2016 Toyota Fortuner: This Is It (With Video)

The all-new Toyota Fortuner has now been revealed simultaneously in Thailand and Australia. The Toyota Fortuner continues a strong following, ever since the first generation Fortuner has been launched in 2005. Even if the generation is in its 10th year in production, the Fortuner still continues to sell well. As a matter of fact, after 2 continuous updates of the model, it was only dethroned by the Mitsubishi Montero Sport in the sales race for a short period of time in the Philippines. An impressive feat that Toyota has certainly done.

The Toyota Fortuner has been redesigned from the ground up. Unlike its predecessor, the Toyota Fortuner completely diverges itself in design, both inside and out, from the Toyota Hilux, which it is based. The first generation model has a similar interior design with its Hilux sibling. For the 2.8 V, we are now aware that the Fortuner is equipped with Full Bi-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, and 18 inch alloy wheels. The Fortuner has been radically re-designed and features a very modern and stylish exterior, which includes features unheard of in its segment.

Inside, the Fortuner has a premium and well appointed interior. For the 2.8 V Fortuner, the interior features leather trimmings in the sides of the center console, and a faux stitched padded dashboard. The leather can be had in different shades of brown or black. The 2.8 V Fortuner also gets a capacitive and button-less touch screen interface as well. Other convenience features include a smart key with push button start, power liftgate, automatic climate control, and a reverse camera.

The Fortuner is also aiming to be the safest SUV in the category. ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Stability Control, and Hill Start Assist, will prevent an accident happening in the first place. Also, there are 7 airbags to protect you should all these safety features fail to completely stop you from an accident happening.

Powering the all-new Fortuner are a pair of all-new engines. Toyota was once infamous for simply carrying over engines from their old models, but they seem to have learned that it’s not funny anymore. The Fortuner is powered by either a 2.4 liter or 2.8 liter D-4D diesel engine. The 2.7 liter VVT-i petrol, however, will continue to be offered, unchanged. The 2.8 liter 1GD engine produces 177 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 450 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,400 rpm. The torque figure goes down to 420 Nm at 1,400 to 2,600 rpm when paired with the manual gearbox. The 2.4 liter 2GD engine, meanwhile, produces 150 hp and 343 Nm of torque. These engines aren’t only smaller but powerful than the KD engines that they replace, but they’re also more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient. These GD diesel engines have the first ever Thermo Swing Wall Insulation technology, which improves the fuel and air mixture. The GD diesel engines also have a Selective Catalytic Reduction system, a first for any Toyota. This filtration system eliminates up to 99% of a diesel’s harmful and particulate emissions. The emission cleaning system is so good, the new engines of the Fortuner (and the Hilux) are rated as Euro 6 compliant.

The all-new Fortuner also introduces Toyota’s A-TRAC, a first for the Fortuner. Instead of a full-time 4WD, A-TRAC comes fitted with a mechanical rear differential lock, and depending on the mode of A-TRAC, it can either switch to 4WD automatically, or just by turning the dial.

The Fortuner also packs a heavily revised chassis. A double wishbone suspension is located at the front, while a four-link coil spring suspension is located at the rear, and promises a much more plusher ride, a huge complaint to the first generation model. Despite the claimed improved ride, towing hasn’t been compromised, being able to tow up to 3,000 kg for the manual and 2,800 kg for the automatic.

The all-new Toyota Fortuner has now been launched, and promises to become once again the best in the segment. Isn’t it a great time to buy a midsize body on frame SUV?