Toyota Fortuner Review
2017-2023
The Toyota Fortuner (AN160 Series) is Kenya's most popular body-on-frame 7-seater SUV. Built on the indestructible Toyota Hilux ladder-frame chassis, the Fortuner easily tackles extreme upcountry mud tracks, deep ruts, and heavy family safari trips. Offered with punchy 2.4L and 2.8L GD-6 Clean Diesel engines or a 2.7L Petrol, it combines 225 mm ground clearance with high resale value.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Indestructible ladder-frame chassis: Proven Hilux underpinnings survive heavy off-road abuse and rough murram tracks.
- Sub-2,500 cc duty advantage on 2.4L GD-6: Qualifies for KRA's lower 25% excise tax bracket.
- High 225 mm ground clearance: Easily clears flooded river crossings, deep ruts, and high speed bumps.
- Massive 7-seat versatility: Side-folding 3rd-row seats create a huge 716 L flat cargo floor.
What’s not so good
- Firm rear leaf/coil suspension ride when unladen: Stiff ride quality over corrugated gravel when carrying no passengers.
- Side-folding third-row seats: Take up lateral cargo space compared to fold-flat floor designs.
Most popular: Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 / 2.4 GD-6 / Legender
5 doorsPetrol, DieselAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Fortuner (AN160 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Heavy-Duty 7-Seater SUV
- Seating capacity
- 7
- Fuel types
- Clean Diesel, Petrol
- Engine sizes
- 2,393 cc (2.4L GD-6) / 2,755 cc (2.8L GD-6) / 2,693 cc (2.7L Petrol)
- Transmission
- 6-Speed Automatic with Sequential Shift
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD) or Part-Time 4WD with Rear Diff Lock
- Ground clearance
- 225 mm
- Source market
- Thailand / South Africa / UK (RHD)
Trims & variants
2.4 VRZ / 2.4 G 4x4
- Setup
2.4L clean diesel (148 hp / 400 Nm), 6-speed automatic, 2WD or 4x4, returning 13.5 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
Low KRA excise tax bracket entry with excellent torque and low fuel consumption.
- Local consideration
Highly practical alternative to the Land Cruiser Prado.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the 2.4L GD-6 Turbo Diesel (2,393 cc 2GD-FTV). Tank: 80 L (about 1080 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 2,025 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,426 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 16,871
- Full tank (80 L)
- KES 18,221
Based on diesel at KES 227.76/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Package tiers
Fortuner packages range from standard 2.4L utility models to luxury Legender and GR-Sport editions.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard / VRZ | Heavy utility | Fabric/leather seats, 8-inch display, rear AC vents, 4x4 transfer switch, and 17-inch alloys. |
| VXX / Legender | Luxury flagship | Split-tone leather interior, JBL 11-speaker audio, sequential LED indicators, 20-inch wheels, and 360 camera. |
| GR-Sport | Performance 4x4 | Monotube shock absorbers, GR brake calipers, aluminum pedals, and GR suede sport seats. |
About the Toyota Fortuner
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Fortuner models sit comfortably inside the legal import window.
The 2.4L GD-6 engine (2,393 cc) stays strictly below 2,500 cc, qualifying for KRA's standard 25% excise tax bracket, while 2.8L GD-6 (2,755 cc) models trigger the 35% excise tier.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
