10 things you need to know about the new Toyota Fortuner

Justin Jacobs

It is without a doubt that the Toyota Fortuner is one of South Africa’s most popular SUVs, and has been so since its inception way back in 2006. Now in its second generation, the 7-seat Fortuner continues to offer the perfect blend of styling, versatility, off-road prowess and practicality. We will be getting our hands on the latest offering very soon, so for now, here are some things that you need to know.

For 2020, the design and engineering teams focused on amplifying those core attributes that have made it so successful – sharpened styling, enhanced specification levels and improved performance all forming part of the brief.

While a two-tier grade strategy (entry and mid) has been in place since introduction, changing market requirements have led to the introduction of a new ‘range-topper’ in the form of the new 2.8 GD-6 VX.

The design team focused on retaining the characteristic profile of Fortuner while accentuating and refreshing the façade. At the front a larger, blacked-out grille with wave-like mesh pattern (gloss finish on VX) is accompanied by a silver-accented “skid-plate” underrun for a tougher, more integrated look

Re-profiled Bi-LED headlamps provide a sleeker look and these are further enhanced by prominent chrome accent strips that bridge the grille and headlamp assemblies. They striking scalloped DRL light guides and are joined by LED fog lamps and strip-like LED turn-signal elements in the lower bumper. At night, these strip lights double as additional puddle lighting.

The 2.4 GD-6 models retain their 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 265-65-R17 rubber while the 2.8 GD-6 variants receive a stylish new 18-inch alloy wheel with turbine design and metallic surface treatment – employing 265-60-R18 tyres.

One of the key change points, is the shift to a black interior, in line with market requests. The previously employed brown-leather interior has been replaced by sophisticated black ‘hide’ with silver contrast stitching.

A new instrument cluster design has been employed with metallic-blue dial faces, white needle pointers and a simple, elegant font – complementing the blue interior lighting. These are augmented by an expanded, centrally-mounted Multi-Information Display.

An all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality now calls Fortuner home. This allows users to mirror applications off their mobile phone – for seamless connectivity. Navigation applications such as Google Maps and Waze are natively included and occupants can also access their music libraries and streaming accounts via apps like Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify and SoundCloud. Wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth with a USB input for additional media options.

The towing capacity of 2.4 GD-6 4×4 models has seen a significant increase of 800kg, 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 3300kg (an increase of 300kg over the outgoing model).

The mechanicals have not been forgotten, as the output of the 2.8 GD-6 engine has been boosted by 20kW to 150kW, with an additional 50Nm on offer, bringing the figure to 500Nm. Toyota engineers have improved performance and fuel economy simultaneously by adopting a larger, heavy-duty turbocharger with a ball-bearing cartridge for exceptionally crisp and strong throttle response, and a new common-rail injection system with a higher maximum fuel pressure of 250 MPa.

As mentioned, we will be sampling the new Fortuner very soon and we can’t wait to bring you along for the drive.