Think you’ve got what it takes? You could win a Toyota Fortuner

If you think you’re fit enough, tough enough and calm enough under pressure, the Fortuner Challenge 2026 powered by Quartz Engine Oil is back – and once again the winner gets to drive away in a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, along with a host of valuable prizes.

The format remains the same, but just as demanding. Four members of the public will be paired with four sporting heroes, each team representing a major media house, including Independent Media.

Over several days, those teams will be pushed through a series of physically and mentally taxing challenges designed to expose weaknesses quickly and reward consistency, teamwork and decision-making under stress.

It’s a multi-discipline endurance challenge that demands genuine fitness, solid off-road driving skills and the ability to think clearly when your legs and lungs are already empty.

What the challenge involves

Entrants should expect a mix of activities that test speed, endurance and problem-solving ability. These include:

• Running
• Cycling
• Navigational challenges
• Water-based activities
• Mental and physical problem-solving tasks

You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but you do need to be prepared. A good level of fitness isn’t optional, and neither is the ability to work as part of a team when things get uncomfortable.

What can you win

The challenger who forms part of the winning team stands to win a brand-new Toyota Fortuner, valued at approximately R740,000.

The prize package also includes a substantial list of lifestyle and adventure gear, among them:

• Thule Evo roof racks, Outpace 2 bike carrier and Thule luggage, including a 40-litre duffel and 110-litre roller (to the value of R61,195)
• TotalEnergies fuel card worth R10,000
• Specialized mountain bike worth R49,000
• Garmin watch valued at R27,500
• Salomon clothing worth R9,650
• Oakley eyewear valued at R3,000

How to enter

To be eligible, entrants must hold a valid South African driver’s licence and be available to participate on the official Fortuner Challenge 2026 dates, from 20 to 22 April 2026.

Applications are now open, and Independent Media readers can enter via the dedicated portal. From there, shortlisted candidates will go through a selection process, with one ultimately chosen to represent Independent Media as a finalist in the 2026 challenge.

If you think you’ve got the fitness, focus and resilience to see it through, you can enter at:www.fortunerchallenge.co.za/independent-media

T’s & C’s apply.