Next-gen Toyota Fortuner to debut globally on December 1

The Toyota Fortuner is about to get a generational update. Toyota South Africa has confirmed that the next-generation model of the SUV will make its global debut on December 1. The new model has been spotted testing on several occasions this year. More recently, it was spotted on a road test in Thailand. While Toyota hasn’t revealed its plans for an Indian launch yet, the new Fortuner will likely make it here in the first quarter of 2027.

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2027 Toyota Fortuner: What to expect?

While the upcoming Fortuner will take a generational leap, it will retain the ladder-frame platform and the bodyshell of the current model. Dimensionally, the two models will be identical. The big changes will come along the design front, with the next-gen model rocking a radically different look.

Spy shots of the test mules suggest that the 2027 Toyota Fortuner will be equipped with a wider front grille. The LED headlamps and DRLs flanking this grille will get a new design as well. The DRLs will likely follow an eyebrow-style design language. Overall, the front fascia will have an upright look. Along the sides, the SUV will get a new design for its alloy wheels. The wheel arches will lend a muscular look to the profile. There will be side steps on both sides.

At the back, the tailgate will sport a new look. The new tail lamps will be connected by a sleek LED light bar. The shark fin antenna will be mounted on the roof. The camera and radar cutouts on the test mules confirm the presence of an ADAS suite.

Not much is known about the interior layout of the 2027 Toyota Fortuner so far, but it will borrow design elements from the new Toyota Hilux. The 2 SUVs will also have a lot of overlap in instrumentation and features. The Hilux comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on board.

The Fortuner will add premium creature comforts like ventilated front seats, cruise control, an 11-speaker JBL sound system, wireless charging, and more. Safety features 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Brake Assist (BA), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Traction Control System (TRS), seat belt reminders for all passengers, ISOFIX anchorages, and more are expected to make the cut.

As things stand, the new Fortuner is not expected to get any new powertrain options. The next-gen model will continue with the 2 engine options that are offered on the current version of the SUV. The 2.8-litre diesel engine produces a maximum power output of 201hp and 500Nm of torque. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. This engine is available in 2WD and 4WD tunes. It can accelerate the SUV from 0-100km/h in under 10 seconds.

The 2.7-litre petrol engine churns out a maximum power output of 164hp and 245Nm of torque. It can only be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The petrol variants of the Fortuner do not come in a 4WD configuration. The manual gearbox was discontinued from this powertrain last year.

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Final Thoughts

Prices for the current-gen Fortuner start at Rs 34.76 lakh and go up to Rs 50.46 lakh. The next-gen model will demand a premium over these prices. Upon launch, it will lock horns with the Skoda Kodiaq, Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1, and Citroën C5 Aircross in India.