The country’s best selling large SUV also happens to be a most versatile car. Altogether 966 units of the Toyota Fortuner were shifted in March 2021, and it’s easy to see why. Central to its popularity is SA’s love for travel to far-flung places. With this updated model that debuted six months ago, Toyota has maintained the car’s usefulness while making major improvements. For the flagship 2.8 GD-6 VX 4x4 model on test, this includes a technical change in the engine room.

The vehicle is easily identified with an edgier snout with large chrome strips that separate the Bi-LED lamps and a blacked out mesh pattern grille...