It’s finally here, and after months of speculation and ogling over the numerous pictures and videos of the new Toyota Fortuner from ASEAN neighbors, we can finally lay our eyes on the real thing. The new 2021 Toyota Fortuner has officially been launched in the Philippines, further strengthening the growing product portfolio (and market share, mind you) of Toyota Motor Philippines. Their track record doesn’t lie, and the Fortuner has proven to be extremely popular in the Philippines, so much so that it sold at least 220,000 units since it was first introduced in 2005. In 2017 it was crowned the bestselling vehicle in the country, and if that wasn’t enough, in August of this year, the Fortuner accounted for 30% of the midsize SUV category.
So, in essence, the new Toyota Fortuner has some huge shoes to fill. But with years of success comes a knack for knowing what makes Filipino buyers tick, and the reliability and proven quality of the brand helps, too. With four variants (G, V, Q, and LTD), two engine choices, and a toss-up between 4×2 or 4×4, the new Fortuner also gets a slew of updates and features that certainly help it remain a top contender in its class. Let’s go through the highlights below.
1. A Modern Face
While the basic shape of the Fortuner hasn’t changed for its latest iteration, it has certainly received a significant makeover, making this the most striking design yet. Remember those four variants? The G trim might be the most accessible of the lot, but the redesigned front nose does wonders to make it a looker. Maximum visibility and safety is the name of the game here, and the base model now gets bi-beam LEDs and LED daytime running lights, and stepping up to the V nets you a fancier line-guide LED running light with matching LED fog lights. In terms of new shoes, both the G and V run on a set of 17-inch alloys with 265/65R17 tires.
Stepping up to the Q variant upgrades your wheels to 18-inchers with 265/60/R18 tires, but you’ll find the most stylish changes on the top-spec LTD trim. Featuring a redesigned front and rear bumper, the LTD adopts a two-tone color setup with a black roof. Machine-cut 18-inch alloys are exclusive to this trim, and the premium look is elevated once more thanks to split-type LED headlights, sequential turn signals, and redesigned LED taillights for maximum visibility and a striking lighting signature.
No matter which variant you go for, you’re sure to get a premium, stylish, and modern mid-sized SUV that’s got all the right ingredients to make a statement.
2. Capability and Efficiency
Familiar yet more powerful and efficient, the new Toyota Fortuner has a choice of two turbodiesel engines that differ per trim level. Choosing the G and V trims means that you get the tried and true yet 5% more efficient 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV turbodiesel mill that makes 147 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The new 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel engine with a healthy 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque is available only on the Q and LTD variants. Both engines are linked to either a six-speed automatic transmission, or a six-speed manual solely available in the G variant, providing a powerful companion to your everyday commutes and weekend adventures, while still offering high fuel efficiency for more smiles per kilometer.
Only the LTD has an option for a 4×4 drivetrain, offering a differential lock with automatic disconnection. The G, V, and Q trims will only be available in 4×2 configuration, powering the rear wheels. All variants of the new Toyota Fortuner also come with variable flow control, a new adaptive steering system that makes the steering feel lighter or heavier depending on the speed of the vehicle. This makes it easier to make tight maneuvers at low speed, such as parking, as well as give more stability at highway speeds with a heavier steering feel.
3. New toys and creature comforts
The new Fortuner also impresses on the inside, providing a class-leading cabin experience no matter what seat you are in. Standard features aplenty even in the base G variant, offering a new benchmark for mid-size SUVs. Things like keyless entry, Eco and Power modes, front and rear parking sensors, as well as a 7-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a reverse camera, are present in the G trim
Take one step up to the V variant and you have smart entry with push-button start, paddle shifters, a cooler box for drinks and snacks, a bigger 8-inch infotainment screen with the aforementioned phone connectivity options, a panoramic view camera, automatic climate control, auto up and down for all windows, wireless charging, two rear USB ports, and cruise control.
The Q variant adds additional niceties in the form of an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, LED interior lighting and courtesy lights, a power liftgate for easy loading of cargo, a new set of driving modes in the form of Eco and Sport, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The top-tier LTD variants gets more goodies, adopting a front seat ventilation system, perfect for hot days. Additionally, the standard six-speaker setup gets an upgrade to a 9-speaker JBL sound system exclusive on the LTD.
4. An Elevated Cabin Experience
The additions aren’t just limited to new tech, exterior makeovers, and performance upgrades – the interior fit and finish gets a thorough revamp to set new standards in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. The new Fortuner utilizes comfortable and durable fabric seats for the G and V variants, while moving up to the Q trim gets you black leather seats all around complemented by new dark wood trim elements in the dashboard.
The LTD features the most significant and most premium materials, offering leather with contrasting maroon accents and a galaxy black trim for the interior. You also get to enjoy new conveniently placed ambient lighting for a more sophisticated look.
5. Raising the Bar in Safety
Toyota’s Safety Sense (TSS) makes its way into the new Toyota Fortuner, providing for more active and passive safety features when out on the road. Available in the Q and LTD variants, TSS adds Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and a Pre-Collision System.
When activated, Adaptive Cruise Control works by automatically adjusting the speed and distance of your vehicle to match that of the vehicle in front. The system will always maintain a safe distance and will speed up and slow down as necessary. Lane Departure Alert informs the driver via audible and visual warnings that their vehicle is drifting unintentionally from the lane it is in, allowing the driver time to safely direct the vehicle back to the center of its lane. Lastly, the Pre-Collision System determines if a frontal collision is likely, PCS prompts you to take action by using audio and visual alerts. If you notice the potential collision and apply the brakes, the system can also apply additional braking force using Brake Assist when necessary.
Across the board, the new Toyota Fortuner comes equipped with more airbags, three for the G, V, and Q variants in the form of a driver, front passenger, and knee airbag, and seven for the LTD trim, with an additional set of side and curtain airbags. 3-point ELR seatbelts are standard, as well as an Anti-lock Brake System with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist. The 4×4 LTD variant also gets Downhill Assist Control, a system that helps the vehicle maintain a slow and steady speed when descending steep slopes.
The new Toyota Fortuner is available in all Toyota dealerships nationwide since October 19, 2020. The pricing can be found below:
- 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.4L 4×2 G 6MT – PhP 1,633,000
- 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.4L 4×2 G 6AT – PhP 1,723,000
- 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.4L 4×2 V 6AT – PhP 1,827,000
- 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.8L 4×2 Q 6AT – PhP 1,998,000
- 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.8L 4×2 LTD two-tone 6AT – PhP 2,244,000
- 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.8L 4×4 LTD two-tone 6AT – PhP 2,404,000
In terms of colors, the new Toyota Fortuner can be had in Attitude Black Mica, Gray Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Super White II. You may also opt for White Pearl Crystal Shine or Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine for the V and Q (an extra Php 15,000) and the LTD (an extra Php 10,000) variants.
If you happen to be in the market for one, better get in touch with your preferred dealer soon, as this is one vehicle that’s sure to have quite the queue. And with good reason – with a plethora of technology, convenience features, safety systems, and a stylish new face, the new Toyota Fortuner further cements its position as the midsize SUV of choice.
