The 2023 Fortuner is basically a Hilux in a dinner jacket—ladder-frame toughness with seven seats and a dash of civility.
Its 2.8‑litre turbo‑diesel dishes out 150 kW and 500 Nm through a 6‑speed auto, with part‑time 4WD, low range, and a rear diff lock, so corrugations and boat ramps don’t scare it.
On-road it’s steady rather than suave; the ride is firm, the steering honest, and the cabin hard-wearing rather than plush.
Towing up to 3,100 kg is on the cards, and real-world consumption sits in the high 7s to low 9s L/100 km if you’re not driving like your hair’s on fire.
Safety kit is decent (AEB, lane keep, adaptive cruise), tech is adequate, and the third row is fine for kids but adults will negotiate for the middle.
If you want Prado polish, look elsewhere; if you want dependable diesel grunt that’ll cross the Simpson, the Fortuner quietly packs the swag.