The 2026 Fortuner Challenge, powered by Quartz engine oil, delivered a finale worthy of its decade-long legacy, as Stephan Jacobs emerged victorious after a gripping, edge-of-the-seat final day in the Western Cape Winelands. What began as a tightly matched field of four teams evolved into one of the most dramatic conclusions in the event’s history, with the winner only confirmed in the ninth and final challenge.
From the outset, the competition set a relentless pace. All four teams arrived at the final day still in contention, a rare scenario that intensified every decision, every second, and every mistake. Jacobs, representing Independent Media and partnered with showjumping athlete Tamar Gliksman, entered the final stage with quiet momentum rather than dominance, steadily building consistency across three days of physically and mentally demanding tasks.
This year’s Fortuner Challenge once again brought together an eclectic mix of South African sporting excellence and everyday ambition. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa driver Saood Variawa, Toyota Cheetahs star Clayton Blommetjies, showjumping talent Tamar Gliksman, and Kaizer Chiefs legend Morgan Gould each guided their paired challengers through a multi-discipline test designed to strip away comfort and expose character. The challengers, Shaun Farrell, Lelani Loots, André Malan, and Stephan Jacobs, were selected through a national media-driven entry process that highlighted stories of grit and determination from across the country.
Across the Western Cape terrain, teams were pushed through navigation-based trials, endurance cycling, reaction-based testing, cooking under pressure, and complex obstacle sequences that demanded not only physical output but clear communication and composure under fatigue. The landscape became both arena and adversary, shaping outcomes as much as the competitors themselves.
While each pairing had standout moments, the competition remained fiercely balanced. Shaun Farrell showed strong preparation and resilience, André Malan drew on disciplined athletic experience, and Lelani Loots distinguished herself through unwavering positivity and teamwork. Her contribution did not go unnoticed, earning her the Spirit Award for exceptional attitude and morale-boosting presence throughout the Challenge.
Jacobs, however, proved the most consistent across the board. Avoiding major errors and building incremental advantage with each stage, he and Gliksman positioned themselves for a decisive final push. When the moment arrived, they executed with precision, securing overall victory in a finale that came down to the smallest margins.
The reward for this achievement was substantial, with Jacobs driving away in a Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6, alongside a collection of prizes from event partners including Quartz Engine Oil, Salomon, Garmin, Oakley, Thule, and Specialized. The win also marked his formal welcome into the broader Toyota family, underscoring the brand’s continued investment in the Challenge and its participants.
Beyond the physical contest, the Fortuner Challenge once again extended its reach through the “Back Your Hero” campaign, which engaged audiences nationwide by allowing fans to support their chosen teams while competing for weekly prizes. The initiative reinforced the event’s growing cultural footprint, transforming it from a competition into a shared national experience.
Toyota South Africa Motors Vice-President of Marketing, Glenn Crompton, reflected on the significance of the Challenge, emphasising both product relevance and human performance. He highlighted the Fortuner’s position within Toyota’s broader lineup and its alignment with South African conditions, while also acknowledging the determination shown by all competitors under demanding circumstances.
The 2026 edition ultimately reaffirmed the Fortuner’s reputation for durability, versatility, and real-world capability, while celebrating the human stories that define the Challenge itself. In a contest built on unpredictability, Stephan Jacobs proved that consistency, composure, and timing can still define victory when everything is on the line.
