2006 Toyota Hilux SW4/Fortuner 3.0L D-4D

Vehicle Overview

The idea of creating an SUV based on a pickup wasn’t new, and Toyota used that recipe to make the Fortuner/SW4 lineup, which was unveiled at the Thailand International Motor Expo in 2004.

The Japanese automaker used different nameplates for its body-on-frame SUV positioned between the Rav4 and the Land Cruiser. However, regardless of how it was called, the Fortuner or the SW4, they relied on the rugged and trustworthy chassis of the seventh generation of the Hilux. Furthermore, it even carried over some of the engines and transmissions from that pickup, but the automaker also decided to install new powerplants that were unavailable for the utilitarian off-roader. As a result, customers knew what they would get and expect from their SUVs, and these vehicles were quite successful in the countries where they were sold. Unfortunately, the North American, European, Australian, and British customers couldn’t get their hands on one since Toyota didn’t sell them there.

At the front, the automaker tried to sweeten the lines of the regular Hilux when it penned the SW4’s fascia. It still featured a black grille that housed the chromed Toyota badge flanked by a pair of headlights that resembled the ones from the Corolla rather than those from the Hilux. Furthermore, the bumper was tall and had an integrated air intake on the lower side, protected by an aluminum skid plate. In addition, customers could opt for a pair of fog lamps.

From its profile, the difference between the SW4 and the Hilux was clear. Up to the B-post, the windshield and the front fenders resembled those from its pickup sibling. However, behind the cabin’s mid-section, it was entirely different. Toyota’s design team created a roof extended behind the rear seats and raked-forward C-posts. In addition, the flared wheel arches adorned by plastic trims created a sporty but off-road-oriented stance for the car. Furthermore, the 2006 Toyota SW4 featured plastic side sills, while a set of chromed side steps was available. Out back, on the upper side of the tailgate, the automaker put a roof spoiler. Toyota also installed broad taillights extended from the quarter panels on the tailgate, enhancing the vehicle’s look.

Inside, customers were greeted by a cabin that tried to look less utilitarian, even though many of its parts were shared with the Toyota Hilux. Fronting the driver was an instrument cluster with a binocular styling where the speedometer took center stage. It was flanked on its left by the rev counter, while on the right cluster were the gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The center stack housed the stereo and the buttons for the HVAC. Toyota offered the Fortuner/SW4 in a few grades, where the lowest ones had a manual transmission and cloth seats, while the top trim level featured a leather-wrapped interior and automatic gearbox. In the back, the reclining and split-folding bench seat provided enough room for three passengers. Thanks to the ladder-frame construction system, the SW4 didn’t have a tall transmission tunnel to limit legroom for the middle-seated occupant.

Under the hood, Toyota introduced the SW4 with a choice of gasoline and turbodiesel engines. Later on, it dropped the spark-ignited version and left only the oil burners on the offer. It also produced the vehicle as an RWD or as a 4×4 affair, the latter being fitted with a two-speed transfer box.