Toyota Fortuner Vs. Ford Everest | Which One Would Win?

When it comes to choosing a reliable, rugged, and powerful SUV for the African terrain, two models stand out: the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Everest. Both vehicles have earned a reputation for their performance, durability, and comfort, making them top contenders in the market. If you’re considering a used SUV for sale in Uganda or searching for a family-friendly vehicle for long-distance travel, comparing these two models can help you make an informed decision. Here’s a detailed look at the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest to help you decide which is the better option for your needs.

Exterior Design and Styling

Both the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Everest have impressive designs that project strength and style, but each has a unique look.

• Toyota Fortuner: Known for its muscular appearance, the Fortuner features a large grille, angular headlights, and high ground clearance. Toyota’s latest updates have added a modern touch with redesigned headlamps, a bold front grille, and dual-tone paintwork options on some trims. Its rugged design makes it well-suited for both city streets and off-road adventures.
• Ford Everest: Ford has revamped the Everest’s exterior with a bold and striking design. The new model features a larger front grille, distinctive C-clamp LED headlights, and a wide stance that gives it a more aggressive appearance than the Fortuner. Everest’s contemporary styling includes 18-inch alloy wheels, which are standard on entry-level trims, enhancing its road presence.

Verdict: The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal taste, but the Ford Everest’s bolder, modern design might appeal more to those seeking a fresh look, while the Toyota Fortuner’s rugged design could attract buyers who appreciate a traditional, no-nonsense SUV.

Engine Performance and Efficiency

The engine and performance play a critical role in any SUV choice, especially for buyers looking for versatility in both urban and off-road settings.

• Toyota Fortuner: Toyota Fortuner in Uganda offers a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine producing 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Fortuner’s engine is known for its reliability and endurance, although some drivers note that it can feel slightly sluggish on acceleration. Toyota claims fuel efficiency at 7.6L per 100 km, making it reasonable for long-distance driving.
• Ford Everest: The Everest’s 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel engine delivers 154 kW and 500 Nm of torque, slightly outperforming the Fortuner. Its 10-speed automatic transmission provides a smoother and more responsive drive than the Fortuner’s 6-speed, particularly when shifting gears. The SUV Everest Ford also has a marginally better fuel economy at 7.5L per 100 km, helping to reduce fuel expenses on long journeys.

Verdict: The Ford Everest edges out the Fortuner with its more refined transmission and slightly better fuel efficiency, making it the more enjoyable choice for drivers who prioritize a smooth, powerful drive.

Interior Features and Comfort

The interior is where these SUVs begin to show more pronounced differences, particularly in terms of space and technology.

• Toyota Fortuner: Inside, the Fortuner offers a straightforward yet durable interior. While the design might feel slightly dated, it includes essentials like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota has used hard-wearing materials throughout the cabin, ensuring longevity even with frequent use. It also features three rows of seating, making it suitable for families, though the third row can feel a bit cramped for adults.
• Ford Everest: The Everest boasts a more modern cabin with a 12-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Its infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well, but Ford also includes additional USB ports and a wireless charging tray. The Everest’s larger cabin provides more legroom, particularly in the second and third rows, making it a more comfortable choice for long journeys.

Verdict: If you’re after a more high-tech, spacious interior, the Ford Everest has the upper hand with its advanced infotainment system and roomy cabin. However, the Toyota Fortuner’s interior is reliable and well-suited for practical use, offering durability that appeals to off-road enthusiasts.

Off-Road Capability

Both SUVs are equipped to handle rough terrains, but there are a few key differences in their off-road setups and capabilities.

• Toyota Fortuner: The Fortuner is known for its off-road durability. With a higher ground clearance of 279 mm, it’s better suited to rocky and uneven terrains. The Fortuner offers selectable drive modes like Eco, Normal, and Sport but lacks more advanced off-road modes, limiting its adaptability in specific off-road situations.
• Ford Everest: The Everest includes Ford’s Terrain Management System with six selectable drive modes, including settings for Mud, Sand, and Tow/Haul. It also features a rear differential lock and a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, allowing drivers to quickly adapt to changing road conditions. The Everest’s ground clearance is slightly lower at 220 mm, but it compensates with excellent handling and stability on rugged trails.

Verdict: The Toyota Fortuner is a tried-and-true option for rough off-roading, but the Ford Everest provides more versatility and control, making it a more flexible choice for drivers who frequently encounter different terrains.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount, especially for family-oriented SUVs. Both the Fortuner and Everest come equipped with essential safety features, but there are some variations in the details.

• Toyota Fortuner: Toyota has equipped the Fortuner with 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, and brake assist. The top-tier Fortuner variants also come with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which consists of lane departure alert and pre-collision warning.
• Ford Everest: The Everest steps up safety with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and a range of additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning as standard on the XLT. It also consists of front and rear parking sensors, making it effortless to maneuver in tight spaces.

Verdict: While both vehicles are well-equipped, the Ford Everest’s advanced safety tech, even on entry-level trims, gives it an edge in safety for family use.

Pricing and Warranty

Pricing can be a deciding factor, especially when comparing features and performance across two similar vehicles.

• Toyota Fortuner: The Fortuner’s pricing starts at a more affordable range compared to the Everest, making it a more budget-friendly option for those who prioritize cost savings. Toyota’s warranty covers 3 years/100,000 km and includes a 9-service/90,000 km service plan, adding to its value.
• Ford Everest: The Everest’s starting price is slightly higher, but it includes a longer 4-year/120,000 km warranty. Ford offers a service plan as an optional add-on, which may increase the overall cost, though it does provide flexibility for buyers who prefer shorter service commitments.

Verdict: For affordability, the Toyota Fortuner in Uganda is the winner. However, those looking for a longer warranty and more coverage may find the Ford Everest worth the extra investment.

Conclusion

Both the Toyota Fortuner and SUV Everest Ford bring unique strengths to the table. If you’re looking for a rugged, affordable, and durable SUV, the Toyota Fortuner is a reliable choice, especially for drivers who value traditional off-road capabilities and longevity. However, if you prefer a modern, tech-friendly SUV with superior comfort and versatility, the Ford Everest emerges as the immaculate winner with its advanced features, smooth drive, and spacious cabin. For those looking for a used SUV in Africa or SUVs for sale in Uganda, both options provide excellent value, with the final choice coming down to personal preferences for features, driving experience, and budget.