In terms of external similarity, Fortuner is traditionally compared with Prado. If we consider only by external criteria, the similarity is quite close, but this applies to almost all cars from the brand's new line of SUVs. It is enough to pay attention to Hilux or RAV4. Learn more about the differences and similarities between Fortuner and Prado.
The appearance of the car is quite “aggressive”, but attractive and harmonious for an SUV. The design of the front immediately catches the eye: narrow headlights with stripes running lights, chrome grille radiator, a brutal wide bumper of complex shape, slightly pronounced arches, sills with steps, wheels for 17 or 18 inches.
Body metal is rust resistant. The lanterns are plastic, but, as practice shows, they do not become cloudy for a long time. Of the minuses - the low protection of the painted body from scratches caused by pebbles and sand flying from under the wheels. This shortcoming is easy to fix, just stick protective film on scratch-prone parts.
The Fortuner salon is Japanese-style: a complex angular shape of the center console, a practical, neat instrument panel, an ergonomic steering wheel, square rear seats. Interior trim materials: leather, metal, plastic and small wood inserts.
The cabin can accommodate up to seven people. But the owners of Fortuner note that only children can comfortably accommodate on the “backs”, these places do not differ in space.
No offense to other brands, but Prado - the most common on Russian roads SUV. It was developed on a platform universal for the manufacturer. The car came out stylish and luxurious, the bet on the European atelier, which was engaged in body design, justified itself: massive sills, vertical “stops”, wide headlights and a bumper, it turned out to be a real “male” car.
Prado is an off-road vehicle on a frame, which provides structural strength and high off-road confidence. Of the minuses, one can name the low protection of the frame from rust at the welding joints. Therefore, the owners recommend immediately processing problem areas special formulations.
There are practically no complaints about the salon. High-quality leather, metal and plastic serve for many years. Of the minuses, we note over time cloudy Windshield and malfunctions of the climate control system.
Common features of Fortuner and Prado
Despite the fact that both cars are built on different bases, they have a lot in common. This applies to both appearance and internal technical characteristics. The fact that Fortuner is maximally interchangeable with spare parts from Prado which are widespread.
Both the first and second cars have a frame layout with independent suspension And all-wheel drive. On the gravel road, they perfectly "smooth out" the bumps. But because of the high center of gravity at speed, cars tend to collapse. This "disease" they have in common.
Differences and characteristics of Fortuner and Prado
- Fortuner has a 2.8-liter diesel engine (177 horses). Prado in the base has a 2.7-liter gasoline engine. and 173 horses.
- Torque Fortuner - 450 Nm, Prado - 241 Nm.
- Fortuner picks up speed perfectly, up to a hundred acceleration time is 10.8 s., maximum speed reaches 180 km/h. At Prado characteristics Performance characteristics are not bad, but not as outstanding as those of a competitor. Given the mass of this SUV, acceleration and resource are somewhat lower than those of Fortuner.
- In terms of fuel consumption, Fortunet also surpasses its rival, 11 liters per hundred kilometers on asphalt, outside the city the figure drops to 7.3 liters. Prado, on the other hand, is distinguished by an unfinished crankcase ventilation system, rapid equipment contamination, which ultimately leads to an increase in fuel consumption.
- Ball bearings on Fortuner become unusable by 280 thousand kilometers, by the same time it may be necessary to replace the rear axle oil seal. Prado is more vulnerable in this sense, ball joints and the rubber bands of the levers will require repair by 250 thousand km. More often the Prado suffers from the front suspension.
- Brakes on Fortuner disc on both axles. The average pad replacement period is 90 thousand km. Steering tips are durable, they do not need to be changed for many years. At Prado brake pads not bad either, but due to the high weight of the machine, they have to be changed more often. But Prado's tips are the most weakness. They have to be changed often, as the resource of their work is small.
- By price category machines differ little if you focus on new versions. However, in Russia Prado has been “living” for a long time, and you can find cars of the first years of production at a price 750-800 thousand rubles. More recent models (from 2009) cost about 1.7-1.9 million rubles. Fortuner, on the other hand, reached our market relatively recently, so the price of a car is on average 2.6 million rubles.
Fortuner or Prado: what to choose?
According to its status, Fortuner occupies a niche slightly lower than Prado. But despite this, it looks a little more modern. If we take into account the comparison on the technical side, then both for the city and for off-road, this car noticeably wins in terms of its durability.
In terms of price criterion, both cars are approximately on the same level. When choosing Fortuner, it is important to remember the cost of maintaining this car. A significant item of repair costs may require a turbine for diesel engine and suspension arms.
When choosing Prado, you need to take into account much larger list possible breakdowns, however, in terms of the cost of repair and replacement of parts, the Prado noticeably wins. The market for parts for this car is so wide that the competition of sellers significantly affects the cost of parts that are sold on "every corner".
Invariably top the lists of the best-selling in Russia. They are found on roads in all regions and even off-road are often the preferred option. In 2017, two new models entered the Russian market: Fortuner and LC Prado. New items are strikingly different even in their appearance, show a completely dissimilar character on the road and beyond.
Objective characteristics
Although new Fortuner was created on the basis of a completely different car, yet it is more often compared with the LC Prado, since in the manufacturer's lineup these are the two closest SUVs in the class, which have almost the same performance. The first few months on the market showed that there would be no clear leader in this confrontation. However, according to their objective technical indicators these cars are very different.
Fortuner represents more budget version SUVs from Toyota, it is also lower in class, which is not surprising, because its cost is almost 500 thousand rubles less. However, on appearance this did not affect in any way: the design has become much more modern, the lines are more streamlined and at the same time aggressive. Its dimensions have practically not changed, but the clearance has grown solidly and the Prado is now losing: 215 for the Land Cruiser against 225 millimeters for the Fortuner. Off-road, this gives a solid advantage. The models can also be compared according to the main technical specifications, for LC Prado and Fortuner, respectively, they will be as follows:
- maximum speed 168 and 180;
- power 163 and 166 horsepower;
- torque 246 and 245 units;
- the number of valves is 16 for both models.
Independent front suspension and dependent rear, all-wheel drive make the cars quite worthy SUVs, and not just SUVs, which are plenty from other manufacturers. In terms of technical characteristics, none of the new products has a serious advantage, however, Fortuner shows itself to be more powerful car with increased fuel consumption, but also with significantly improved driving dynamics. While the updated Prado loses a little in throttle response and agility, however, it remains the most comfortable option for those who prefer style and safety.
What to choose
Auto experts are of the opinion that new Fortuner will rather compete in the market with Pajero from Mitsubishi than with the new product of the Prado line. It is perfect for those who want to get a powerful, passable, roomy SUV without overpaying for it. At the same time, you will have to sacrifice the completeness of the configuration, interior design and the number of built-in electronic functions. The third row of seats will be very useful for those who like to travel in big company and family car owners.
The new LC Prado will have the same roomy 621-liter trunk, and the manufacturer will optionally offer a third row seats. However, more high class felt in the details: traditional for Toyota dashboard with excellent readability, high-quality noise isolation, ergonomic chairs and many electronic assistants. Four-wheel drive here manifests itself more gently, in general spring suspension classic type will make you feel quite comfortable both on country roads, and on asphalt extremely Low quality. But for off-road, this is more than an acceptable option: the angle of entry into obstacles with a clearance of 215 millimeters is 31 degrees, which is one of best performance in class today.
Motorists living east of the Ural Mountains need not be told about the Fortuner (that's how the name is pronounced). There, this name is still known from the first generation model 12 years ago. Today on the "gray" market you can find modern options among cars imported to Russia through the Far East. And a cursory acquaintance with offers for used Fortuners allows us to conclude that, like most Toyotas, it keeps the price well with age.
However, the final conclusions about the profitability of the model will be postponed until the announcement of prices for certified modifications of the new SUV. Apparently, this will happen very soon.
Spirit or grandfather?
The first generation of the model, designed for developing countries, began production in 2005. Three years later - the first update. In 2011 - the second. And a couple of years ago, the SUV was actually made anew. It is the second generation Fortuner that should be legalized in Russia.
But in general, Fortuner had ancestors. The first simple and affordable SUV based on a hardy pickup truck Hilux Toyota produced back in 1981, calling it Trekker. In the same historical period for some countries, including for a huge market North America, released the 4Runner and Hilux Surf varieties. The 4Runner 130 version, by the way, was even delivered to Europe in the late eighties, from where ferrymen actively brought it to Russia - for some reason, the brothers had a “clean runner” in a special account.
And when the life cycle of the second generation of the listed all-terrain vehicles came to an end, by that time they had finally taken shape as a five-door SUV, the model branches were divided. 4Runner and Hilux Surf "moved" to the base Land cruiser Prado, and on the basis of Hilux for some Asian markets made a compact and inexpensive Sport Rider, produced until 2004.
Confused? Be patient. Soon everything will fall into place. Here the main thing should be clarified: the new Toyota is ideologically much older than it seems. And, more importantly, in technical terms, the Fortuner has nothing to do with crossovers, although some design touches in the model's appearance can be misleading.
In 2014, the release of Fortuner was launched in Kazakhstan in the city of Kostanay, but modest sales volumes were local market, despite the relatively low, by Russian standards, the cost of the model, questioned the feasibility of continuing production
Dad washed the frame
Modern Toyota SUVs (from now on, we temporarily forget about all crossovers with a monocoque body) are built on three types of ladder frames. Under the largest models, offering the owner, in addition to the banal spaciousness, maximum level driving comfort and prestigious status in society - we are talking about the Land Cruiser 200 or, for example, about Russian market giant Sequoia, - the frame, which has the internal name Premium, is brought up. Smaller SUV - Land Cruiser Prado and the aforementioned 4Runner in its modern form(not officially supplied in the Russian Federation) is endowed with a frame of the Light Duty type, which is already designed for other criteria - maximum off-road patency, but comfort passenger car. Toyota engineers also have a Heavy Duty frame at their disposal, offering ultimate endurance and versatility in the most demanding difficult conditions operation. It was just that she recently experienced a global modernization - she became, according to Toyota, the strongest and most high-tech in her class, laying the foundation for new platform IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle).
The “innovative” basis, as you might guess, was received by Hilux pickup the current eighth generation (it has been sold in Russia for a couple of years) and Fortuner 2015. Of course, with some differences, but about them below.
Bet on stiffness
To represent what new SUV Toyota is going to attract customers, we have to talk about technology. For example, frame. A simple and primitive thing, it would seem. But everything depends on her. The IMV concept primarily implies an increase in thickness and an optimized cross section, which gives the structure greater rigidity in both torsion and bending. The number of welding points is also increased, in all joints power elements even higher strength is achieved, and all in total positively affects the handling and directional accuracy of the car. In addition, a rigid frame better “closes” multi-vector loads on itself and thereby increases driving comfort. Finally, as the entire base has a markedly increased ability to resist deformation, engineers can strengthen the attachment points of all other parts of the car, use even stronger brackets, suspension elements, etc. In the plus - endurance and safety.
Four-wheel drive in Fortuner is implemented according to the Part-Time scheme - the front axle is connected rigidly. But manual manipulation of the levers is not required - the electronic selector controls the system through the actuator
In the course went even small tricks. For example, so that the crossbars do not serve as a “plough” when overcoming particularly large irregularities and do not suffer when hitting boulders, they were given a rounded profile. And the geometry of the frame as a whole was thought out in such a way as to remove any restrictions on the use of suspensions with certain characteristics - with comfortable settings, for example, with increased load capacity or maximum wheel articulation. And including - a different type. In particular, the eighth Hilux has leaf springs at the rear, while the “second” Fortuner rear axle suspended on a five-link design and coil springs.
Fortuner has outgrown its predecessor in a number of ways. The overall length has grown by nine centimeters, although wheelbase became shorter by a symbolic five millimeters. The body was wider, but by the same amount (15 mm) it decreased in height, which, however, remained quite impressive anyway (1835 mm). The changed proportions made it possible to make the Fortuner saloon seven-seater. However, a more pronounced one-volume is unlikely to limit the off-road capabilities of the car, because it has a ground clearance of 225 mm. And it is possible that for Russian models this value is yet to be corrected.
Over seven hundred kilometers in the directions of the Southern Urals, which I drove on a new SUV Toyota Fortuner, I've seen cars more expensive than half a million a few times. And given that Fortuner costs from 2.6 million rubles, then he lives with us mainly in major cities. How appropriate is it on asphalt?
Is this a Land Cruiser Prado, only cheaper? After all, after restyling, the price went up by 50-200 thousand rubles - if you, like me, want a version with a lock rear differential, then prepare three million three hundred thousand! And Fortuner is 700 thousand cheaper. Although the blocking and the power unit are exactly the same here: a 2.8 turbodiesel (177 hp) and a six-speed “automatic”.
Moreover, in March next year, an anti-crisis Fortuner will appear in Russia with gasoline engine 2.7 (163 hp) and simpler equipment. I hope that the price will be reduced to two million three hundred thousand.
But so far, all Fortuners have climate control, steering wheel heating, seven airbags, and an electric tailgate. And there are a lot of cup holders, two small compartments in the front panel, a convenient slot for a smartphone and a socket for second-row passengers, hooks in the backs of the front seats ... It would be nice to add heating for the rear sofa. And there would be more space in the back - after all, the wheelbase here is 45 mm shorter than that of the Prado.
The trunk is unpretentious, though spacious. The third-row chairs hanging on the walls are easy to remove and leave in the garage. But neither the underground (instead of it, a reserve is fixed under the bottom), nor a curtain. Thank you for the outlet and the light.
The tailgate has a slow electric drive, and the compartment itself is unpretentious, there are no separate niches and organizers here. But the volume is decent, the third-row seats can be removed with a tool. The salon does not transform into a bed, but spend the night in nature with folded rear seats quite possible
I didn't like driving. Yes, usual frame cars there is no feeling that you are sitting on the floor, but the chair is rustic, its pillow is a little short - and there is not enough normal lumbar support. The steering wheel is adjustable for reach and height, but the ranges are small. multimedia system like new Corolla, without a single physical button - so it's easier to control the "music" from the steering wheel. But all the other switches are huge, including the washer of transmission modes 2H-4H-4L.
Stop, 2H-4H? Yes, almost key difference from Prado is the lack of a center differential. In the Russian office of Toyota, without hesitation, they are allowed to drive with a hard-wired all-wheel drive anywhere. But in the meantime, the instructions clearly state that the 4H mode can only be used in conditions that allow wheel slip!
Key keys are arranged on the central tunnel: mode selection power unit, locking the rear differential and disabling the stabilization system
Nevertheless, I took our word for it - and cut the front end on dry pavement. Like the Hilux pickup, front gear a temperature sensor is installed here, and in case of overheating, a warning icon will light up on the panel. But for fifty kilometers, the oil did not heat up before the alarm went off. How much extra fuel did I use during this time due to the circulation of power in a rigidly closed all-wheel drive transmission how this run affected the wear of tires and gearboxes is an open question.
And despite the fact that the Fortuner is lighter than the Prado, subjectively it is even more dynamic. We will wait for full-fledged measurements at the test site, but the first estimates show that acceleration to 100 km / h for a diesel Fortuner takes 15 seconds. Horror-horror? No, in the city Fortuner, though unhurried, is quite predictable, and the six-speed “automatic” works slowly but gently.
And on the track, the Fortuner turns into a Grumper: every overtaking takes place to the loud accompaniment of a diesel engine. And I want not only noise, but also traction. However, if you go with constant speed and do not raise the tachometer needle above two thousand revolutions, then you will not notice grumbling.
But do not accept diesel fuel consumption will not come into account: in total on asphalt and primers, I got 14 l / 100 km. Taking into account the 80-liter tank, the power reserve does not exceed 550 kilometers - not enough for a potential expeditionary.
In terms of handling in normal modes, there is no crime: Toyota slowly but adequately responds to steering actions, rolls as expected and does not create any difficulties. There is even a normal reactive action. However, in emergency situations I was surprised by the free adjustment of the stabilization system: if on a Prado or a Hilux pickup truck, with a sharp change of lane, it immediately extinguishes the speed and sometimes even prevents you from returning to your lane, then there is no interference in the developing skid! Until you correct the steering wheel, the electronics are silent.
And if you combine braking with the "detour" maneuver, then the release of the brakes is clearly visible. So in emergency situations on asphalt, Fortuner is not the best assistant.
And how to turn off this "massage"? Even on urban patches, Fortuner begins to diligently shake the floor and seats, vibrations from large wheels are noticeable, spring rear suspension passes speed bumps harder than the front, on the track, the dance of the steering column is added to all this. And on the largest asphalt pits with sharp edges, the front suspension works up to the bumpers. Alas, in this Fortuner is much more like Mitsubishi Pajero Sport than on a comfortable Prado.
By the way, Fortuner also has a common origin with Sport: both are assembled in Thailand mainly for Asian markets. And the Russian one is the frostiest for Fortuner, so the cars for our country have a different chrome exterior, a larger washer reservoir, and a 0.5 kW electric heater is built into the heating system.
Roads in Asia, by the way, are also so-so. But Fortuner clearly does not like our Russian comb and boldly shares his opinion with passengers: shaking, shock, vibration. On rear wheel drive under the supervision of the stabilization system, Toyota often requires steering corrections, and in all-wheel drive mode it is stable - however, it turns not too willingly. The car flourishes only on a primer: where there are no sharp holes and short waves, it rushes as if on an air cushion!
And Fortuner loves real off-road. Under the metal protection of the engine tray, I measured 225 mm - not bad. The overhangs are neat, the air intake is brought to the right wing. The “automatic”, however, does not work optimally when using a lower row: long pauses between shifts prevent accurate dosing of traction. And note that instead of honest manual mode Toyota has traditionally only ranges. That is, position 3 is not third gear, but all steps are not higher than third.
The engine is covered with thick metal protection, a small sheet is attached to the transfer case, but the frame cross member in front of it can become an anchor in a rut
Well, the stabilization system imitates cross-wheel blocking is clearly worse than that of Mitsubishi: with its help, Fortuner rides jerkily. Therefore, it is better to immediately activate the mechanical locking of the rear differential, along with which all assistance systems are turned off, including the ABS. Then Toyota crawls over difficult terrain with confidence and control. On steep descent you can activate a separate assistant - which, unlike the rest of Forchuner's electronic assistants, works perfectly: it came in handy on the icy foothills of the Southern Urals.
Stroke rear dependent suspension giant. When hanging diagonally, the imitation of wheel locks works roughly - it is better to use mechanical interlock rear differential
Under the bottom, only wiring causes concern rear sensors ABS, which can be damaged in a rut, and the cross member of the frame in front of transfer case. A off-road tuning able to interfere with rather close arches, in which stock tires dimensions 265/60 R18 are almost back to back.
Summary? I welcome the appearance of another real SUV on the Russian market. But Forchuner's positioning is strange: an urban shell, a rural filling and a capital price. For off-road it is more profitable to buy a Hilux pickup truck, but for all occasions better fit Land Cruiser Prado with permanent all-wheel drive.
Therefore, 2 million 850 thousand rubles for Prado in the Comfort package seem to me a much better investment than the same amount for Fortuner, albeit with the best equipment. Moreover, to refuse the "Thai massage" on a rough road in Forchuner-Vorchuner, alas, will not work.
| Passport data | |
|---|---|
| Automobile | Toyota Fortuner |
| Dimensions, mm | |
| length | 4795 |
| width | 1855 |
| height | 1835 |
| wheelbase | 2745 |
| front/rear track | 1545/1555 |
| Curb weight, kg | 2215 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2735 |
| Engine | diesel, turbocharged |
| Location | front, lengthwise |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | 4, in a row |
| Working volume, cm³ | 2755 |
| Max. power, hp/kW/r/min | 177/130/3400 |
| Max. torque, Nm/r/min | 450/1600-2400 |
| Transmission | automatic, 6-speed |
| Drive unit | full, with a connected front wheel drive |
| Front suspension | spring, independent, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | dependent, spring |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 180 |
| Capacity fuel tank, l | 80 |
| Fuel | diesel |
At the just-past presentation, where the correspondent of the portal was also present, the Japanese told something about the new car - they did it competently and convincingly. You wanted real SUVs without any innuendo? Not causing endless disputes about whether they have a body or an integrated frame? So, we have them.
All-wheel drive with rigidly connected front axle, low gear, rear differential lock, ground clearance 225mm and, of course, a fetishized Heavy Duty frame. Mitsubishi is appointed as the main competitor. However, the price has not been announced. Everyone is happy, everyone applauds.
However, moaning over something irretrievably lost is not always tantamount to a desire to return this lost. In fact, there are few lovers of real pure SUVs - they are simply, as in that joke, very well placed. As for the ordinary car owner, whether he needs such an uncompromising one is a big question.
If you don’t get out on tough off-road at least once a week, then every day you endure inexpressive dynamics, mediocre handling, a wadded steering wheel, solid fuel consumption, nose pecking when braking and falling to one side when cornering - all this looks a lot like masochism. The vaunted one looks like a mockery of the city dweller of the 21st century, since when it is turned on it is not able to provide adequate nimbleness on the streets, and when it is turned off, it does rear wheel drive car completely helpless in front of ice and snow drifts.
TO diesel engine with a capacity of 177 liters. With. and torques of 450 Nm, there seems to be no complaints: at the very least, his abilities will be enough to drag the car through city streets and through a freshly plowed field - but who wants to climb there? As for the gasoline 163-horsepower unit, an association with a snail instantly arises - not James May, but an extremely leisurely mollusk. By the way, Mitsubishi, which is tipped to be the main competitor of Fortuner, is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive with a rear differential lock.
Probably, a beginner can still find his audience in Russia, but its size is directly dependent on the price. If Toyota forgets that it is an “almost premium” brand and inserts sane numbers into the price list, then it is quite possible that the car will be bought. For example, at a price of up to 1,000,000 rubles, Fortuner will be able to take away the clientele from domestic UAZ- which, by the way, is constructive and is a true competitor to the "Japanese".
And if without arrogance, then the situation is really difficult. The official "big brother" of the SUV - Land Cruiser Prado costs 1,997,000 rubles in petrol version and 2,978,000 in diesel. Let's take into account that 81% of sales are accounted for by cars with a diesel engine. At the same time for Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, running on heavy fuel, are asking for 2,399,000 rubles. Thus, if Fortuner is made sufficiently accessible, it can steal buyers from a competitor, but at the same time undermine its position.
