2025 Toyota Fortuner Crusade Review

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Crusade continues its legacy as an SUV built on the rugged platform of the Toyota HiLux, blending off-road capabilities with family-friendly features. Positioned in the competitive large SUV segment, the Fortuner aims to deliver the reliability and durability Toyota is known for, while catering to those seeking a vehicle capable of both urban and adventurous pursuits.

Despite its strong underpinnings and Toyota’s renowned reputation, the Fortuner faces stiff competition. In Australia, where the market is dominated by vehicles like the Ford Everest and Toyota’s own LandCruiser Prado, the Fortuner has struggled to carve out a significant niche. Its unique proposition lies in its ability to serve as a versatile seven-seater SUV with off-road chops, while offering a slightly more compact and affordable alternative to the Prado.

As we dive into the details of the flagship Fortuner Crusade, we’ll explore how it stacks up against its rivals and whether it deserves a spot on your shortlist for 2025.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Family-Friendly Design: The Fortuner offers the practicality of a seven-seat configuration, making it a more versatile option compared to the HiLux while retaining its rugged DNA.
Proven Durability: Built on the reliable HiLux platform, the Fortuner features tried-and-tested underpinnings that have earned Toyota a reputation for dependability.
Competitive Pricing: As the flagship model, the Crusade trim offers a blend of premium features and off-road capability at a relatively accessible price point for its segment.

Off-Road Capability: With 4×4 functionality, solid ground clearance, and impressive off-road performance, the Fortuner excels in rough terrains.

Cons

Aging Interior Design: The cabin layout and technology feel outdated compared to competitors, with a dated infotainment system and older-style controls.
Urban Driving Dynamics: Heavy steering and less refined handling make the Fortuner feel cumbersome in urban environments.

Limited Space Utilization: While practical, the interior packaging could be improved, with tight third-row seating and reduced cargo space when the rear seats are in use.
Falling Behind in Technology: The Fortuner lacks modern features like wireless Apple CarPlay and cutting-edge driver assistance systems offered by rivals like the Ford Everest.

Pricing and Variants

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Crusade offers three distinct trim levels, catering to a range of budgets and needs. The lineup is structured to provide a balance between affordability, functionality, and premium features, with the top-spec Crusade delivering the most comprehensive package.

Variant Pricing

Model	Price (Before On-Road Costs)
Toyota Fortuner GX 4×4	$53,775
Toyota Fortuner GXL 4×4	$58,895
Toyota Fortuner Crusade 4×4	$66,755

Overview of Trims

Fortuner GX
- Entry-level variant offering essential features for off-road capability and family practicality.
- Includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Toyota Connected Services.

Fortuner GXL
- Mid-range option with added convenience and comfort features.
- Gains paddle shifters, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, and LED fog lights.
Fortuner Crusade
- Flagship model designed for those seeking a more premium experience.
- Features include leather-accented upholstery, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate, and a 360-degree camera.

Comparison with Competitors

The Fortuner’s pricing positions it competitively within the sub-$70,000 large SUV market. However, rivals like the Ford Everest ($53,490–$77,530) and Isuzu MU-X ($50,990–$67,400) offer modern interiors, more refined drivetrains, and advanced tech that make them tough competitors.

While the Fortuner Crusade stands out for its rugged dependability and off-road prowess, potential buyers should weigh its value against the more advanced features and refinement found in similarly priced alternatives.

Interior and Features

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Crusade offers a durable and practical interior tailored to adventurous families. However, it falls behind in design and tech compared to newer competitors.

Cabin Design and Materials

The cabin blends rugged functionality with subtle premium touches, especially in the higher trims. While the soft-touch stitched accents in the Crusade add some sophistication, the overall design feels dated.

HiLux-Inspired Layout: Shares many components with the HiLux, including steering wheel and gear shifter.
Traditional Controls: Features like the manual handbrake and gated shifter highlight its utilitarian roots but feel outdated.

Technology and Infotainment

Toyota has equipped the Fortuner with essential technology, but the system’s age shows.

8-Inch Touchscreen: Standard across all trims, featuring wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Audio Options: Basic trims include 6 speakers, while the Crusade gets an 11-speaker JBL premium setup.
Navigation: Built-in navigation (GXL and Crusade) is useful for remote travel without cellular coverage.

The system is easy to use but lacks the modernity and wireless connectivity of rivals.

Seating and Comfort

The Fortuner provides practical seating arrangements, though space in the third row is limited. The Crusade’s leather-accented, power-adjustable front seats offer added comfort.

Second Row: Adequate legroom but tight head and toe space. Rear passengers benefit from roof-mounted vents and power outlets.

Third Row: Best for children, with cramped dimensions and a fold-up design that impacts cargo capacity.

Cargo and Storage

The Fortuner’s cargo flexibility is useful but comes with compromises.

Limited Space: Around 200L with all seats in use.
Expansive Storage: Folding the third and second rows increases space to 1080L.

Full-Size Spare: Included on all trims, with steel or alloy options depending on grade.

Overall, the interior offers durability and practicality but lags behind in space efficiency and tech compared to competitors.

Performance and Driving Experience

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Crusade delivers a performance that leans heavily on its rugged HiLux underpinnings, offering proven reliability and off-road prowess. However, its on-road driving dynamics and aging drivetrain may leave some buyers wanting more, especially when compared to newer, more refined competitors.

Engine and Powertrain

Engine: A 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine powers the Fortuner, shared with the Toyota HiLux and Prado.
- Power: 150kW @ 3000–3400rpm.
- Torque: 500Nm @ 1600–1800rpm.
Transmission: Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the drivetrain offers smooth shifts but lacks the refinement of newer setups found in competitors like the Ford Everest Bi-Turbo.
Fuel Economy:
- Claimed: 7.6L/100km.
- Observed: Approximately 9.9L/100km in mixed driving, showing efficiency dips in urban stop-and-go conditions.
Towing Capacity: With a braked towing capacity of 3100kg, the Fortuner is well-suited for those who frequently haul heavy loads.

On-Road Driving

Parking is made easier by the Crusade’s 360-degree camera, offering a comprehensive view of surroundings. However:

Steering: Requires noticeable effort at low speeds, making tight spaces challenging to navigate.
Ride Quality: The firm suspension, a characteristic of the body-on-frame construction, makes bumps and potholes more noticeable to passengers.

On highways, the Fortuner delivers sufficient power for overtaking and maintaining speeds, thanks to its strong turbo-diesel engine. However, its aerodynamics result in noticeable wind noise at higher speeds. Steering precision is lacking, requiring constant small corrections to stay on course, which can lead to fatigue on long drives.

Off-Road Driving

The Fortuner comes into its own off-road, leveraging its robust engineering and capability-focused features:

4×4 Modes: Selectable 2H, 4H, and 4L options, along with a locking rear differential, make it capable on a variety of terrains.
Ground Clearance: 216mm height is ideal for rocky paths and uneven trails.

Water Wading Depth: Handles water crossings up to 700mm.
Suspension: Rugged tuning absorbs shocks and maintains stability on loose or rough surfaces.

It performs exceptionally well on steep inclines, muddy tracks, and rutted paths, making it a strong choice for adventurers and off-road enthusiasts.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Crusade delivers a solid suite of safety features designed to provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. While its offerings cover the essentials, they feel dated compared to newer SUVs in the segment.

Safety Ratings

The Fortuner holds a five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2019 testing, reflecting its sturdy construction and effective crash protection. Its high scores for adult and child occupant protection make it a reliable family SUV. However, its safety suite doesn’t incorporate the latest innovations available in more modern competitors.

Adult Occupant Protection: Rated at 95%, ensuring excellent safety for drivers and front passengers.
Child Occupant Protection: Scores 84%, providing strong reassurance for families with younger passengers.

Driver Assistance Features

Toyota has equipped the Fortuner with a range of driver assistance systems that enhance safety in most scenarios. While functional, some features, like lane-keeping assist, feel less refined compared to competitors. Additionally, the lack of stop-and-go functionality in adaptive cruise control limits its usability in heavy traffic.

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects pedestrians and cyclists, helping prevent collisions in urban areas.
Lane Departure Warning: Alerts drivers to unintentional lane drifting, but its intervention can feel abrupt.

The Fortuner’s safety offerings are reliable and effective but highlight the need for modernization in a segment moving rapidly towards advanced driver assistance technology.

Ownership Costs

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Crusade offers a competitive ownership package, featuring Toyota’s renowned reliability and a cost-effective maintenance program. While its service intervals are shorter than some competitors, the brand’s capped-price servicing and extended warranties provide excellent value.

Warranty and Roadside Assistance

Toyota backs the Fortuner with a generous warranty, reflecting confidence in its durability and build quality.

Standard Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kilometers.
Extended Engine and Driveline Coverage: Up to 7 years if the vehicle is serviced according to schedule.
Roadside Assistance: Available at an additional cost, starting at $99 per year.

The extended engine warranty and roadside assistance options give Fortuner owners added peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Service Costs and Intervals

Servicing the Fortuner is straightforward and affordable thanks to Toyota’s capped-price service program. However, the shorter intervals might be inconvenient for some.

Service Intervals: Every 6 months or 10,000 kilometers.
Capped-Price Servicing: $1740 for the first 3 years or 60,000 kilometers.

While the servicing intervals may feel frequent compared to competitors with annual schedules, the fixed pricing ensures predictable and manageable costs.

Verdict

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Crusade is a reliable, no-nonsense SUV built for those who prioritize durability and off-road capability over modern refinement. Its proven HiLux-based underpinnings, impressive off-road performance, and versatile interior make it a strong choice for adventurers and families with rugged travel needs. However, its aging design and lack of cutting-edge technology place it at a disadvantage compared to more modern competitors in the segment.

The Fortuner shines off-road, excelling in challenging terrains with its robust 4×4 system, good ground clearance, and reliable suspension. It also offers practical features like a seven-seat layout and Toyota’s trusted reliability. However, its on-road dynamics, heavy steering, and dated interior and technology may leave urban drivers and tech-focused buyers wanting more.

For those seeking an affordable, capable, and dependable off-road SUV, the Fortuner remains a worthy contender. But if refinement, advanced features, and modern driving dynamics are top priorities, rivals like the Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X may be better suited. The next-generation Fortuner, whenever it arrives, will hopefully address its current shortcomings and strengthen its position in this competitive market.