In parts of the world like Australia, Asia, or South Africa, the Fortuner is one of the toughest SUVs you can get. If you wonder why this model is so tough, the answer lays in the fact that most of the parts are shared with the legendary Hilux pickup truck. The current generation of this three-row SUV has been around for about five years and this seems like a perfect time for a facelift. That’s why the 2021 Toyota Fortuner is coming with big novelties. We are about to see a new styling, but several more updates too, including a more powerful engine.
Also, many sources were suggesting the possibility to see this model in North America in the past several months. Now, we know for sure that this won’t happen. This SUV will remain exclusive to the existing markets. The 2021 Toyota Fortuner will start arriving already in the next couple of weeks.
2021 Toyota Fortuner Redesign
This facelift brings a lot of interesting changes. Still, this isn’t a complete redesign. So, the base design will remain the same. You may count on the same overall layout, which has been introduced along with the current-generation Hilux five years ago. The two models share most of their mechanics, including frame, chassis, suspension and powertrain. These things definitely won’t change for the next model years.
The 2021 Toyota Fortuner dimensions will also remain the same. In numbers, this means you may count on about 108 inches in wheelbase and 188 inches in the overall length. That seems closer to a compact than mid-size SUV but the Fortuner comes with three rows of seats anyway. Still, such a relatively short wheelbase also means several benefits, particularly in terms of off-road performances. Also, the maneuverability is pretty good with this SUV.
Styling
As you may presume, the biggest part of this update is reserved for visual changes. This is a typical facelift, which puts focus on making the vehicle look more appealing. For that reason, the front end comes almost completely new. There are new headlights, with a new shape and new inner design. Furthermore, there are new grille and bumper, while you can easily notice a couple of novelties on the rear end too. From the side, you can easily notice new wheels designs, while the 2021 Toyota Fortuner also comes with some new color options in the offer.
Another big novelty for this facelift is the addition of a new range-topping trim level called Legender. The 2021 Toyota Fortuner Legender won’t be characterized by more standard equipment only, but also with several unique styling details, starting from a different grille design, bigger wheels and more. Other than that, you may also count on exclusive colors and trims.
Interior
On the inside, things are completely different. Toyota engineers haven’t changed too much on the inside, so the 2021 Toyota Fortuner continues with a familiar dashboard. That’s not a bad thing at all, considering that the current cabin already looks very car-like, despite we are talking about a genuine body-on-frame SUV. Still, that doesn’t mean we won’t see interesting novelties. This update brings a new infotainment system, with a bigger touchscreen, new software, smartphone integration etc.
When it comes to the base cabin design, things will remain the same. This means you may count on the same amount of interior space. This SUV comes standard with three rows of seats and accommodates up to 7 passengers. While the first two rows are quite spacious and comfortable, the third row is typically tight for the class. So, it works best for kids, though they may work for adults on shorter trips.
2021 Toyota Fortuner Engines
This update doesn’t bring aesthetical novelties only. You may count on nice upgrades under the hood as well. This particularly refers to the bigger 2.8-liter engine, which gets a nice power update. We are talking about a well-known turbodiesel, which now delivers 201 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. That’s a nice upgrade over the previous version, which is good for 174 horses and 330 lb-ft of torque. Driving dynamics are better now, as well as the towing capacity, which now goes around 6.900 pounds. At the same time, the company claims that mpg ratings won’t go down.
On the other side, the smaller 2.4-liter turbodiesel, which delivers around 150 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.
2021 Toyota Fortuner Release Date
The 2021 Toyota Fortuner will start arriving already this month. Australian model will hit showrooms in a couple of weeks.
