The adventure began with a redeye flight to George, and I wondered if the Toyota Challenge would live up to the hype. From the airport, it was straight to the driver’s seat of the new Toyota Fortuner GR-S, ready for a test that would push both man and machine along the stunning yet demanding roads of the Garden Route and the winding N2 highway to Cape Town. What better way to discover what this updated Fortuner is made of than on gravel, tarmac, and everything in between?
This year’s Toyota Fortuner Challenge was nothing short of intense. Hennie Terreblanche, a 27-year-old software engineer and part-time CrossFit coach, teamed up with Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa’s Saood Variawa to emerge victorious. The duo showcased grit and strategy as they navigated the Overberg region’s gruelling physical and mental challenges.
The Challenge was not solely about strength and speed. It evaluated endurance, teamwork, and mental sharpness. Events such as the Total Quartz Lifeguard Challenge, the Thule Night Golf Course Escape, the Toyota 4×4 Challenge, and the Garmin Grand Finale pushed competitors to their limits.
Hennie and Saood consistently stood out, demonstrating resilience as they secured victory and the ultimate prize: a brand-new Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport.
Hennie scored a Specialized mountain bike, a Garmin watch, Salomon gear, Thule accessories, and a Total Energies fuel card. What a win!
BADGE POWER
Besides winning the annual Fortuner Challenge, Hennie and Saood also witnessed the introduction of Toyota’s latest SUV contender, the powered-up Fortuner GR-Sport, which ran concurrent to the yearly Challenge.
Toyota’s Fortuner has been a South African favourite, dominating nearly half the medium SUV market for years. This success is no accident. Toyota’s reputation for reliability and substantial resale value keeps the Fortuner at the forefront.
Let’s be honest: the current-generation Fortuner has been around since 2016, so it’s not exactly the new kid on the block. Nevertheless, the GR-S treatment provides a fresh edge that keeps it feeling modern.
The GR-S badge signifies serious performance, and with the updated Fortuner, Toyota didn’t simply apply some stylish trim and call it a day, they increased power and enhanced the suspension to create a true Gazoo Racing product. And it’s evident.
GR STYLING
On the outside, the Fortuner GR-S proudly displays its sporty credentials. The blacked-out grille and fog lamp surround lend it a menacing edge, while the diffuser-style rear bumper adds flair more for looks than function, but it succeeds. The 18″ black alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber complete the rugged, ready-for-anything vibe. Locally, it is available in either black or white, simple yet effective.
Inside, the GR treatment is even more pronounced. Red stitching, GR branding on the steering wheel and headrests, and suede-and-leather sports seats create a suitably sporty cockpit. Even the carbon-look centre console and the red centre marker on the steering wheel scream performance. It’s not subtle, but it’s not trying to be.
GO TO MATCH THE SHOW
Hit the gravel, and the difference between the GR-S and the standard Fortuner is like night and day. Toyota’s upgraded suspension setup sharpens the ride, soaking up rough terrain while keeping the handling tight and composed. It’s firm enough to feel sporty at speed but compliant enough to handle South Africa’s battered backroads without drama.
Toyota even showed us the suspension performance damping force curve, and the GR-S setup provides better control and less bounce than the softer standard model. Translation: it’s smoother, tighter, and more confident when the going gets rough.
The real surprise lies under the hood. The 2.8-litre GD-6 diesel engine now generates 165 kW (+15 kW) and 550 Nm of torque (+50 Nm). That’s a 10% increase overall – hardly a minor change. Power delivery is linear, featuring a noticeable mid-range surge that makes overtaking effortless.
The six-speed automatic gearbox still leans on the conservative side, but the added power makes it feel more alive. There’s even a power button for a sharper throttle response when you feel like turning up the heat. And if you’re more about sipping fuel than burning it, there’s also an Eco mode. Choices, right?
LAST WORD
The Fortuner GR-S is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. Toyota has transformed a solid SUV into something more engaging, capable, and fun to drive. It’s not a full-fledged GR, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s tougher, faster, and more refined- everything you’d expect from a Fortuner, with a hint of Gazoo Racing magic added in, all for an asking price of R999,000.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © BRYAN KAYAVHU & TOYOTA SOUTH AFRICA
