Toyota Fortuner upgrade on way

The Toyota Fortuner will benefit from a similar array of upgrades that have been confirmed for the related Toyota HiLux ute, including vehicle tracking and a 360-degree parking camera system.

The updated large 4WD off-road wagon is expected to arrive in Toyota dealerships nationally in October, two months after production gets underway in Thailand.

No changes to the chassis or 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine (150kW/500Nm) are on the cards, but Toyota Australia representatives have confirmed to carsales the seven-seat 2021 Toyota Fortuner “will get an upgrade from August 2021 production onwards”.

This will include “upgrades to some convenience features as well as the addition of Toyota Connected Services” (TCS).

The TCS system will headline the changes to the updated Toyota Fortuner. Similar to the FordPass Connect system on the Ford Everest 4WD, TCS enables vehicle tracking to locate stolen vehicles and includes an automatic collision notification and SOS call system that will contact emergency services and send location details in the event of a serious accident.

All three Aussie Fortuner model grades (GX, GXL, Crusade) will get the TCS upgrade, along with a new shark-fin roof antenna, while mid-spec GXL versions will add dual-zone automatic climate control.

Top-spec Fortuner Crusade models will add a 360-degree camera plus blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert systems.

The updates will help the large SUV remain competitive amid increased pressure from incoming new rivals, such as the hotly-anticipated 2021 Isuzu MU-X seven-seat 4x4 SUV.

At present, the Toyota Fortuner is priced between $49,080 and $61,410 (plus on-road costs), but the extra features are set to bump up prices slightly.

The Toyota Fortuner benefited from a significant mid-life facelift in August 2020, which increased engine power and saw a new exterior design and revised interior with improved convenience and technology features.