Toyota Fortuner adds kiloWatts and cost

The 2021 Toyota Fortuner has benefitted from the same updates to the Toyota HiLux ute on which it’s based, but you’ll pay extra for the privilege.

Although the seven-seat large SUV is still the cheapest hard-core off-roader in the Toyota line-up and the only one that still creeps in under $50,000, the minimum price rise for this midlife facelift is $3085.

That’s for the entry-level Toyota Fortuner GX, which is now priced at $49,080 plus on-road costs – up from $45,965.

The mid-spec GXL jumps from $50,790 to $54,350, while the flagship Crusade breaks the $60K barrier, rising from $58,290 to $61,410 plus on-road costs.

Compared to its key ladder-frame turbo-diesel 4x4 rivals, the Fortuner still undercuts the class-leading Ford Everest, but has now outstripped the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu MU-X.

The key upgrades Toyota delivers for the extra dollars include higher power and torque outputs and better fuel consumption from the 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine, increased braked towing capacity, a boost in equipment levels and a minor exterior restyle.

It will be interesting to see what impact – if any – these changes have on the Fortuner’s popularity, as it is one of the few models in the Toyota range that is not a sales leader. Ranger outsells it two-to-one and Toyota’s own more expensive Prado has a 6:1 advantage.

On sale from August 27, the new Fortuner’s engine power climbs in power by 20kW to 150kW and in torque by 50Nm to 500Nm, as per the HiLux –something that makes it instantly more competitive in the class.

The improvements are attributed to a larger water-cooled heavy-duty ball-bearing turbocharger with a newly developed variable nozzle vane mechanism, as well as measures to increase engine rigidity, cooling and efficiency.

The uprated engine continues to drive via a six-speed automatic transmission and part-time 4x4 with low-range and diff lock in all models.

Despite higher outputs, Toyota says the Fortuner’s fuel economy average has dipped from 8.6L/100km to 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle, delivering a theoretical 1000km-plus range from the 80-litre tank.

Through all this Toyota has yet to clarify whether DPF and ‘dusting’ issues have been addressed by this engine update.

The boost in engine outputs has also meant an uptick in braked towing capacity from 2800kg to 3100kg. This is still well shy of the maximum 3500kg of the HiLux, but now equals the Mitsubishi and the biturbo diesel Everest. It outstrips the 3.2-litre five-cylinder Ford by 100kg, along with the MU-X.

Toyota has also been to work on Fortuner’s handling, fitting a new variable-flow power-steering pump designed to offer more assistance at parking speeds and a more direct feel at highway speeds.

New equipment for Fortuner includes front parking sensors and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – hallelujah! Promisingly, the fiddly old touch-screen has been binned for a new 8.0-inch (up from 7.0-inch) screen that is operated by buttons.

Instrument dials have a new font and a satin finish to the outer rings, while the 4.2-inch multi-information display now provides front-tyre angle and DPF status. GX and GXL interiors have changed to a dark-grey fabric while the leather-accented Crusade interior is available in either black or fawn.

GX can be specified with satellite navigation and DAB digital radio for $1000. A $2500 option pack for GXL includes leather-accented seats and eight-way power adjustable front seats. The Crusade now has an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror and darker woodgrain-look trim on the centre console.

Externally, the revised Fortuner nose includes a larger black grille, a restyled lower front bumper that has been divided to produce a ‘skid-plate’ underneath slimmer Bi-LED headlights.

The Crusade adds higher grade headlights, a new tail-light look and freshly designed 18-inch alloys with a flanged-spoke design.

Toyota Fortuner GX $49,080
Toyota Fortuner GXL $54,350
Toyota Fortuner Crusade $61,410