More grunt, more tech and higher prices for Toyota's refreshed Fortuner range
Toyota has revealed their facelifted 2021 Fortuner range, which has been released just last week. Along with a new look, Toyota’s Pick-Up based SUV gains a more powerful driveline, a handful of specification changes and a bump in retail prices.
The range now starts from Php 1,633,000 for the base model 2.4 4x2 G in M/T. The top spec called the LTD goes for Php 2,414,000 and comes with the 2.8 4x4 6-Speed A/T.
Under the bonnet, the new Fortuner benefits from Toyota’s reworked 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine. Outputs have improved to 201 hp and 500Nm of torque.
The six-speed automatic transmission, which is still sourced from Aisin, has been recalibrated to give more frequent torque converter lock-up. Toyota tells us this is for improved fuel efficiency and cooler running, as well as helping off-the-line acceleration.
Along with improved performance, Toyota claims the Fortuner uses 11.6 per cent less fuel, on the combined cycle. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6L/100km.
This new driveline also improves the Fortuner’s towing credentials, with a braked towing capacity going up by 300kg to 3100kg. The 2021 Fortuner’s Gross Combination Mass has only improved by five kilograms, now up to 5550kg.
Steering has also been overhauled in the new Toyota Fortuner. While many other SUVs and four-wheel-drives are moving to electrically-assisted power steering, the Fortuner is sticking with hydraulic power steering technology.
This new system, however, is updated with a variable-flow power-steering pump, which lightens steering resistance at low speed, and then gradually firms up steering feel at higher speeds. It is also tuned to especially accommodate off-road driving, when low-range is engaged.
The infotainment system has been updated, which is now 8.0-inch across the range. This is one inch larger than the previous model, and the system now supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
There’s also now a rotary volume dial for easier control, and a digital speed readout through the 4.2-inch multifunction display. Wireless charging is now supported too.
Along with the more premium interior fitout, LTD, V and Q variants also gets a powered tailgate, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, darker woodgrain interior trims and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. There is also ‘high-grade’ headlights on the outside, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels.
The 2021 Toyota Fortuner will retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2019, with safety features like high-speed active cruise control and lane-departure alert with steering assist.
There is also a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, which has pedestrian (day/night) and cyclist (day) detection Both front and rear.
There are seven airbags, and it’s good to see the third row is covered by curtain airbags, too. For child seats there are two ISOFIX points and three top tether anchor mounts across the second row.
Like it’s main rival SUVs, the Fortuner is ideal for the family which lives remotely and off-road driving is part of daily life. Or for those who may live in the suburbs and head away on regular adventures towing a caravan or trailer behind.
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