Toyota has updated its seven-seat Fortuner SUV, giving it more power and torque, better fuel consumption, increased braked towing capacity, higher equipment levels,
and a refreshed design.

An extra 20kW of power and 50Nm of torque comes from the upgraded 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, lifting maximum outputs to 150kW and 500Nm. However, the higher outputs do not come at the expense of economy, with fuel use cut by 11.6 per cent on the official combined cycle. Consumption is now claimed at 7.6 litres/100km, providing a theoretical range of more than 1,000km from the 80-litre fuel tank. Toyota says the improvement is even better on the urban cycle at 9.1 litres/100km, a reduction of 17.3 per cent.

Maximum braked towing capacity has been expanded by 300kg to 3100kg, and handling has benefited from a new variable-flow power-steering pump.

Advanced Toyota Safety Sense technologies include a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian (day and night) and cyclist (daytime) detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and high-speed active cruise control.

All three Fortuner equipment grades – GX, GXL and Crusade – benefit from exterior styling changes, including a revised front end, while the Crusade benefits from high-grade headlights and a new taillight design. GX and GXL retain their 17-inch alloy wheel while Crusade receives a newly designed 18-inch alloy with a flanged-spoke design.

Inside, GX and GXL interiors have changed to a dark-grey fabric while the leather-accented Crusade interior is available in either black or fawn.

Instrument dials have a new look while the 4.2-inch multi-information display now provides front-tyre angle and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) status.

New range-wide features include an 8-inch multimedia screen operated by buttons rather than by touch. The system now incorporates access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the myToyota app as well as enhanced voice activation.

Other standard equipment includes an air-conditioned cool box, audio and phone controls mounted on the steering wheel, soft-touch instrument panel, 60/40 tumble-and-slide second-row seat, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and six-way driver and four-way front-passenger seat adjustments.

The GX grade can be specified with satellite navigation and DAB digital radio for $1,000. These features are standard on GXL, which also gains automatic climate-control air-conditioning. Other standard GXL equipment includes keyless smart entry and start, roof rails, fog lamps (now LED), privacy glass and downhill assist control.

A $2,500 option pack for GXL includes leather-accented seats and eight-way power adjustable front seats – both of which are standard on Crusade. The top-of-the range model now has an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror and darker woodgrain-look trim on the centre console, in addition to other fittings that include a power tailgate and an 11-speaker premium JBL sound system.

Fortuner’s recommended retail price continues to start under the $50,000 threshold, at $49,080. The new range arrived in local showrooms at the end of August.

2020 FORTUNER PRICES
GX: $49,080
GXL: $54,350
Crusade: $61,410
GX option pack: $1,000
GXL option pack: $2,500
Premium paint: $600

Source: Motor Trader E-magazine (September 2020)

15 September 2020