First Drive: Toyota Fortuner GR-S

‍First Drive: Toyota Fortuner GR-S

Is there a better way to test the mechanical makeup of Toyota’s latest Fortuner update than to wring its neck through the twisty, dusty gravel roads skirting South Africa’s Garden Route and gorgeous N2 highway between George and Cape Town? Probably not, as far as standard 4x4s go, that is. I’m talking, of course, about the Toyota Fortuner GR-S. Until an all-new Fortuner makes landfall, this is a worthy placeholder to keep the Fortuner brand relevant among its loyal buyer demographic.

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It doesn’t take a profound mathematical leap to understand why the Fortuner remains popular in South Africa. For one, there’s the Toyota brand power, which brings with it an inherent expectation of reliability and fit-for-purpose capability, which, in turn, extends to rock-solid resale values. In fact, and I don’t mean to bore you into submission with numbers, but as of 2024’s numbers, Toyota’s Fortuner holds 48% market share in the medium SUV market. Yes, it’s nine years old with the current generation of Fortuner first introduced in 2016, and yes, it’s getting on a bit, but for the most part, it has aged gracefully thanks to regular updates.

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Badge Power

In the case of the Fortuner GR-S, though, these updates extend beyond mere cosmetics and quality of life updates. As per Toyota’s Gazoo Racing product playbook, GR-Sport models would typically get a cosmetic update and a fettled suspension package. And yet, Toyota has taken it one step further and uprated its power and torque outputs, but we’ll get to that in a moment. First, let’s talk about its appearance. 

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It’s tastefully subtle GR trimmings all around, with the most clear-cut updates including a resculpted front bumper, a reshaped and blacked-out lower grille area that also has a GR badge that hints at its sportier aspirations, and black fog lamp surrounds that complete the front aesthetic. At the rear, it received a diffuser-style bumper trim, which is undoubtedly more functional as a cosmetic piece than really something to stabilise rearward turbulent airflow. It also receives 18-inch GR alloy wheels, in you guessed it, black, wrapped in all-terrain rubber. For the local market, the Fortuner GR-S is only available in a monochrome colour choice of either black or white.

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More GR Inside

As you step inside, the GR cosmetic treatment continues, but in a less-than-subtle way. It’s garnished with GR branding, which is front and centre on the steering wheel and centre tunnel. Naturally, there’s also red stitching that extends to the dashboard, handbrake lever, centre console, and the seats, while, in true GR fashion, there’s a red centre marker on the steering wheel. As for the finer details, the GR Sport seats are clad in a blend of perforated leather and suede with the GR identity embroidered on the headrests. Meanwhile, the centre tunnel gets a carbon-look treatment that further adds to the distinction of this derivative.

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Properly Dialled In

Testing the Fortuner GR-S on the aforementioned gravel roads, it immediately feels more dialled in than the standard lineup with a heightened sense of confidence as it effortlessly shrugs off the irregularities of battered gravel roads. Toyota claims the uprated GR suspension kit provides race-like steering, but it’s tough to draw a direct comparison to say the VX on this front. But as far as damping is concerned, though, the difference is as stark as night and day.

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It’s firm enough for excellent composure at speed, while it’s compliant enough to soak up chapped and weather-beaten road surfaces without so much as a fluster. Toyota showed the media the suspension performance damping force curve, which backs this up. It shows that the GR-S setup—especially at the front—offers a considerable upgrade over standard softer setups with noticeably more damping force achieved within a similar operational time frame. In plain English, it has better control and less bounce. 

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Power Boost

Perhaps more relevant to everyday driving is the power aspect of the model. What’s interesting here is that as per Toyota’s GR grading, a power increase should traditionally fall outside of the GR-Sport purview, and yet, the 2.8-litre GD-6 has seen a 10% bump across the board. Power has seen an increase to 165kW (+15kW) and arrives at 3,000r/min, giving a welcome mid-range power surge when called upon, while the torque has been beefed up with 50Nm to a total of 550Nm which is available at 1,600r/min and translates into decent real-world pulling power through all six cogs. 

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Power delivery is linear throughout the scope of the 6-speed, and while the 2.8 GD-6’s gearbox calibration is often considered to tip to the side of conservative, the added power and torque make for painless overtaking. If, though, normal mode is still too sensible, the Fortuner GR-S has a power button for a somewhat less buttoned-up throttle response. Oh, and there’s also the lesser-used eco mode for those who prefer hypermiling… each to their own… 

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Enough to Keep it Fresh

The Toyota Fortuner GR-S is far more than just a branding and marketing exercise. It was an attempt—and a successful one, I might add—to inject some Gazoo Racing know-how into a segment favourite. It’s more engaging than ever, unbothered when the going gets tough, and with more power, its daily usability and appeal have seen a marked improvement too, if perhaps not its fuel consumption. Also, who doesn’t like sports seats, GR badges, and red accents?

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Look, it’s far from a full-fat GR, and at no point does it pretend to be one, but sharpening the Fortuner may have been exactly what Toyota needed to see the range through to the arrival of the next generation. So, about a full-monty GR Fortuner… your move, Toyota.

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Price: R999,000

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