The New Toyota Fortuner

Are you a Fortuner driver? Or like me, an aspiring Fortuner driver?

If you are either one, you’re about to be tempted like never before. The new Fortuner reaches us next Monday (11th April), and it’s gonna take all of your willpower to resist slipping into the luxurious new leather seats, firing up the powerful diesel (or petrol) powerhouse with a push of a button and cruising into the African sunset.

The experience is nothing new if you already drive one. Yet instead of re-inventing the wheel, Toyota has re-imagined it. You will know you’re looking at a Fortuner. But beneath the classy body lies a modern machine. More powerful. More luxurious, and infinitely more desirable.

Let’s take a deeper look.

One of the main reasons for the Fortuner’s popularity (besides the legendary Toyota reliability) is that it’s at home on the tarmac or the gravel road.

You can drive it daily to your business meetings or picking and dropping off the kids. And when the weekend arrives, there’s enough room to pack your fishing gear, perhaps a canoe on the roof, a picnic basket and go in search of a scenic remote spot to unwind and have a wonderful time outdoors. And the capability to do all of that comes standard with your Fortuner.

So What’s New on The Toyota Fortuner 2016?

Plenty. We begin with the engine.

The new Fortuner shares the same GD platform of diesel engines as the recently released Hilux. The 2.5 D-4D has been replaced by the 2.4 GD-6 engine. And whereas the old 2.5 engine pushed out 106 kw and 343 Nm of torque, the new 2.4 GD-6 engine improves on that with 110 Kw & 400 Nm of torque. The improved torque on the new GD-6 engines contribute to better acceleration and pulling power across the range.

The insanely popular 3.0 D-4D is replaced by the 2.8 GD-6 diesel engine. There is a 10 Kw increase from 120 kw to 130 kw. But once again it’s the torque where strides have been achieved. The 6-speed manual now generates 420 Nm of torque, up from 343. And the Auto GD-6 gets a whopping 107 Nm increase to 450 Nm!

You’ll be happy to know (with our current fuel levy hike) that the new engines are lighter on fuel also! The 2.4 GD-6 manual Fortuner sips a meager 7l/100 kms and the auto version 7.9l/100 kms. That on its own is phenomenal and will allow you to make the Fortuner your daily drive. The 2.8 GD engines fuel consumption starts at 7.5 to 8.5 litres per 100 kms, depending on the model.

Petrol Engines

There’s a new kid on the block with the Fortuner receiving an entry level 2.7 VVT-i engine. The flagship model remains the 4.0 V6 Fortuner, which gets every bell and whistle you can imagine. More on that later. The 2.7 engine delivers 122 Kw and 245 Nm torque, while the 4.0 V6 outputs an impressive 175 Kw and 376 Nm torque.

For those of you pulling trailers and caravans (or rescuing Landys & Rangers :D) you’ll be pleased with the improved towing capacities. 2.5 tons for the 2.4 GD, 2.7 VVT-i models and 3.0 tons for the 2.8 GD and 4.0 V6 models.

Don’t Be Fooled by Its Good Looks

Yes, it’s classy and luxurious inside. Brand new plush leather interior on the 2.8 GD and 4.0 V6 models. Cruise control across the range. Hands-free bluetooth and audio controls on the steering wheel. Elegant centre console with a TFT touch-screen media system. Keyless entry and start. Full 7-seat option with one touch tumble fold up seats for extra load space. Bi-halogen projector beam headlights on the 2.4 and LED projector beam headlights on the 2.8 and 4.0 models.

The cherry on the top comes with the 4.0 V6 model. A handy power back door, that fully opens with a touch of a button, standard navigation GPS system and daytime running LED lights.

But beneath the attractive body and hiding under the high-tech comforts, the true ability lay, eager to be unleashed…

With its 4X4 capabilities, all-new ladder frame chassis and heavy-duty suspension, the Fortuner is ready to take a beating for you. Like the new Hilux, it’s jam packed with off-road technology like downhill assist, hill-start assist, active stability control, electrically controlled rear diff lock and class-leading ground clearance.

Further down is a video with good footage of the Fortuner’s off-road ability.

Feature Highlights

Entry grade (2.4 GD-6 and 2.7 VVT-i)

• Push start
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Cruise control
• Speed sensing auto door lock
• Front and knee airbags
• Illuminated entry
• Chilled glovebox
• Front fog lamps
• Rear spoiler
• Roof rails
• Side steps
• 17” alloys
• Full alloy spare wheel

Standard grade (2.8 GD-6)

• Leather upholstery
• Front, knee, curtain and side airbags
• LED headlamps
• Follow-me-home auto lights
• Auto air conditioner

High grade (4.0 V6)

• All features of the standard grade
• Power back door
• Navigation system

There’s an exciting new colour line-up, that suits the sophisticated SUV’s appearance.

Glacier White

Chromium Silver

Graphite Grey

Attitude Black

Cosmic Blue

Avant Garde Bronze

Chestnut Brown

CHECK OUT THE SMOOTH 2023 EDITION FORTUNER WITH RANGE PRICING, AND PHOTOS HERE!

Hope you enjoyed getting to know the new Fortuner. It was always going to be a tough act to improve on an SUV that was engineered to perfection. But Toyota has got it right once again. The new model is set to take South Africa by storm. So get those cheque books out and make sure you join us in Prospecton for our launch!

Here’s the video! Ciao.