Toyota Fortuner Facelift Spied In India Just A Month After Global Debut

• The standard variant of the Fortuner has been spotted in India.
• Infotainment system will get Apple CarPlay. Android Auto won’t be offered.
• Other expected feature upgrades include a JBL sound system, an upgraded 9-inch infotainment system and a wireless phone charger.
• Likely to come with the uprated 204PS 2.8-litre diesel engine.
• India launch expected in early 2021.

The facelifted Toyota Fortuner has been spotted testing in India just a month after its global debut. This updated Ford Endeavour rival is offered in two variants. Based on the spy shots, the vanilla version has been caught on camera while the premium Legender variant too is on the cards for India. 

Toyota could also utilise the opportunity to equip the Fortuner with the uprated 204PS/500Nm 2.8-litre diesel engine which is 27PS/50Nm (80Nm for manual) more powerful than the current version. And emission testing equipment on the mule reaffirms that the uprated diesel is India-bound as the existing 2.8-litre is already BS6 compliant. Expect this motor to be offered with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options along with rear wheel drive and all wheel drive variants. The 2.7-litre petrol engine is likely to be retained as well. 

In terms of design, the butch Fortuner gets a larger front grille flanked by redesigned LED headlamps. The bumper is also new and gets larger air dams, giving it a menacing presence. In profile, changes are limited to redesigned dual-tone alloy wheels. LED tail lamps and a new bumper are the only updates at the rear. 

Inside, the Fortuner facelift’s cabin is similar to the current SUV except that the touchscreen infotainment system now features Apple CarPlay. Android users need to rely on Bluetooth though.  

It’s likely to get a host of feature updates such as a JBL sound system, an upgraded 9-inch infotainment system and a wireless phone charger. Features like climate control, cruise control, and drive modes are expected to be retained. On the safety front, one can expect 7 airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera and electronic stability control. Toyota is unlikely to offer a sunroof though. 

The updated Fortuner is expected to reach showrooms early next year and we expect prices to start from around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). It will lock horns with the Ford Endeavour, Mahindra Alturas G4 and upcoming MG Gloster.

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