Toyota reveals updated 2021 Fortuner in Thailand
Toyota has officially revealed the facelifted 2021 Fortuner alongside the pick-up truck its based on, its Hilux sibling which also got a facelift. This update brings it more in line with the company’s current design language.
The front fascia for most Fortuners gets a larger and sportier grille, an updated set of LED headlights, and a more rugged-looking front bumper. LED fog lights with edgier slightly squared-off housings and daytime running lights are also integrated into the bumper. It rides on a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels which give it a more premium look. At the back, it gets updated LED taillight clusters.
The top-spec variant, dubbed the Legender, gets a different set of front and rear bumpers, different front grille and larger lower air intake, and completely different LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights. It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels and also gets a two-tone paint finish with a blacked-out roof.
The interior of the 2021 Fortuner gets some changes as well. There is a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones. Higher-spec variants will also get interior mood lighting, and a power tailgate with a kick-to-open function. Lastly, there’s an updated instrument cluster for the driver.
Under the hood, the updated Fortuner still gets the familiar 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel engine. It now makes 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. An increase of 27 hp and 50 Nm. This also makes it on par with the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Ford Everest as being equipped with the most powerful engines in the segment. Lower-spec variants will also still get the same 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV turbodiesel with 147 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Both powertrain options are still paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Expect the driving experience to be improved as well as the Fortuner is now equipped with variable flow control or VFC. This allows the vehicle to have lighter steering in lower speeds and heavier steering in higher speeds. This also gives more confidence for the driver.
Safety has also been improved. The Fortuner now gets Toyota Safety Sense. The safety suite equips the vehicle with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system, and lane departure alert. Higher-spec variants will also be equipped with a 360-degree around-view monitor.
We don’t know yet when the new 2021 Toyota Fortuner and its Hilux sibling will be launched in the Philippines. We hope that all the updates make it here, especially the upgraded infotainment system as that is where the two vehicles really fall short when competing with their rivals. Perhaps we can get more information after the company’s launch of a new model on June 15.
Images from Toyota
