Toyota Fortuner Facelift: What To Expect?

Soon after launching the facelifted Innova Crysta, Toyota India is now gearing up to bring the updated version of its popular SUV, the Fortuner. The facelifted model made its debut in June 2020 in Thailand. Select dealers have unofficially commenced pre-launch bookings for a token amount of Rs 50,000, hinting at its imminent arrival by early 2021. Here are five things to expect from the upcoming SUV:

The Sportier Legender Trim Could Be Offered 

The facelifted Fortuner comes in two trims: standard and the sportier Legender. While the standard variant has been spotted in India, Toyota could offer the Legender trim alongside for those who want a sportier-looking Fortuner. It comes with a Lexus-esque face, new LED headlamps and aggressive bumpers that lend it a premium look. The standard variant, on the other hand, gets a redesigned grille, bumpers and new alloy wheels.  

A More Powerful Diesel Engine On Cards

Toyota could offer the diesel variants of the Fortuner with the updated 2.8-litre diesel engine found in the Thai-spec model. It develops 204PS of power and 500Nm of torque, 27PS and up to 80Nm more than the existing India-spec model. The 166PS 2.7-litre petrol engine, though, is likely to remain unchanged. Both engines are likely to be offered with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, but it’s the diesel variant that’s likely to get the all-wheel drivetrain. 

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Finally!

The existing Fortuner is a decently equipped car, but still misses on few essentials. Toyota will most likely fix it with the facelifted model, with the major addition being Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other new features likely to be on offer include a wireless phone charger, 9-speaker JBL sound system, hands-free boot opening, and ambient lighting. Safety should be covered by seven airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors and electronic stability control. 

Same Interior Design, Though

While the exterior has received an extensive design update, the interior design remains more or less similar to the existing model. The only update we could notice with our bare eyes are the new infotainment system and redesigned instrument dials.

Expected Price And Rivals

The Fortuner is likely to command a premium of around Rs 50,000 over the existing model which is priced between Rs 28.66 lakh and Rs 34.43 lakh (ex-showroom). It will renew its rivalry with the Ford Endeavour, MG Gloster, and Mahindra Alturas G4.