Toyota Fortuner 2023

Overview

The original Toyota Fortuner SUV was introduced in Thailand back in late-2004; it made its Philippine debut several months after in 2005. Like the original 4Runner SUV, the Fortuner was based on the immensely popular Hilux pickup. Despite its rugged construction, its styling was modern and very urban with softer lines and a spare tire hidden from sight. Under its hood were a choice of D-4D diesels and one VVTi gasoline mill. The first gen Fortuner stayed in production for over a decade, during this period it received two facelifts. 

The second-generation Toyota Fortuner made its world debut in mid-2015, it landed on our shores in early 2016. Size-wise, the current Fortuner is roughly the same size as the model it replaces; it does get a few extra centimeters of length, most of which goes to the front overhang. Up front it features a bold grille framed by broad chrome bars, next to this are slim swept back headlights. Moving on to its sculpted sides, it gets flared front and rear wheel arches. Its C-pillars are now blacked-out for a floating roof look. The end is dominated by sleek horizontal taillights linked by a chrome bar that carries the model’s name.

Inside, the Fortuner features a flowing dashboard reminiscent of the one in the Japanese carmaker’s Corolla Altis. Its instrument cluster contains a set of analog gauges and a central 4.2-inch color TFT multi-info display. Below the high-mounted center AC vents is a 7 to 8-inch touch screen.

The second-generation Fortuner rides on an updated IMV architecture. Its suspension setup remains the same, independent double wishbones with stabilizer bars up font and live axle with coil springs and stabilizer bars at the rear. In 2017 the Fortuner was upgraded; all variants were now equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. The range topping variant is equipped with 18-inch alloys shod with 265/80R18 tires, other variants in the range get 17-inch alloys on 265/65R17 tires. For the 2021 model year, Toyota gave its popular SUV a refresh, the range-topping LTD gets two-tone paint and a unique fascia with a slim upper grille and a larger lower intake. It also receives updated engines.

Two diesel engines are offered on the new Fortuner, a 2.4-liter mill engine which produces 148hp and 400Nm of torque, and a 2.8-liter unit which puts out 201hp and 500Nm of torque. The smaller powerplant can be ordered with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic tranny, the larger oil-burner is exclusively mated to a six-speed auto gearbox. 4WD is standard on the range-topping variant equipped with the larger displacement engine; the rest of the Fortuner lineup is only available in RWD form.

The Toyota Fortuner comes standard with dual-SRS airbags, driver’s knee airbag, and anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution. The top LTD trim adds side airbags, curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist control, and trailer sway control. All variants come with standard three-point seatbelts for all seven occupants, the second row comes with two ISOFIX child seat anchors.

White Pearl paint costs an additional P15,000 for mono-tone variants, and P10,000 extra on two-tone variants.

GR-S
In late 2021, the sporty GR-S variant developed with Gazoo Racing was introduced.  It features a new GR-S exclusive bumper. Both the lower bumper trims and overfenders are body colored. Its mirror caps gloss black. The rear bumper gets a faux diffuser. The GR-S variant comes with unique black 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside it gets leather and suede seats with maroon accents and "GR" badges. Its interior, seats, and GR-badged steering wheel get red contrast stitching. Red front and rear GR brake calipers, and monotube shocks complete the upgrades.