Thai-spec Toyota Fortuner GR-S gets more power, other upgrades
All the hype today from Toyota is focused on the all-new 250-series Land Cruiser which will likely be called the Prado once it’s launched here in the Philippines, but over in Thailand, the Japanese automaker just introduced a refresh for the very popular Fortuner.
Yes, it may have been quiet but the Toyota Fortuner has received some upgrades in terms of its equipment, and even a good power bump on the top-spec GR Sport variant.
In terms of looks, nothing has changed at all, from the front fascia, side, rear, and wheels, it’s all the same. What has changed though can be found underneath, where the Legender, known as the LTD here in the Philippines, gets new shock absorbers, while the GR Sport gets new monotube shock absorbers. This update will certainly help improve the ride quality performance of this SUV which is known to be one of, if not the one with the harshest ride in the segment.
Equipment has also been upgraded with a wireless phone charger (starting from V variant), a tire pressure monitoring system, 360-degree around-view monitor, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert now standard on all Fortuner variants. The Legender and GR Sport also now get a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Now let’s talk about that power bump. The Toyota Fortuner GR Sport still gets the same 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV Inline 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine but it now produces 224 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque, effectively making it the most powerful four-cylinder turbodiesel-powered model in the segment.
Meanwhile, other variants remain with the 2.8L turbodiesel that produces 204 hp and 500 Nm, and the 2.4L turbodiesel with 150 hp and 400 Nm. Also, transmission for all variants is still a 6-speed automatic.
We certainly do hope that the updates done to the Toyota Fortuner in Thailand make it here. Toyota Motor Philippines currently sources the local supply of the popular SUV from Indonesia. Maybe once the updates make it there, then we can see it here.
What do you think of the mildly-refreshed Toyota Fortuner?
