By Malusi Msomi

We recently headed down to George, Western Cape for the launch of the new Toyota Fortuner GR-S, a refreshed sportier version of the ever-popular seven-seater SUV. As one of South Africa’s best-selling SUVs, the Fortuner has built a reputation for reliability, practicality, and off-road capability. The GR-S variant brings subtle enhancements to the mix, focusing on styling, ride comfort, and a more composed driving experience.

A brief history of the Fortuner in South Africa

Since its local debut in 2006, the Toyota Fortuner has been a dominant force in the South African SUV market. Built on the Hilux platform, it blends the rugged dependability of a bakkie with the comfort and space of an SUV. Over the years, the Fortuner has consistently ranked as one of South Africa’s best-selling SUV, appealing to families, adventurers, and business owners alike. Its combination of durability, affordability, and off-road ability has made it a staple on South African roads.

Design and interior updates

The Fortuner GR-S gets several exterior enhancements to distinguish it from the standard model. It features newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, a redesigned front and lower rear bumper, and GR badging around the vehicle. The bold styling—especially in black—gives it a more striking presence. The Fortuner GR-S comes in two colours: Attitude Black and Platinum Pearl White.

Inside, Toyota has introduced Alcantara-trimmed seats with GR branding, GR aluminium pedals, and red stitching to create a slightly sportier cabin feel. While these materials add a premium touch, the overall interior layout remains largely unchanged and, to be honest, is starting to feel a bit dated. Competitors like the Ford Everest surpass it in the cabin department. Practicality is still a key strength, with a spacious second row, but as with previous models, the third row is better suited for children rather than adults.

Driving Experience and Refinements

Under the hood, the Fortuner GR-S retains the familiar 2.8 GD-6 turbo-diesel engine, but now producing 165kW and 550Nm (15 kW and 50 Nm more). Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. While there are no drastic performance upgrades, the GR-S model benefits from a revised suspension setup featuring Monotube shock absorbers. This results in improved ride comfort and better stability, particularly on uneven surfaces.

One notable improvement is the steering, which feels more direct with less play when cruising on the highway. This makes long-distance driving more refined and composed, and enhancing the SUV’s everyday usability.

The drive from George to Hermanus

Our journey from George to Hermanus gave us a chance to experience the Fortuner GR-S across a variety of road conditions. From open highways to winding coastal roads, the SUV handled the trip comfortably. The suspension absorbed road imperfections well, while the improved steering made the drive feel more controlled.

Pricing and market position

The Toyota Fortuner GR-S is priced from R999,000, positioning it as one of the top-tier models in the Fortuner range. While it doesn’t drastically change the performance of the Fortuner, it offers a more refined driving experience with a sportier look and added comfort.

As South Africa’s best-selling SUV, the Fortuner continues to dominate its segment, and the GR-S variant adds another option for those looking for a more distinctive and slightly enhanced version of this well-loved model.