Billed at the time as a masterstroke, the Fortuner held a segment market share of 48% last year, despite only being in its second generation, which debuted in 2016.

Having entered 2025 as the oldest in its class, rumours have long suggested that the Fortuner will be replaced around 2026. The recent introduction of the GR Sport (GR-S) could, therefore, potentially mean the last hurrah for the current generation.

The Prospecton-built GR-S is a unique-to-South-Africa model, featuring the same uptuned 2,8 GD-6 turbo-diesel engine as the Hilux GR Sport III.

Exterior enhancements

Exterior enhancements include a black GR-badged honeycomb grille, black fog light bezels, GR front and rear bumpers, black side-steps, a new lower air intake with a black honeycomb pattern, 18-inch black alloy wheels, black mirror caps and darkened clusters for the LED headlights.

At the rear, and aside from the new bumper, an imitation black diffuser replaces the conventional coloured insert, while the bootlid spoiler also receives a black finish.

GR branding galore

Inside, changes consist of alloy pedals, a GR graphic within the 4,2-inch instrument cluster display, GR floor mats, a GR leather-wrapped steering wheel with red 12 o’clock marking, a GR starter button, and a Gazoo Racing plaque on the centre console.

While the black leather upholstery with red stitch work has been carried over from the VX, the seats are perforated with suede inserts, plus GR logos embroidered onto the front headrests.

On the specs side, the Fortuner GR-S again mirrors the VX, although without the heating function for the electric front seats.

Still standard is the eight-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, 11-speaker JBL sound system, drive mode selector with three settings – Eco, Normal and Sport – the electric tailgate, and folding electric mirrors.

Safety and added driver assistance comes via parking sensors, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, downhill assist control, and hill start assist.

Smooth sailing

While the first leg of the journey from George to Herbertsdale would be on tarmac, the added power twist and revised suspension immediately became apparent from the off. Outputting the same 165kW/550Nm as the Hilux GR Sport III, the Fortuner feels a lot livelier.

In its element off-road, the Hilux-sourced shocks make for a composed ride. Admittedly, while high range four-wheel-drive (4H) was activated on the loose stuff, the GR-S seldom felt confidence inspiring enough to nudge the speedometer into three figures.

The opposite side is a slightly firmer ride on-road and, because of the all-terrain footwear, noticeable tyre roar inside the cabin.

What’s the verdict?

Despite Ford and Mahindra having newer options, the Fortuner is unlikely to be displaced soon from its position as the country’s best-selling three-row SUV.

Vehicle fast facts

Price: R999 000
Engine: 2,8ℓ turbo-diesel
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 165W @ 3 000rpm
Torque: 550Nm at 1 600 to 2 800rpm
Fuel consumption (claimed): 8,4ℓ/100km
Licensing mass: 2 195kg
Towing capacity: 3 300kg
Payload: 540kg