Toyota Fortuner Legender

Big, powerful and unflappable, the Fortuner is the car people pick when they're travelling as a group or a family with kids. Seven genuine seats, a boot that truly swallows suitcases and boards, and a high driving position that gives you a great view of the road. The 2.8 diesel is in no hurry, but it's a pleasure to drive: pull is confident, it doesn't run out of breath climbing a hill with five passengers on board, and fuel use is reasonable for a car this size. On a broken-up road to a remote beach or in the rain, the Fortuner stays predictable — a tough suspension and all-wheel drive forgive a lot. The one downside is its footprint: in the narrow lanes of the old town you'll need to take extra care when parking. A great pick for Phuket routes with climbs and dirt turn-offs.

For fuel, budget around 8–9 litres of diesel per 100 km in mixed driving — honest figures for a body-on-frame SUV with all-wheel drive — and diesel stations are plentiful across the island. On Highway 402 towards the airport or on a long haul up to Phang Nga, the car cruises smoothly and holds its speed, while the high seating position hugely reduces driver fatigue after several hours behind the wheel. In the rainy season, when a downpour turns Patong's junctions into knee-deep puddles, the Fortuner's ground clearance is a genuine lifesaver — where sedans turn back, you simply drive through.

A word on the third row: it's fine for adults on short hops, but if you're travelling seven-up with luggage for the whole holiday, plan how you'll distribute the suitcases in advance — folded flat, the third row opens up a huge cargo area, but raised it leaves room for only a couple of bags. A typical scenario: a family of 4–6 rents a villa in Rawai or Nai Harn, tours the beaches, and heads up into the hills a time or two for the viewpoints and waterfalls. The car is a touch large for the city, and you'll want a day or two to get used to its size and blind spots, but supermarket and hotel car parks usually make room for SUVs like this.

Please note: child seats and accessories are not included in the rental price and are provided for an additional fee — please check availability when booking.