Toyota’s new-model juggernaut continues unabated well into the fourth quarter of the most…interesting year in recent history. Toyota Motor Philippines has saved its biggest (economically and literally) launch for last: the new Fortuner. The second-generation Fortuner has followed the wheeltracks of the chart-topping first-gen model, introducing enough improvements to keep its core market happy while coming wrapped in an attractive bodyshell.
Five years after the launch of the second-gen model, that bodyshell will get a timely update, with the fascia getting a heavily-sculpted bumper section, similar to those on corporate sibling Lexus’ SUV models. There’s a new grille—larger, of course; restyled headlamps with LED units and LED daytime running lights. Taillights gain light-guide LED units. Also new are 18-inch alloy wheels.
We were hoping that Toyota would launch the Thailand variant Fortuner Legender here, so we could get two nonsensical names for the price of one), but it seems that Toyota will be using the more staid “Limited” designation instead. We expect that the Limited will get 20-inch alloy wheels and two-tone roof to make it stand out from the base model. Headlights get upgraded to light-guide LEDs, and the turn signals are sequential-LED type.
Inside, the Fortuner gets an Apple CarPlay equipped touchscreen audio system, 360-degree exterior view camera, park sensors, and wireless phone charger. We expect that the power tailgate gains a kick sensor to allow touch-free access (so important these days).
There will be two engines available. The 2.4-liter turbodiesel will generate 150ps and 400Nm. It will be paired to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The higher models will get the 2.8-liter turbodiesel, upgraded to produce 204ps, and, hopefully, a flat 500Nm from 1600 to 2800 rpm. There’s a sport mode to provide better acceleration feel, and paddle shifters should be standard. Balance shafts help quell the noise and vibration. For offroad use, the wheel position can be displayed on the instrument screen.
We expect that the Toyota Safety System will be installed for the first time in this vehicle class. This is comprised of dynamic cruise control, pre-collision system, and lane departure alert. This adds to the electronic stability control and traction control already on the Hilux pickup. Hill descent control and hill-start assist should also be on board to help when in rough roads or off-road.
Prices will range from around P1.7M for the base 2.4-liter Manual Transmission model, to P2.4 million for the range-topping 2.8 4×4. Aside from the standard white, silver, gray and black paint jobs, new colors will include a metallic black pearl with silver roof, and black mica with white pearl roof.
The 2020 Toyota Fortuner will be launched on October 17, 2020.
(Photos are of the right-hand drive Thailand models.)
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