It’s no secret that the redesigned Toyota Hilux is coming soon. Spy shots, patent photos, and government documentation have made their way online, showing us what to expect from the world’s most popular midsize pickup.
But the arrival of an all-new Hilux signals the impending arrival of another model. In this case, that would be the third-generation Toyota Fortuner. After all, the midsize SUV has been a smash hit in Southeast Asia and India, so it’s safe to say that model will be around for years to come.
Now, some details for the midsized Hilux-based SUV have emerged, and it probably won’t come as a huge surprise.
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One thing we can expect is that it won’t look identical to the Hilux. Since the first-generation the Fortuner and Hilux have always had distinct front ends, and we see no reason why it should change for the future model. The same applies for most of its rivals, save for the Ford Ranger and Everest.
Australian publication CarsGuide (no relation to CarGuide.ph) has also mentioned improvements to the Fortuner’s interior, particularly in tech and materials. Based on the interior patent photo of the Hilux seen a few months ago, the future Fortuner might go the digital route for its instrument cluster. Meanwhile, the infotainment screen might be a build-in unit instead of an outsourced/aftermarket unit.
There’s also the stronger possibility of the third-generation Fortuner to be available with mild-hybrid power. For now, it’s only the Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado that benefit from the mildly-electrified 2.8-liter diesel engine, so it’s perhaps inevitable for the Fortuner to get it down the line. That said, it might be for select markets only.
While we’re at it, Toyota might simplify the engine lineup to just use the 2.8-liter engine in markets where diesel power is the primary option. Most of the Fortuner’s key competitors have ditched the idea of offering two different engine sizes, save for Isuzu.
Lastly, it was mentioned that a GR Sport model is still possible. CarsGuide said that the top-dog Fortuner will gain even more off-road credibility, but was unclear as to how it’ll get there. At the very least, we could see even more power under the hood than the current 221hp and 550Nm combination.
The launch date isn't set in stone just yet. However, there’s a chance of the new-generation Toyota Fortuner making its world premiere sometime in 2026 for the 2027 model year. Just in time then for the all-new Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
