Toyota Fortuner or LC Prado: who wins on Russian roads. Honest test drive of Toyota Fortuner: give way to the beast Compare the new Toyota Fortuner and Prado

Often automakers Russian market They don’t indulge in new models, but Toyota still went for broke and expanded the classic line of SUVs by presenting the utilitarian Fortuner at the event Land Cruiser`s Land. For the tests, a route was prepared in advance, which caused a lot of indignation among onlookers: “too easy”, “I have the same road to my house”, “staged performance”. Did you ask for off-road? We have it!

Video review of Toyota Fortuner

“Hello, can you tell me how to get to the waterfalls?” “But you won’t get there, we don’t even go there in the summer...”

“Where is the road to the waterfalls?” “Guys, there is no road there, don’t break the car”...

Nice route, gotta go! There really is no road to the waterfall on Kudma: a narrow track, muddy from rain and snow, among closely growing trees. Let crossovers and SUVs stand in the parking lot today, full size SUVs, alas, too. Dense vegetation simply will not allow these giants to pass between the trunks. And just right for the Fortuner.

Comparison of Toyota Fortuner with Hilux and LC Prado

Toyota Fortuner is the closest relative of the well-known Hilux. It also, like its older brother, has a Heavy Duty frame designed for severe off-road use. But Fortuner still had improvements. The first most important difference from the pickup truck was the suspension, due to which it was necessary to modernize the frame and reduce the wheelbase by 45 mm. Instead of a spring suspension, the “lucky one” got a spring independent five-link suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers and a stabilizer lateral stability.

The front suspension remains the same, it has only been reconfigured for a smooth ride. This becomes noticeable from the first minutes of the trip: small flaws in the canvas are only slightly swayed, but serious bumps do not cause rear passengers to a pitching state. Otherwise, he keeps the road perfectly and unquestioningly obeys his owner.

Fortuner filled a certain hollow space in the Russian market between Hilux and LC Prado. Fortuner is not as rude as a pickup truck, but not as graceful as premium SUV. The “lucky one” has its own special charm, achieved thanks to slanted headlights and streamlined body lines. The exterior was not borrowed from anyone, but family traits can be recognized at a glance.

Many people try to compare the Toyota Fortuner with the Prado, some even snort that the new product costs as much as the Prado itself, and if there is no difference, then why pay more? The engine is the same as that of the Hilux and LC Prado: a 2.8-liter turbodiesel producing 177 Horse power and 450 Nm of torque, in general, nothing ordinary. Why reinvent the wheel if a more reliable “heart” cannot be found?

Now let's look at the facts: LC Prado is created for comfortable trips business people in the urban jungle, it has the appropriate suspension. Seeing the Prado, everyone immediately gets an associative line - he is wealthy and independent, he is now “primly” going to the office, but after a working day he would not mind driving along the sandy beach to the yacht club for a new portion of emotions. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in a similar configuration will cost more expensive than Fortuner as much as 700,000 rubles. So there is a difference? Even some! Toyota Fortuner is suitable for active family people who do not want to sit still. Skiing, river rafting, trips to the mountains, all this will be possible thanks to the lucky one who has absorbed the best qualities of the two flagships.

The best thrill in a Toyota Fortuner is driving on a broken dirt road with cruising speed. Let the weaklings slow down, the Fortuner will make its own way even where there is none. Fear, delight, horror, surprise - this is not a car, but the quintessence of feelings.

Differences between Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Now, probably, the skeptics will go into battle again - Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and it costs less, and there is a Super Select system. Okay, let's compare. A similar Sport package costs 2,649,990 rubles versus 2,599,000 rubles for the Fortuner. The only thing here is that the Toyota Fortuner in Russia has only two trim levels and what the Toyota people called a base with seven! In some places, Mitsu representatives consider it one of the juiciest configurations. If suddenly someday Toyota brings a really empty package that is produced in Thailand, then there will be no end to those interested. The question is, is it advisable to sacrifice your comfort?

Straight Mitsubishi competitor Pajero Sport is famous for its Super Select all-wheel drive system, Toyota Fortuner is equipped with a hard connection all-wheel drive Part Time. There are a lot of incomprehensible letters, now we’ll explain them in Russian.

Part Time or Super Select: which is better?

The transmission with Super Select has 3 differentials: between the front wheels, center in transfer case and between rear wheels. Super Select allows the use of four-wheel drive with a free center differential "4H" and with a locked center differential "4HLc" when the transmission is in four-wheel drive mode. The Super Select system uses a viscous coupling in the transfer case, which, if used for a long time in the “4H” mode, overheats and can fail ahead of schedule.

Part Time has been around since time immemorial. It represents a diagram of the hard connection of the front axle. That is, the front and rear wheels always spin at the same speed. There is no center differential. If the car is needed mainly for off-road use, and there are no plans to use all-wheel drive on asphalt, part-time is quite justified, since one of the axles is immediately connected rigidly, and there is no need to block anything. And the design is simpler and more reliable: there is no differential or locking, no mechanical or electric drives There are no unnecessary pneumatics or hydraulics to these locks. And there is nothing to break here. Feel free to skid, accelerate and conquer passes.

Don't listen to the skeptics, listen to yourself! It was not for nothing that Saddam Hussein said that “Two things work flawlessly: the Kalashnikov assault rifle and the Toyota.”

Text and photo: Polina Zimina

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On the eve of the start of sales of the new Toyota Fortuner SUV on the Russian market, we offer you a brief comparison with the popular one. Indeed, despite the fact that the Fortuner is based on another Hilux SUV, the new product from Toyota is always compared with the Prado.

The Toyota Fortune has a double-wishbone independent suspension at the front, while at the rear the car is equipped with a five-link suspension with stabilizer bar.

By the way, new SUV also received classical system all-wheel drive with hard manual connection front wheel drive with reduction gear. Also equipped with Toyota Fortune lock rear differential.

Unfortunately, Toyota has not yet announced the price tag for the new SUV. Yes, of course, it will certainly cost less, but it is unlikely that this difference will be more significant. After all, despite different classes cars, after all, both cars are similar in technology and spirit.


In addition, of course, this model will directly compete more with, the cost of which is just over 2 million rubles. So for the fans Toyota SUVs Don't expect a Fortune model cheaper than 2 million rubles.

Will Toyota Fortune be in demand?


On this subject there is different opinions. Some people think that the new SUV will fail on the Russian market. Some people, on the contrary, believe that the model will become popular and will actually take away market share from Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

But all this is fortune telling on coffee grounds. In fact, how the new SUV will be sold will be shown by the first year of sales, which will begin at the end of 2017.

Yes, sure, Toyota company takes conscious risks when introducing another SUV to the Russian market. Indeed, in fact, at the moment, interest in this segment on the market has noticeably decreased in favor of those with monocoque bodies, which are cheaper and more economical.


But, nevertheless, we should not forget that the car market in Russia is not only Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Sochi, etc. big cities, where most often people are in the city and who, in principle, do not need a real SUV.

So, of course, in the whole country new model SUV on the Russian market is quite justified. After all, in reality, more than half of the country’s population lives in areas where the quality of roads leaves much to be desired. And it is in such regions that an SUV cannot be replaced. But since there is not much on the Russian market, we believe that Toyota Fortune has a chance in Russia.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Toyota Fortune
Length 4780 mm 4795 mm
Width 1885 mm 1855 mm
Height 1880 mm 1835 mm
wheelbase 2790 mm 2745 mm
Ground clearance 225 mm 220 mm
Cargo space 620 l n.d.
Curb weight 2725 kg n.d.
Gross weight 2990 kg 2500 kg
Minimum turning radius 5.80 m 5.80 m
Number of doors 5 5
Number of seats 7 7

Wheels and tires

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Toyota Fortune
Wheel type Alloy wheels Alloy wheels
Tire type Tubeless, radial Tubeless Radials
Front tire size 265/60 R18 265/65 R17
Rear tire size 265/60 R18 265/65 R17

In terms of external similarity, Fortuner is traditionally compared with Prado. If we consider only external criteria, the similarities are quite close, but this applies to almost all cars from the brand’s new line of SUVs. Just look at the Hilux or RAV4. Read 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 attracts attention: narrow headlights with stripes of running lights, chrome grille radiator, brutal wide bumper of complex shape, slightly pronounced arches, sills with running boards, 17 or 18 inch wheels.

The body metal is rust resistant. The lanterns are plastic, but, as practice shows, they do not become cloudy for a long time. One of the disadvantages is 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 it protective film on parts susceptible to scratches.

The Fortuner's interior is Japanese-style: a complex angular shape of the center console, a practical, neat instrument panel, an ergonomic steering wheel, square rear seats. Interior materials: leather, metal, plastic and small wooden inserts.

The cabin can accommodate up to seven people. But Fortuner owners note that only children can sit comfortably in the rear seats; these seats are no different in terms of space.

No offense to other brands, but Prado is the most common Russian roads SUV. It was developed on a platform that was universal for the manufacturer. The car came out stylish and luxurious, bet on European studio, who was involved in the design of the body, justified itself: massive sills, vertical stoppers, wide headlights and a bumper - the result was a real “masculine” car.

Prado is an SUV on a frame, which ensures structural strength and high off-road confidence. One of the disadvantages is the low protection of the frame from rust at welding joints. Therefore, owners recommend immediately treating problem areas special compounds.

There are practically no complaints about the interior. High-quality leather, metal and plastic last for many years. Among the minuses, we note that the windshield becomes cloudy over time and malfunctions in 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 external 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 gravel they perfectly “smooth out” unevenness. But due to the high center of gravity, cars tend to fall over at speed. They have this “disease” in common.

Differences and characteristics of Fortuner and Prado

  1. The Fortuner has a 2.8-liter diesel engine (177 horsepower). Prado in the database has Gas engine at 2.7 l. and 173 horses.
  2. Torque Fortuner – 450 Nm, Prado – 241 Nm.
  3. The Fortuner picks up speed well, accelerating to hundreds in 10.8 seconds, and the maximum speed reaches 180 km/h. U Prado characteristics The performance characteristics are not bad, but not as outstanding as those of the competitor. Considering the weight of this SUV, acceleration and resource are somewhat lower than those of the Fortuner.
  4. In terms of fuel consumption, the Fortunet also surpasses its rival, 11 liters per hundred kilometers on asphalt; outside the city, the figure drops to 7.3 liters. The Prado is distinguished by an unfinished crankcase ventilation system, rapid contamination of equipment, which ultimately leads to increased fuel consumption.
  5. Ball joints on Fortuner become unusable at 280 thousand km, by which time the rear axle shaft seal may need to be replaced. 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 front suspension of the Prado suffers.
  6. The Fortuner has disc brakes on both axles. The average time for replacing pads is 90 thousand km. Steering ends are durable and do not need to be replaced for many years. At the Prado brake pads They are also not bad, but due to the high weight of the car they have to be changed more often. But the tips of the Prado are the most weakness. They have to be changed frequently, since their service life is short.
  7. By price category The cars differ little if you focus on the new versions. However, Prados have been “living” in Russia for quite a long time, and you can find cars from the first years of production at a price 750-800 thousand rubles. Newer models (from 2009) cost approximately 1.7-1.9 million rubles. Fortuner reached our market relatively recently, so the price of a car is on average 2.6 million rubles.

Fortuner or Prado: what to choose?

In terms of its status, the Fortuner occupies a niche somewhat lower than the Prado. But despite this, it looks somewhat more modern. If we take into account the technical comparison, then both for the city and for off-road use this car noticeably wins in terms of durability.

According to the price criterion, both cars are approximately at the same level. When choosing a Fortuner, it is important to remember the cost of maintaining this car. A significant item of repair costs may require a turbine on diesel engine and suspension arms.

When choosing a Prado, you need to take into account a much larger list possible breakdowns, however, in terms of the cost of repairs and replacement of parts, the Prado wins noticeably. The spare parts market for this car is so wide that competition between sellers significantly affects the cost of parts that are sold on “every corner”.

The frame Toyota Fortuner has been a long time coming in Russia. The first generation was close, but you couldn’t bite it: the car was made in Kazakhstan, but they weren’t allowed in Russia. The second generation from 2015 arrived to us late, having been delayed for adaptation and certification for our market. What did you expect in the end? Now we'll tell you.

But first let's deal with two important points. First, how is the name Fortuner actually pronounced correctly? Toyota is categorical here: no “Fortuners”, “Fortuners”, “Fortuners” and other variations! In Russia, the English pronunciation of the word Fortuner is used, and it sounds like “Fortuneer”, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Why only this way, and not otherwise, is clearly explained in our section “Let me speak.” By the way, some Russian wits have already attached to the car the nicknames “Grump” and “Fortune” (Fortuner - from the word Fortune, “fortune”)...

The second point is genealogy. Contrary to common misconception, neither the first (2005-2015) nor the second generation Fortuner (since 2015) use the Land Cruiser Prado platform! The Fortuner, both past and present, is based on a more durable frame chassis and units Hilux pickup corresponding generations.

Although the platforms have differences, of course. The wheelbase of the current Fortuner (2,745 mm) is 340 mm shorter than the current generation Hilux. The pendants are also different. The shock absorbers on the Fortuner are different, with more comfortable settings. And instead of springs at the rear - softer springs, anti-roll bar and other kinematics with 4 longitudinal jet thrusts and one transverse.

Toyota claims the Fortuner as a car for those who do not want to overpay for a Prado, and plans to actively use the car as an SUV and an expedition vehicle. It would be a pity to ruin the expensive and sophisticated Prado off-road; the Casco insurance on it is worth it like a cast-iron bridge, and they buy it more often as a “statusmobile” rather than an earth-moving tool. And the Fortuner, standing one step below, is exactly that simplified and more utilitarian alternative, without unnecessary pathos and show-off.

In addition, SUVs have different bodies, different interiors and equipment levels (Fortuner is simpler). For example, all-round cameras, front seat ventilation, 3-zone climate control, rear air suspension, adaptive and off-road cruise control, auto braking function, lane control and driver fatigue, the MTS off-road mode selection system is found in the Prado, but the more utilitarian Fortuner has “They are not based on the word “at all”.

The Prado has permanent all-wheel drive with a Torsen interaxle “self-locking” (it can be forcibly locked), while the Fortuner front axle hard-wired by the driver (part-time circuit) only on slippery surfaces. Forced blocking Both SUVs have a rear cross-axle differential.

The dimensions are also different: the Prado is 45 mm longer, 30 mm wider and 60 mm higher than the Fortuner. The Prado also has a wheelbase that is 45 mm longer and a track that is 50 mm wider. The Fortuner has more ground clearance (225 mm versus 215), but the Prado has a steeper approach angle (32 degrees versus 29), and the departure angle is parity (25 degrees).

Not really. Under the hood of the Fortuner delivered to Russia is a completely new 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel, which debuted in 2015. current generation Hilux pickup truck, and in the same year I registered for Prado. By the way, he also has a 150-horsepower younger brother 2GD-FTV with a volume of 2.4 liters, but the Fortuner with such an engine is not yet sold in Russia, although it is available in other world markets.

The top-end 2.8-liter diesel engine has direct 5-stage fuel injection with a pressure of 2200 bar, a faster-accelerating variable geometry turbocharger and a timing chain. Recoil - 177 hp. and 450 Nm of torque, while the 3-liter predecessor had 171 “horses” and 360 Nm. The new diesel engine meets Euro-5 standards, for which exhaust tract in addition to the catalyst installed particulate filter. The gearbox for the Russian market is only a 6-speed automatic.

With the new diesel engine and automatic transmission, the Fortuner drove faster and quieter than with its 3-liter predecessor. No revelations, but it confidently pulls from a stop and accelerates from medium speeds and revs, less often requiring downshifts, driving out due to the increased torque. And the diesel now also reacts more quickly to the gas pedal than before. You can also speed up the engine and gearbox by pressing the Power Mode button near the gearbox selector - it makes the gas response sharper.

On the highway, with active acceleration, the diesel pressure drops as expected, although even here overtaking was possible without problems. By the way, the box is still not manual mode, but traditional Toyota ranges. That is, the number when “tidying” does not show the stage, but the range of switching - for example, from first to third. As for the engine speed, in 6th gear and 2000 rpm the speedometer shows almost 120 km/h.

On the move, the diesel Prado will be quieter: in the Fortuner, the characteristic diesel growl breaks through into the cabin more, especially at high speed during active acceleration and overtaking. As for fuel consumption, a pre-restyling one rode with us in the convoy. diesel Prado. In the city-highway-off-road mode, according to the on-board computer, the Fortuner got 12.5-13.1 l/100 km, the Prado - 13.4-14.1 l/100 km. Fuel tank Fortuner has 80 liters, Prado - 87.

In terms of performance figures, the Fortuner is also faster than the Prado: a top speed of 180 km/h versus 175, and acceleration to 100 km/h for the diesel Fortuner takes 11.2 seconds versus 12.7 for the Prado. Where does this difference come from if the engines, gearboxes and even the main pairs (3.9) are the same for both SUVs? The larger diesel Prado is heavier: it has a curb weight of 2235-2500 kg, depending on the configuration, while the Fortuner weighs 2215-2260 kg. By the way, the weight of the towed trailer with brakes is the same for both SUVs and amounts to 3 tons.

In tests of SUVs, the journalistic fraternity often writes that they say that this car would have had “toothier” tires. Toyota clearly heard these calls and changed the shoes of the test cars, replacing the standard road tires with more “evil” Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac AT tires in the serial size 265/60 R18 (these are required top-end configuration"Prestige", which was on the test). And since we had to drive on icy roads, these tires were also studded.

There is no doubt that on such “bast shoes” the Fortuner looks cooler, and on off-road the tires cling and “row” unlike the standard ones, and on rocks you are less afraid of punctures due to the thicker sidewall and developed tread. But such wheels are very heavy, and have grown unsprung masses immediately reflected in how the car drives. But it is clear what the future owner needs to prepare for if he wants to install more off-road tires on the Fortuner.

And you need to prepare for a rougher and bumpier ride than the Prado, although this should not be surprising. On the highway, the Fortuner holds a straight line normally, handles and brakes adequately, rolls predictably, and the tires are less noisy than expected. But also because of the heavy wheels, the Fortuner transmits medium and large defects in the fabric to the steering wheel, seats and body in the form of pokes and vibrations, shaking the rear riders into speed bumps.

On graders and primers, you also need to “pile” with caution. As long as the wheels are more or less level, everything is fine, you can drive briskly. But if you fall into a large hole, then along with impacts on the steering wheel, it’s easy to catch a hard breakdown of the front suspension, which happened to us more than once or twice.

If potholes and gullies come in succession, then good progress the suspension does not have time to work out the movement of the heavy wheels - and the Fortuner, trembling all over, begins to “float”, especially with the stern. Here you have to not yawn and catch it with the steering wheel, because the stabilization system is in no hurry to interfere with the process and allows the stern to noticeably move to the side. In order to feel sorry for the car and passengers, in such situations you need to either slow down or relieve the tire pressure to soften the ride.

And Fortuner even in expensive trim levels cheaper, especially when comparing diesel versions of SUVs! And then the situation is obvious. The restyled 5-seater Land Cruiser Prado with a 2.8 liter diesel engine costs from 2,922,000 rubles, and the 7-seater version with this engine costs 4,026,000 rubles! Against this background, the diesel Fortuner costs 2,599,000 rubles for the Elegance package and 2,827,000 rubles for the Prestige. That is, already at the start, the Fortuner is 323,000 rubles cheaper than the Prado. And even in the top version, it is still 95,000 rubles cheaper than the basic diesel version of its older brother.

As noted above, the Fortuner has simpler equipment than the more “premium” Prado, but it’s still not bad. Already in the database there is a “winter” package, which includes heated steering wheel, front seats, mirrors, parking zone for windshield wipers, a diesel heater with an additional electric interior heater, as well as ceiling air ducts for rear passengers.

The starting price also includes LED foglights and headlights (low/high), running boards, 1-zone climate control and a second air conditioner for the rear rows, a cooled/heated glove compartment, cruise control, leather multifunction steering wheel with steering wheel paddles, servo windows and folding mirrors, rear view camera with parking sensors, light and tire pressure sensors and multimedia system with a 7-inch screen and 6 speakers. Safety is ensured by 7 airbags, car and trailer stabilization systems, and a hill start assistant.

The top version adds automatic windows, a tailgate servo with memory, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, interior trim with a mixture of natural and synthetic leather, keyless entry into the cabin with push-button engine start, as well as a hill descent assistant.

Regarding the arrival of Fortuner in Russia, it is already crying with its taillights main competitor represented by the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, although it is cheaper in price. Thus, a 5-seater diesel MPS (2.4 l, 181 hp and 430 Nm) in Russia can be bought with a 6-speed manual transmission, paying 2,249,900 rubles for a car produced in 2018. Diesel variants with 8-speed automatic machine Aisin- from 2,499,990 to 2,899,990 rubles for 2018 (2017 is 50,000 rubles cheaper). All versions have Super Select II all-wheel drive and a locking rear differential.

In terms of equipment, the Pajero Sport is somewhat more interesting than the Toyota SUV. In it, depending on the configuration, you can get adaptive cruise control, all-round camera, monitoring of blind spots and parking exits, a frontal collision mitigation system, headlight washers, 2-zone climate control and a heated rear sofa (in addition to the existing heated steering wheel and front seats). Fortuner lacks all this.

Indeed, for new Fortuner in some markets (eg United Arab Emirates or South Africa) a 4-liter petrol V6 1GR-FE series is offered. But not in Russia: in our country such an engine is only available in the more prestigious Land Cruiser Prado, where this engine now develops a “tax” 249 hp.

By the way, Prado with a V6 engine is more expensive diesel version, and per year it accounts for only about 10% of Russian sales. It is logical that for our market, Toyota does not want to install an unpopular engine on the more utilitarian Fortuner, thereby increasing its already considerable price. And at the same time creating an extra competitor for Prado. Marketing, in a word.

Diesel Fortuner with 6-speed manual transmission, available in a number of world markets, we will not see in Russia yet. But in February, we already started accepting orders for Fortuners with a 2.7-liter 2TR-FE gasoline 4-cylinder engine with an output of 166 hp. and 245 Nm. And the basic version with this engine has a 5-speed manual transmission.

Except manual transmission, the petrol SUV also has a 6-speed automatic transmission. Production of such Fortuner for Russia will start in Thailand in February, “live” cars will appear by spring.

As expected, the petrol Fortuner turned out to be cheaper than its diesel version, and the updated Land Cruiser Prado with the same 2.7-liter engine. Thus, a Fortuner with a manual transmission will cost 1,999,000 rubles for the “Standard” version, that is, at least 250,000 rubles cheaper than the Pradika. The base includes front and knee airbags, air conditioning, fabric interior, 17-inch stamped steel wheels, halogen headlights, door handles in body color, light sensor, heated and electrically adjustable mirrors, rear cross-axle differential lock, directional stability and trailer stabilization system, an entry-level Bluetooth audio system and third-row seating.

A petrol Fortuner with an automatic transmission costs 2,349,000 rubles, that is, 299,000 rubles cheaper than a Prado with the same combination. There are already 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, rear sensors parking with a rear view camera, leather multifunction steering wheel with heating, side airbags and curtain airbags, heated front seats, a media system with a 7-inch screen and 6 speakers, luggage rails on the roof.

At the presentation that just took place, where the portal’s correspondent was also present, the Japanese said something about the new car - they did it competently and convincingly. Did you want real SUVs without any understatements? Without causing endless debate about whether they have a monocoque body or an integrated frame? So, we have them.

All-wheel drive with rigidly connected front axle, reduction gear, rear differential lock, ground clearance 225 mm and, of course, a fetishized Heavy Duty frame. Mitsubishi has been appointed as the main competitor. It’s true that the price was not announced. Everyone is happy, everyone applauds.

However, lamentation for something irretrievably lost is not always equivalent to the desire to return it. In fact, there are few fans of real, unalloyed SUVs - they are just, as in that joke, very well placed. And as for ordinary car owner, then whether he needs such an uncompromising one is a big question.

If you don’t go out on rough off-road terrain at least once a week, then every day you will endure inexpressive dynamics, mediocre handling, wobbly steering, solid fuel consumption, nose-dive when braking and leaning to one side when cornering - all this strongly smacks of masochism. The vaunted one looks like a complete mockery of the city dweller of the 21st century, since when turned on it is not able to provide adequate agility on the streets, and when turned off it becomes rear wheel drive car completely helpless in front of ice and snow drifts.

TO diesel engine power 177 hp With. and a torque of 450 Nm, there seem to be no complaints: its abilities are at least enough to drag a car along city streets and across a freshly plowed field - but who wants to go there? Regarding the 163-horsepower gasoline unit, an immediate association with a snail arises - not James May, but an extremely leisurely mollusk. By the way, Mitsubishi, which is tipped to be Fortuner’s main competitors, is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive with a rear differential lock.

Probably, a newcomer 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 reasonable numbers into the price list, then it is quite possible that people will buy the car. For example, at a price of up to 1,000,000 rubles, Fortuner may well be able to take away clientele from domestic UAZ- which, we note by the way, is constructively a true competitor to the “Japanese”.

And if without mockery, then the situation is really difficult. The official “big brother” of the SUV - Land Cruiser Prado costs 1,997,000 rubles in the gasoline version and 2,978,000 in the diesel version. Let's take into account that 81% of sales come from diesel cars. At the same time, for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which runs on heavy fuel, they are asking 2,399,000 rubles. Thus, if the Fortuner is made affordable enough, it could steal buyers away from a competitor, but at the same time undermine