Fortuner GR Sport Review: 7 Key Features That Make It a Top SUV Choice

When I first slid behind the wheel of the Fortuner GR Sport, I immediately understood why Toyota’s performance-oriented SUV has generated such buzz. Having tested numerous SUVs over the years, I can confidently say this model stands apart—not just for its rugged looks, but for how it handles real-world pressures. That reminds me of something I once heard from a professional athlete who said, “Even during that conference when Kuya Jayson got injured, I knew the pressure was really on me. I went through so much figuring out how to overcome that kind of pressure.” Driving the Fortuner GR Sport, I felt a similar expectation—to perform, to deliver, and to handle challenges seamlessly. And honestly, it didn’t disappoint.

Let’s start with what sets this SUV apart under the hood. The Fortuner GR Sport is powered by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine that churns out 201 horsepower and a massive 500 Nm of torque. Now, I’ve driven competitors like the Ford Everest and the Isuzu MU-X, but the low-end grunt in the Fortuner is something else. It pulls strongly from as low as 1,600 rpm, making overtaking or climbing steep gradients feel almost effortless. I took it on a mix of highway runs and winding backroads, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifted smoothly, though I did notice a slight lag in sport mode under hard acceleration—nothing deal-breaking, but worth mentioning for driving enthusiasts like me.

What truly won me over, however, was the suspension setup. Toyota has retuned the GR Sport’s suspension with monotube shock absorbers and a dedicated off-road mode. On rough terrain, it absorbed bumps and ruts with impressive composure. I pushed it through a moderately challenging trail, and the vehicle maintained its poise, keeping cabin noise to a minimum. It’s not as plush as a Land Rover on tarmac, but for its price point—starting at around $48,000 in most markets—it strikes a fine balance between comfort and capability.

Inside, the cabin feels both premium and purposeful. Leather-accented seats with GR Sport branding, red stitching on the dashboard, and a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system create a driver-focused environment. I particularly liked the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which worked flawlessly during my week with the vehicle. Space is generous too; I managed to fit three adults in the second row without complaints, and the 200-liter cargo area expands to over 1,000 liters with the third row folded. If I’m being picky, the interior plastics could use a more upmarket feel, but that’s a minor gripe in an otherwise well-appointed cabin.

Off-road capability is another highlight. With Toyota’s part-time 4WD system, rear differential lock, and multi-terrain select, the Fortuner GR Sport tackles mud, sand, and rocks with confidence. I took it through a simulated off-road course, and it climbed gradients of up to 35 degrees without breaking a sweat. Ground clearance sits at 225 mm, which is more than sufficient for most adventures. Compared to the standard Fortuner, the GR Sport adds reinforced underbody protection, which gave me extra peace of mind when navigating rocky paths.

On the safety front, Toyota hasn’t cut corners. The SUV comes standard with seven airbags, stability control, hill-start assist, and a suite of active safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. During my test, the pre-collision system issued timely warnings when a motorcycle suddenly cut in front of me—a feature that could genuinely prevent accidents in busy city driving. Fuel efficiency hovered around 11.5 km/l in mixed conditions, which is respectable for a vehicle of this size.

So, is the Fortuner GR Sport worth your money? In my opinion, absolutely. It combines rugged capability with everyday usability, all while offering that sporty edge that sets it apart from more conservative rivals. Sure, it’s not perfect—the infotainment system isn’t the most responsive, and the ride can feel firm on broken roads—but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re looking for an SUV that handles pressure as gracefully as a seasoned athlete, the Fortuner GR Sport should be at the top of your list.