2016 Toyota Fortuner has been revealed at simultaneous events in Australia and Thailand ahead of October sales debut in 2015. One of the rugged off-road vehicles of Toyota based on Toyota HiLux – the Fortuner is to that ute – as Ford’s Everest to Ranger, Isuzu’s MU-X to D-Max…understood? It’s a wagon, based on a ute. Tony Cramb, Marketing Director at Toyota Australia said that the 7-seater Fortuner as an-in-demand diesel alternative to petrol only Kluger range.
Pricing for the all-new Fortuner hasn’t been revealed yet, but the company describes it as new entry point to the range, which will slot between big Prado that costs $59,990 and midsized RAV4, which is priced at $27,490. Looking at the pictures, one can easily that it will be sold alongside HiLux with same rough and tumble image of practicality and capability.
Motivation for the Toyota Fortuner comes from a 2.8 liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel 1GD direct injected powerplant that’s mated to either new 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The new powerplant generates 130kW of power with 450 newton meters of torque. 2016 Fortuner comes with a trailer sway control and offers the maximum towing capacity of 3000kg.
Available in three different trim levels – GX, GXL and Crusade, the new Toyota Fortuner which will come fitted with large touchscreen audio displays, front and rear air-conditioning, side steps, Toyota Link connected mobility, disc brakes front and rear, air-conditioned compartment, which keeps drinks and food warm or cold and 17 or 18-inch wheels. While foglamps, roof rails, keyless smart entry and start, downhill assist control and reverse parking sensors have been reserved for Crusade and GXL trims, LED daytime running lamps, bi-LED head-lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels with highway tires and power back door are available only on Crusade grade.
As compared to lead spring rear suspension in Toyota HiLux, the new Fortuner adds a more passenger friendly coil-spring 5-link rear suspension layout. All models will be equipped with a 4WD, which means the engine will drive all the four wheels. Some of the standard safety features include A-TRAC action traction control system, reversing camera, emergency stop signal, hill start assist and seven airbags.
2016 Toyota Fortuner will compete with the likes of Isuzu MU-X, Ford Everest, Holden Colorado 7 and Mitsubishi Challenger in ute-based SUV market.
