The new 2021MY Toyota Fortuner made its global debut in two formats: Standard and Legender
Japanese automaker Toyota introduced the latest 2021MY avatar of its popular mid-size SUV, Fortuner earlier this year. It made its global debut in Thailand in two formats: Fortuner (minor facelift) and Fortuner Legender (major facelift). We have already shared a detailed comparison between the new Toyota Fortuner versions — read more.
The Indian-spec Toyota Fortuner is already available in BS6-compliant petrol and diesel formats. Ex-showroom prices start at Rs 28.66 lakh for the base petrol 2WD variant and go up to Rs 34.43 lakh for the AWD diesel-auto trim. This is an increase of almost Rs 50,000 over its BS4 counterpart.
Across Asia, there is an immense fan following for the mid-size SUV and its pickup sibling, Toyota Hilux. At the moment, it is uncertain whether Toyota Kirloskar Motor (or Toyota Bharat) would launch both the standard and Legender versions or just the former.
2021 Fortuner Facelift for India
A 2021MY Toyota Fortuner facelift (standard) has been spotted on Indian roads for the very first time. Despite appearing black in colour, we think it is finished in Dark Blue Mica; a new shade available for the Thai-spec Fortuner. The test mule wore zero camouflage and had an emission testing device at the rear.
From the ‘Sigma4’ badge, it is clear that the vehicle was in its diesel-AWD trim; possibly an automatic as well. Toyota Kirloskar Motor would most likely launch the Fortuner facelift by the end of 2020.
Features & Highlights
Key highlights of the facelifted Toyota Fortuner include revised front grille, new bumpers, updated lighting clusters, 18-inch six-spoke wheels, etc. On the inside, features such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen, 8-way powered front seats, ‘Optitron’ instrument console with 4.2-inch MID; ambient illumination, wireless charging, 360-degree camera, etc., top the list. In terms of safety, the Thai-spec Fortuner facelift comes with seven airbags, TCS, ESC, HSA, Trailer-Sway Control and more.
One of the main highlights of the 2021MY Toyota Fortuner facelift is its increased output. The familiar 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine churns out 201bhp @ 3,400rpm and 500Nm @ 1,600-2,800rpm while mated to a 6-speed TC automatic.
For reference, the current BS6 model makes 175bhp @ 3,400rpm and 420/450Nm @ 1,400-2,600rpm (manual/automatic). Engine choices include a 6-speed manual as well. The existing BS6 petrol variant generates 164bhp @ 5,200rpm and 245Nm @ 4,000rpm while mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed TC automatic transmission.
