Facelifted Toyota Fortuner was recently spied, while it was out for a TVC shoot
The Toyota Fortuner facelift which has been testing since last year in Thailand is going to be unveiled this week. The previous spy pictures indicated that mid-life refresh of the popular ladder-on-frame SUV features extensive visual changes on the front fascia.
The revised design is inline with the Japanese auto giant’s global SUV design language. It is characterized by narrow wraparound LED headlamps, a narrower grille than before, inverted trapezoidal secondary air dam, silver chin and vertically oriented foglight enclosures/intakes. The bonnet has also been reprofiled to go with the new face.
Changes to the profile are expected to be subtle. The test mule was equipped with new 17-inch alloy wheels, contrast black roof and pillars. A sportier rear bumper and new taillight detailing round off the exterior changes.
The interior is expected to undergo subtle tweaks including new materials and color themes. The dashboard is likely to be retained more or less without any changes but one can expect Toyota to equip the SUV with an updated infotainment system (read enhanced connectivity).
As far as engine lineup is concerned, the international reports suggest that the 2021 Toyota Fortuner will continue to employ the 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. However, the time proven oil burner would benefit from increased power. It is being said that the motor will develop in the excess of 200 hp. It remains to be seen if this new version of the engine will be introduced in India or not.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has just updated the existing version of 2.8-liter unit to BS6 standard in its 177 hp version. The motor is available with a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AT with paddle shifters. The India-spec 2021 Fortuner will also be available with the 2.7-liter petrol motor which dishes out 166 hp. Transmission options for this mill includes a 5-speed MT and 6-speed AT. Diesel variant can also be specified with 4WD system.
The 2021 Toyota Fortuner will continue to rival the Ford Endeavour, Mahindra Alturas Isuzu MU-X and Skoda Kodiaq in India. The SUV has a strong brand pull in India and Southeast Asian markets and is expected to continue is strong run in its updated avatar.
The Toyota Fortuner facelift is expected to go on sale first in Thailand in the coming months. The India launch is reported to take place in 2021. TKM is likely to introduce a special edition version of the existing model before ushering in the updated SUV.
