine with 270 hp, both available in 2WD and 4WD configurations and transferring power via a 4-speed or 5-speed automatic. The 2024 4Runner's fuel consumption ranges from 6.8 to 8.0 Km/L, depending on the model, engine type, or transmission. Its towing capacity is 2268 kilograms, up from the earlier model's 1361 to 3629 kilograms.

Finally

The Toyota Fortuner is a luxury vehicle with limited off-road capabilities, while the Toyota 4Runner is a unique vehicle for off-road driving. While the Fortuner offers fuel economy and a stylish appearance, it lacks off-road capabilities. The 4Runner is ideal for off-road driving or mountain hiking. The Fortuner has smaller cargo space and can carry more luggage when all seats are occupied. Both cars are suitable for town trips and long trips, but the 4Runner offers more luxury and comfort. You can now check the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota 4Runner for more available models.