Toyota Malaysia has welcomed the year 2021 with big announcements - the soon arrival of refreshed Innova and 2021 Fortuner. While the former is already on sale in the Indonesian market, the latter made its debut in Thailand in June 2020. And now, finally, in 2021, we'll be getting our hands on these Toyota top-sellers.

Toyota Malaysia, today dropped a teaser showing the 2021 Fortuner is a dark shadow with only the front right corner visible partially. The words 'PURE DURABILITY' assured the everlasting confidence the SUV is known for. Besides, the automaker also opened the 'register the interest' for both the cars, signing up to which will get you the latest update.

Since Toyota Malaysia has not revealed any technical or mechanical details on the 2021 Innova and 2021 Fortuner, we decided to do some research and see what the revised package holds.

Here we'll be discussing the 2021 Toyota Fortuner SUV and its expected specifications kit, of course by taking clues from the Thai launched model.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Variants

Taking clues from Toyota Malaysia's latest teaser and the Thai-spec model, it seems like apart from the standard variants, we'll also be benefiting from the new high-spec trim, the Fortuner Legender.

Compared to the rest of the SUV lineup (discussed below) this one features, this one looks different, has a more luxurious cabin, different under the hood configuration, and it also benefits from Toyota Safety Sense pack of safety features.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Design

The updated seven-seater SUV is based on the ladder frame truck, as expected is loaded with luxury and comforting features. The design reflects a premium car feel that's hard to miss.

The new Fortuner is a stunner, at the front, it gets a new, redesigned grille and bumper combo. The former features wavy inserts and is flanked by bi-beam LED headlamps with LED DRLs. The latter sports massive side air intakes with straight ends.

The side features prominent wheel arches that house new 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the 2021 Fortuner gets LED signature taillights that now feature a flowing curve, instead of a pair of chopsticks.

Moving on to the Fortuner Legender, it features a unique exterior design language. It’s surely more aggressive and stormy than its counterparts, thanks to the slimmer grille and large front bumper. On the equipment front, it gets dual projector LED headlamps with segmented DRLs, LED strips at the lower bumper that act as sequential turn indicators, 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and a new rear bumper. Also, part of the kit is a black roof and pillars, calling for a ‘floating roof’ effect.

Colour options: Dark Blue Mica and Emotional Red are two new hues introduced by Toyota.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Interior

On the inside, the refreshed Fortuner features several new equipment like a new Optitron meter cluster with full-colour 4.2-inch multi-info display, new Variable Flow Control speed-sensitive steering wheel, steering paddle shifters, 8.0-inch touchscreen head unit with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The updated SUV also benefits from eight-way power seats, single-zone auto air-con system, cruise control, one-touch folding second-row seat, and an auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror.

The Fortuner Legender trim gets two-tone leather seats, different design Optitron meter panel, two-extra USB ports, 360-degree panoramic view monitor, JBL sound system, wireless charger, kick-activated hands-free tailgate, ambient lighting, and a 9-inch touchscreen display.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Engine

Powering the 2021 Fortuner is a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine making a maximum power of 150 PS along with a peak torque of 400 Nm from 1,600 to 2,000 rpm. Sending power to the ground is a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Enabling it the new Fortuner drive better is the Sigma 4 system that allows the driver to shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive or low range four-wheel drive via a knob. Further, enhancing the driving experience is new tyre turning angle graphics on the MID, Active Traction Control, and Downhill Assist Control.

The Legender grade of models is offered with two engine options - a 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre unit. It also gets drive mode buttons placed behind the gear lever. Speaking of drive modes, the driver can choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Safety

Toyota like always has kept no stones unturned on the car's safety front. The new Fortuner benefits from seven airbags, all-round disc brakes, and Vehicle Stability Control.

The Legender come with Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety features. It includes Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Pre-Collision System.

Conclusion

It doesn’t matter if we get the standard Toyota Fortuner lineup or the new high-spec Fortuner Legender models, as both look stylish and are well equipped. We just are happy to welcome the new 2021 model.

Also Read: 2021 Toyota new cars: What to expect?