When you see a Toyota Fortuner on the road, the first word that comes to mind is "Power." It has a massive road presence, a rugged design, and an engine that can handle almost any terrain. It is undeniably the King of SUVs when it comes to exterior looks and reliability.
But what happens when you open the door and step inside? With the price of the Fortuner climbing higher every year, buyers expect luxury. Let’s take a detailed look at the interior to see if it justifies the "King" title.
1. First Impressions and Build Quality
The moment you climb into the driver’s seat (and it is a climb, because this car is tall), you get a commanding view of the road. The dashboard layout is clean, practical, and unmistakably Toyota.
- Materials: The interior uses a mix of soft-touch leather and hard plastics. In top-spec variants like the Legender, you get a nice dual-tone finish (Black and Maroon) which adds a premium feel.
- Durability: While it may not feel as ultra-luxurious as a German luxury car, everything feels solid. The buttons, knobs, and stalks feel like they will last for 10 years without breaking. It prioritizes durability over fancy aesthetics.
2. Comfort and Seating
The Fortuner is a 7-seater, and comfort varies depending on where you sit.
- Front Row: The front seats are excellent. They are large, supportive, and power-adjustable. In the higher variants, you get ventilated seats, which is a blessing for hot summer days.
- Middle Row: The second row offers good legroom and headroom. The seats can slide and recline, making long highway journeys very comfortable. The center armrest adds to the comfort.
- Third Row: This is where the "King" struggles a bit. The third row is best suited for children. For adults, the floor is high, meaning you sit with your knees pointing up. It is okay for short city trips, but not for long drives.
3. Technology and Infotainment
If you love massive screens and sci-fi gadgets, the Fortuner might disappoint you slightly. It takes a more "old-school" approach.
- The Screen: It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It is responsive but feels small compared to competitors that offer huge panoramic screens.
- Connectivity: It supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is essential today.
- Sound System: The highlight here is the 11-speaker JBL Audio System (in top trims). The bass is punchy, and the sound quality is fantastic, making it great for music lovers.
- The Camera: It features a 360-degree parking camera. While useful for such a big car, the video quality could be sharper.
4. Storage and Practicality
Toyota knows how to make a practical car.
- Storage: There are plenty of cup holders and bottle holders. It features a double glovebox setup, and the upper one is cooled—perfect for keeping drinks cold.
- Boot Space: With all three rows up, there is very little space for luggage. However, the third-row seats fold up to the sides (hanging fashion) rather than flat into the floor. This gives you massive cargo space, though the folding mechanism feels a bit dated.
5. The Verdict: Is it the King Inside?
So, is the Toyota Fortuner the "King of SUVs" from the inside?
The Answer: It depends on how you define "King."
If you define a King by massive panoramic sunroofs, mood lighting, and AI assistants, then No, the Fortuner is not the leader. Other SUVs offer more "bling" and modern tech for the price.
However, if you define a King by comfort, durability, and functionality, then Yes. The interior is built to survive rough usage. The AC is powerful, the seats are comfortable, the sound system is great, and you feel safe sitting high up.
The Fortuner interior isn't about showing off; it’s about getting the job done reliably, mile after mile.
Pros:
- Excellent driving position and visibility.
- Ventilated front seats are a great feature.
- Powerful JBL sound system.
- Built to last for years.
Cons:
- Infotainment screen feels small.
- Third-row seating is cramped for adults.
- Missing a panoramic sunroof.
