2021 Toyota Fortuner unveiled, features more power and tech

KUALA LUMPUR: Earlier this year, the new Toyota Fortuner has been spied on and leaked several times, but now no more unofficial information as Toyota has finally pulled its wraps. The latest iteration of sturdy and robust Fortuner has been revealed in Thailand along with its ute sibling Toyota Hilux. The SUV arrives with cosmetic updates, new creature comforts in the cabin, and a more powerful engine under the skin. Let’s have a look.

On the exterior, the new Fortuner sports a new larger grille finished in black, newly shaped LED headlamps with DRLs, a revised front bumper, new 18-inch alloy rims, and fog-light bezels. The rear is fairly similar to the outgoing model, though it gets new and slimmer looking LED taillights. The braked-towing capacity has also been increased by 300 kg, now rated at 3100 kg.

Ther top-spec Fortuner Legender model features a sportier persona with a split grille, a different front bumper, dual-LED projector headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paint scheme, and gloss-black elements on the rear bumper and boot lid.

Inside, the refreshed Fortuner picks up the Hilux’s larger 8.0-inch central touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Legender has a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen. Other standout features include satellite navigation, DAB radio, wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting, and a 360-degree camera. For safety, the automaker has added Toyota Safety Sense to the Fortuner specs sheet.

Coming to the mechanical bits, the 2021 Toyota Fortuner incorporates a more powerful 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, tuned to produce 204 PS of maximum power and 500 Nm of torque. The engine comes with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options. Besides improved output levels, it gets improved cooling and other revisions, which reduce fuel consumption and result in cleaner emissions. Toyota claims it is 17 percent more fuel-efficient now.

The new Fortuner is expected to go on sale in Thailand by the end of this month. However, the price is still undisclosed. 

For Malaysia, we hope facelifted Fortuner soon gets its way to the country.

Also read: Toyota Urban Cruiser, the crossover we hope to get