TOYOTA’S SEVEN-SEAT SUV was one of the first to be based on the underpinnings of a crew cab ute and it has proven to be a popular formula.
Now Toyota has unveiled a mid-life upgrade for its seven-seat Fortuner SUV, improving its visual appeal and adding multiple improvements to engine, driving and towing performance.
Due in Australia in late August, Fortuner’s exterior styling is refreshed with a more premium look, reflecting the vehicle’s dual role as a comfortable urban transporter and a rugged off-road explorer.
But the most significant changes are under the skin where new and revised engine components result in noticeable gains to output with sizeable cuts to fuel consumption.
More power, more torque, higher towing capacity
New and uprated components have resulted in a more robust 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, enabling maximum power to rise to 150kW and torque to peak at 500Nm.
While delivering impressive gains of 20kW and 50Nm, additional measures including improved cooling have enabled fuel consumption to be reduced across the board, particularly in city driving where the improvement is more than 17 percent.
Another significant customer benefit from the upgraded Fortuner is a 300kg increase in the maximum braked towing capacity to 3100kg.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said the changes to Fortuner build on the premium quality expected in a versatile SUV.
“Customers will appreciate the extra performance from the high-torque engine, coupled with impressive fuel economy, smoothness and quietness – whether they’re on the school run or heading into the great outdoors,” Mr Hanley said.
The updated Fortuner retains its familiar GX, GXL and Crusade equipment grades, each displaying a unique surround for the larger black grille, restyled bumpers with a “skid-plate design” underrun, more prominent foglamp bezels, and slimmer headlamps upgraded to LEDs. Crusade is equipped with a new LED taillight cluster.
Inside, there’s a larger 8-inch display screen (up from the previous seven-inch) that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone integration and advanced features including enhanced voice activation.
Satellite navigation and digital (DAB) radio is available with the GX and standard on the GXL and Crusade.
Australians have bought more than 15,000 Fortuner SUVs, an average of more than 3000 a year since its introduction in mid-2015.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Toyota Fortuner, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.