Toyota recently unveiled its not-quite-all-new ninth-generation Hilux. As expected, the new iteration of the Japanese carmaker’s popular pickup retains the same cab and IMV architecture as the eighth-gen model it replaces. The big question now is this: How will its SUV sibling, the next Fortuner, look?
Here’s our render of what we think the next Fortuner could look like using the new ninth-gen Hilux as a guide. For the overall theme, we are following the Hilux’s ‘Tough and Agile’ design that combines ‘strength with agility.’ It also draws inspiration from other new Toyota SUVs that now carry a more rugged look. I decided to give it a modified version of the new Hilux’s ‘Cyber Sumo’ face by giving it LED DRLs that extend down into the taller, narrower corner faux vents that also serve as fog lamp housings. I gave the trim piece that carries the classic ‘Toyota’ badge a more three-dimensional look. I restyled the lower bumper intake to give it a blockier shape.
Another styling detail I adopted from its pickup sibling is the boxier wheel arches with more prominent fender flares. Since the stampings of the rear doors and rear quarter panels had to be changed, I took this opportunity to reshape the portion of the beltline that kicks up to make it more Prado-like. For the rear, I continued the boxier theme that mirrors the front-end styling. I also adopted the beveled shape of the Hilux’s tailgate onto the liftgate to give it a bit of a more industrial feel. The taillights are now more angular, slimmer and are linked by a black panel that carries the integrated ‘Fortuner’ name.
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Regarding its IMV architecture, it will likely retain the same wheelbase and hard points. Its dimensions would likely be very close to the outgoing model with slight changes due to the restyled exterior. Like the new Hilux, we expect the tire size to remain the same. Our renders represent a high-spec variant equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and 30.5-inch-diameter 265/60 R18 tires.
What could power it? Toyota would likely give it the improved version of its 201hp 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter turbodiesel and possibly drop the base 2.4-liter oil-burner like it did with the new ninth-gen Hilux. Will it have a BEV or a PHEV variant? That’s still a big question mark since the Fortuner has a much shorter wheelbase than the Hilux, which means less space for the required battery pack.
Would you consider a next-generation Fortuner if it looked like this? Let us know in the comments.
