Toyota Australia has confirmed that the Fortuner will be exiting its market in 2026. As reported by CarExpert.com.au, the main reason for the compact SUV’s axing is that Toyota’s other models seem to resonate more with Australian car buyers.
The report quoted Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing: “...with customer preferences shifting in Australia, we made the decision to discontinue the Fortuner... Largely, they’re moving back into Hilux, or they’re moving into [the Land Cruiser Prado or Land Cruiser 300 Series] SUV.” That also explains why Toyota will not bring in another model to replace the Fortuner in that market.
Interestingly, the Ford Everest and the Isuzu MU-X—the Fortuner’s main competition, here in the Philippines and Australia—both seem to enjoy stronger sales Down Under. As of October 2025, they had shifted 21,915 and 12,499 units, respectively, while the Fortuner had sold just 2,928 units.
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Perhaps Australians believe the Hilux to be a more pragmatic option or have the buying power to move up to the Land Cruiser series. In the Philippines, we are still waiting on the third-generation Fortuner, which could launch as early as next year.
Until then, Toyota will have its ninth-generation Hilux to satiate the market. The new pickup should also give us some idea of what a new Fortuner would look like, as the two cars share the same IMV-0 platform.
