Hot on the heels of the Toyota Hilux launch comes the updated Toyota Fortuner. The new update gives it more power and more safety systems with a subtle visual lift too.

The Toyota Fortuner remains one of the best-selling vehicles in the country, combining proven Toyota reliability with bakkie underpinnings in an SUV body. The current model, much like the recent Hilux facelift has come in for a raft of updates that will make it very difficult for the competition to make any notable gains on the sales charts. The key updates for the facelifted model revolve around improved spec levels, better styling and additional power.

Engine upgrade

Now with 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque, the Fortuner should be much better at towing and overtaking.

The 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel is uprated to put out 150 kW and 500 Nm but is also more efficient than before with Toyota claiming between 6.8L/100 km and 7.9L/100 km. NVH has been improved with the engine upgrade thanks to the balance shaft fitted to the 2.8. The rest of the range has been whittled down to just the 2.4-litre turbodiesel available in either 4×2 or 4×4 but only with an automatic gearbox. The 2.7 and 4.0 petrol versions are no longer offered in the facelifted Fortuner range.

The rear suspension upgrades afforded to Hilux have not been carried over to the Fortuner as Toyota felt the rear suspension setup was adequate on the Fortuner and didn’t require any further refining.

The towing capacity of 2.4 GD-6 4×4 models has seen a significant increase of 800 kg, now registering 3.3 tons and matching that of the 2.8 GD-6 4×4 model. Subsequently, 2.8 GD-6 4×4 models now also boast a towing capacity of 3.3 tons (an increase of 300 kg over the outgoing model).

Styling upgrade

VX model gets a blacked-out front grille and silver strip on the side.

The front end has been remodelled with an extended grille and Bi-LED headlights. It's not easy to spot the new model from the front unless you see it alongside an older Fortuner.

A new colour in the form of Oxide Bronze has been added to the range replacing the Avant-Garde Bronze. 18-inch wheels are available on the 2.8 model while the 2.4 version sits on 17-inch wheels, the tyre profiles for each come in at 265-65-R17 and 265-60-R18. The skid plates now have silver accents on them in order to look a little more rugged but for 4×4 purists, the will likely just get bent and scrape at break over point.

The rear lights are the easiest way to spot the new Fortuner as they are distinctly different than the previous ones and feature raised LED brake lights. Spotters have even said that the design is quite similar to a BMW X5 in appearance.

The VX model specifically gets a silver strip ‘belt-line’ that wraps around the waist of the Fortuner and a blacked-out grille.

Interior improvements

Black leather replaces the brown leather and the new infotainment system is now Andriod and Apple compatible.

A new VX model sits atop the Fortuner range in position to compete with the top-spec Ford Everest Limited. The VX is equipped with additional safety features such as road sign detection, pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

Silver accents around the cabin combine with the black leather which has replaced the brown leather interior. This model also features heated seats and welcome lighting.

An 8-inch infotainment system is now available which features Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. All Fortuner models are now equipped with cruise control as standard as well as park-distance control and LED lighting.

Aftersales

All Fortuner models come with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. A 9-services/90 000 km service plan is standard on all models (service intervals of 10 000 km or 12-months).

Pricing and model range (November 2020)

Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT – R 566 800

Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB 6AT – R 588 000

Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4X4 6AT – R 616 700

Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT – R 700 100

Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4X4 6AT – R 770 400

Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 RB VX 6AT – R 720 200

Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4X4 VX 6AT – R 790 500

Further Reading

Updated Toyota Fortuner Revealed

2020 AA-Kinsey Report: Which Are The Cheapest Cars to Service and Repair?

2020/21 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – Powered by WesBank; Finalists