By Amanda Mfuphi

The Toyota Fortuner continues to be a runaway success for Toyota locally. To keep ahead of the competition, Toyota has updated the popular SUV with sharpened styling, more colours, enhanced specification levels, improved performance and the addition of a new flagship model. Toyota has also taken the time to introduce a new ‘range-topper’ in the form of the new 2.8 GD-6 VX. The VX suffix is employed on Toyota’s other SUV ranges (RAV4, Prado and Land Cruiser 200) and denotes the highest specification level on offer.

Exterior

Up front, the updated Fortuner spots a larger, blacked-out grille with wave-like mesh pattern (gloss finish on VX) that is accompanied by a silver-accented “skid-plate” underrun. The updated Fortuner also gets re-profiled Bi-LED headlamps that now feature striking scalloped DRL light guides and are joined by LED fog lamps and strip-like LED turn-signal elements in the lower bumper. At night, these strip lights double as additional puddle lighting. Further enhancing the looks of the new Fortuner are chrome accent strips that bridge the grille and headlamp assemblies.  

On the VX-grade, the side profile is enhanced with a thin, chrome belt-line that extends towards the rear, effectively wrapping around the vehicle, and complementing the other chrome detailing. At the rear, the updated Fortuner has new tail lamp units with integrated light guides, a roof spoiler and Fortuner-emblazoned centre garnish.

In terms of wheels, the 2.4 GD-6 models retain their 17-inch alloy wheels while the 2.8 GD-6 variants receive a stylish new 18-inch alloy wheel with turbine design and metallic surface treatment.

The updated Fortuner introduces one additional colour to the Fortuner range being Oxide Bronze, which replaces the Avant Garde Bronze colour. Other colours on offer include Glacier White, Chromium Silver, Graphite Grey and Attitude Black, while Cosmic Blue and Chestnut Brown remain the more expressive hues on offer.

Interior

Notably, Toyota indicates that one of the key changes in the cabin is the shift to a black interior, in line with market requests. The previously employed brown-leather interior has been replaced by sophisticated black ‘hide’ with silver contrast stitching. High-brightness treatment has also been applied to the accent areas of the interior. The updated Fortuner has a new instrument cluster design with metallic-blue dial faces and white needle. These are augmented by an expanded, centrally mounted Multi-Information Display.

The Fortuner received a much-improved infotainment system with the introduction of an all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The 2.8 GD-6 models (mid and VX) are also equipped with embedded Audio-Visual Navigation (AVN).

Safety & Security

The updated Fortuner also gets the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety system to enhance the safety features in the updated Fortuner. TSS integrates a Pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, and road sign recognition.

Toyota Connect

All models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle via the MyToyota App. This app allows on-demand service bookings, vehicle information and history, tracking data as well as Toyota Connect data recharge services and much more – latterly even including the ability to renew your vehicle license online.

Specification Enhancements

The 2.4 GD-6 variants now also include Park Distance Control (PDC) alongside full LED lighting, cruise control and touchscreen infotainment with aforementioned CarPlay and Android Auto. A new Multi-Information Display screen now includes a large, digital speed read out and steering wheel angle indicator (for enhanced off-road usability). These are joined by the base specification items such as one-touch power windows, reverse camera, steering switches, air-conditioned upper glovebox, multiple 12-volt power outlets, cup/bottle holders and a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column.

The 2.8 GD-6 ‘mid-grade’ adds an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, power seat adjustment for both driver and passenger, climate control as well as rear fog lamps. A leather steering wheel, leather dashboard accents and matte wood-trim – complete the interior offering.

The new VX model comes with seat heating (driver and passenger), welcome lighting and the Toyota Safety Sense system.    

Power and Performance

The updated Fortuner enjoys an increase in power for its 2.8 GD-6 engine. The updated 2.8 GD-6 engine pushes out 150kW (an increase of 20kW) of power and 500Nm (an increase of 50Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Towing Capacity

The towing capacity of 2.4 GD-6 4×4 models has seen a significant increase of 800kg, now registering 3.3 tons and matching that of the 2.8 GD-6 4×4 model. Subsequently, 2.8 GD-6 4×4 models now also boast a towing capacity of 3300kg (an increase of 300kg over the outgoing model).

Pricing, Warranty and Maintenance

Pricing of the updated Fortuner is as below:

Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT                            R566,800

Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB 6AT                            R588,000

Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4X4 6AT                           R616,700

Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT                            R700,100

Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4X4 6AT                           R770,400

Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 RB VX 6AT                      R720,200    

Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4X4 VX 6AT                     R790,500

Pricing includes a 3-year/100,000 km warranty and a 9-services/90,000 km service plan