Upgraded Toyota Fortuner released

Toyota Australia says there was no chance of the upgraded 2021 Toyota Fortuner not returning to local showrooms due to slow sales.

Released today alongside the 2021 Toyota HiLux ute on which it’s based, the updated seven-seat off-roader remains an important part of the Japanese brand’s top-selling SUV line-up, says Toyota.

This is despite the fact it has found just 1526 homes so far this year (down 23% on the same period in 2019), accounting for just three per cent of the large SUV market segment.

In contrast, the Toyota Prado leads the segment with 9411 sales (down 18.2%) and an 18.6 per cent share, ahead of the same brand’s Kluger with 5851 sales (down 10.1%) and an 11.5 per cent share.

The Toyota Fortuner is also outsold by ute-based large SUV rivals like the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Everest, as well as the Mazda CX-9, Subaru Outback, Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Kia Sorento.

“No there was no consideration not to bring Fortuner back because it plays a really important role in the Toyota line-up,” said Toyota Australia sales and marketing boss Sean Hanley during yesterday’s media launch of the 2021 HiLux and Fortuner.

“One of the strengths of the Toyota brand in Australia is its broad product offering, so yes in terms of our own sales the Fortuner has quite a low sales rate, but it really has an important role to play.

Hanley said the Fortuner remains a vital diesel alternative to the Kluger seven-seat wagon, a stepping stone to the Prado and full-size LandCruiser, and a solid option for the increasing numbers of Australians who tow, head off-road and perhaps even do the Big Lap.

“It’s a credible choice, an affordable choice, before they get to LandCruiser. It’s also a powertrain alternative choice to Kluger right now,” he said.

“I think as we enter this new era in our future where I do believe domestic travel will take on a new meaning – lifestyle travel, given the restrictions of international borders will continue for some time yet – we will expect to see an increase in domestic travel. That will be natural outcome.

“When I look at a vehicle like Fortuner I think that is an affordable choice for those people who want to tow, want a bit of off-road, want lifestyle. This vehicle fits sweetly into that spot.

“So I think it’s a good offering. It’s also a good alternative for people who can’t hop into Prado.”

Hanley said the Fortuner would also benefit from a shift to premium versions of ‘lifestyle’ vehicles including utes and SUVs.

“When you look at [HiLux] SR5 and Rugged X there is a rise in demand for those types of vehicles. I think the Fortuner certainly fits into that area as well – slightly different in make-up, more for families I would think.”

As we reported two weeks ago, the facelifted 2021 Toyota Fortuner brings increased power, technology and pricing.

Adopting many of the upgrades made to the latest HiLux, including a more powerful 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, the revised seven-seat off-road SUV is again available in three equipment grades.

The new model is priced from $49,080 for the entry-level Fortuner GX, with the mid-spec GXL pegged at $54,350 and the range-topping Crusade costs $61,410, not including on-road costs.

Prices have gone up by between around $3100 and $3500 depending on the model, but all Fortuner SUVs now get new-look front and rear styling and the beefier engine increases towing capacity by 300kg to 3100kg.

Despite the stronger diesel engine, in which the DPF issues are claimed to have been addressed, fuel consumption has been reduced by more than 11 per cent, from 8.6 to 7.6L/100km combined.

This should provide a touring range of up to 1000km if driven gingerly, given the vehicle’s 80-litre fuel tank.

The Fortuner continues to offer a six-speed automatic transmission, albeit recalibrated to improve acceleration and fuel efficiency. The all-coil suspension set-up carries over largely unchanged while the hydraulic steering has been upgraded with a variable-flow power-steering pump to enable variable resistance at different road speeds.

The rear differential lock makes the grade once again to improve off-road performance, and all models come slim-line LED headlights.

Entry-level Fortuner GX models get improved equipment levels compared to the previous model, starting with an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.0-inch colour infotainment screen, but it’s no longer a touch-screen.

However it does offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality when a smartphone is plugged in via USB. The infotainment system has an improved voice command system and can be linked with the myToyota app for added functionality.

A new instrument cluster features has a more upmarket design and is punctuated by a 4.2-inch multi-information display that adds front-tyre angle and DPF statuses.

An air-conditioned cool box is standard, as is manually operated air conditioning, a tilt- and reach-adjustable steering wheel with audio and phone controls, six-way driver and four-way front passenger seat adjustment.

The second-row seats have 60/40-split, folding and tumbling functionality and safety systems have been improved with the fitment of front parking sensors along with the existing rear sensors as standard equipment.

Fortuner GX model grades can be optioned with satellite navigation and digital radio for $1000.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vehicle and pedestrian detection day or night plus daytime cyclist detection is standard, along with more other modern safety systems including lane-departure alert with steering assist and high-speed active cruise control.

All models will retain their five-star ANCAP safety rating recorded in 2019.

Like the GX, the GXL continues with 17-inch alloy wheels but adds sat-nav, digital radio, climate control, keyless entry/start, tinted windows, LED fog lights, roof rails and hill descent control.

There’s a GXL option pack for $2500 that adds popular options including eight-way power-adjustable front seats plus leather-accented seat and cabin upholstery.

Top-spec Crusade variants get the leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats listed above as standard, together with bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, an up-spec 11-speaker JBL audio system woodgrain cabin highlights, a powered tailgate and self-dimming interior mirror.

The GX and GXL interiors are finished in a dark-grey fabric material while the Crusade’s leather can be had in black or fawn (read: browny-tan).

Fortuner GX option pack – $1000
Fortuner GXL option pack – $2500
Fortuner Premium paint – $600