Toyota Fortuner crashes Ford Everest party

In what appears to be a cunning spoiler for Ford's all-new Everest, which was launched over the weekend in Thailand, Toyota Australia has released first images and details of the interior of its all-new Fortuner.

Both ute-based seven-seat off-road wagons go on sale in Australia in October, within weeks of the release of the utilities on which they're based – the all-new HiLux in the case of the Fortuner, and the upgraded Ranger in the case of the Everest.

However, while Ford's new flagship SUV will be priced between $54,990 and $76,990, making it the Blue Ovals' most expensive model and a direct rival to Toyota's top-selling Prado, the Fortuner is likely to be much cheaper, in line with other hard-core full-chassis SUVs like the Holden Colorado 7, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Challenger.

That hasn't stopped Toyota talking up the Fortuner's "refined cabin with premium materials and high level of standard features" in a press release issued today, two weeks after its world debut and the first working day after the Everest's regional launch.

Toyota has already announced the Fortuner will be available in three model grades in Australia (GX, GXL and Crusade), all fitted as standard with seven seats and the same new downsized 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that will power the new HiLux and upgraded Prado.

It makes 450Nm of torque with a new six-speed automatic transmission and 420Nm in six-speed manual form. Maximum braked towing capacity is three tonnes for the manual and 2.8 tonnes for the auto.

Toyota has also promised that the Fortuner's double-wishbone front and five-link coil-spring rear suspension systems "have been tuned locally to meet Australian conditions and driver expectations for handling stability and ride comfort on all road surfaces".

Now it has confirmed all Fortuners will come standard with a 7.0-inch touch-screen display audio system with Toyota Link connected services, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, contrasting upholstery stitching, blue instrument illumination and chrome-plated rings around the speedo and tacho, which flank a multi-information display (MID).

This is in dot-matrix format for GX and full-colour thin-film-transistor (TFT) technology in the higher GXL and Crusade grades, all of which come with a different dashboard design to the new HiLux.

GX and GXL models come with dark brown fabric seat trim, while the range-topping Crusade is offered with a leather-accented interior in dark brown or fawn.

GXL extras include keyless entry and start, downhill assist control, premium steering wheel and shift knob, paddle shifters for automatic variants, roof rails, fog lights, reverse parking sensors, privacy glass and the colour MID.

Top-shelf Crusade models gain leather-accented trim, satellite-navigation, digital DAB+ radio, automatic air-conditioning, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, powered tailgate, a 220-volt accessory connector, woodgrain-look highlights, bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps and 18-inch alloy wheels.

There's also soft-touch material for the lid of the air-conditioned 'cooler' compartment, which can also keep food or drinks warm.

All models come with air-conditioning outlets for all three rows of seats, which are arranged in 2-3-2 configuration. The second row is split 60/40 and features top tether child-restraint anchors and two ISOFIX attachment points in the outboard positions.

There's also a one-touch slide-and-tumble function for easy access to the twin rear seats, which fold and stow not in the floor but against the side walls. Toyota says reclining seatbacks and contours in the ceiling and floor enable the third row to accommodate adults.

Other standard equipment includes a multi-function steering wheel with audio, telephone, voice recognition and MID controls, a six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX jacks, three 12-volt accessory sockets, auto headlights, floor carpet, low-range selector dial, side steps and a full-size spare wheel.

Confirmed safety features include a reversing camera, seven airbags (with full-length curtain bags), stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes, hill-start assist, trailer sway control and emergency brake signal.

However, there's no sign of the advanced technologies Ford will offer in the Everest, such as lane-departure warning and assistance, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, semi-automatic parking, tyre-pressure monitoring and automatic high-beam.

Toyota's sixth SUV model (not counting the 70 Series LandCruiser wagon and Troopy) measures 4795mm long, 1855mm wide and 1835mm high. It rolls on a 2745mm wheelbase, has 225mm ground clearance and an 80-litre fuel tank.

"The premium convenience, quietness and comfort -- amplified by luxurious features such as soft-touch surfaces – will make Fortuner a stand-out choice for families wanting to negotiate the urban jungle in style," said Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing Tony Cramb.

"At the same time, there's nothing soft about Fortuner's intrinsic strength and its genuine all-terrain capability."