PODCAST: Anticipation builds ahead of new Toyota Fortuner arrival
Seven-seater SUV will like its Hilux sibling feature extensive enhancements over previous model.
Anticipation is mounting as the debut of the upcoming Toyota Fortuner approaches. Scheduled to make its global debut on December 1, 2026 in Thailand, the new seven-seater SUV is expected to launch in the region "around Easter 2027". Unlike the Land Cruiser 300 and Prado, the new Fortuner won't be built on the TNGA-F platform, but rather on the IMV 0 platform, which is also used in the new Toyota Hilux.
In a recent episode of The Citizen Motoring's Pitstop podcast, experts discussed the forthcoming seven-seater SUV and speculated on the potential updates it might feature. Spy images published by autonetmagz.com in Indonesia suggest that the new Fortuner will retain a largely unchanged basic silhouette. This is similar to the "extensive enhancements" made to the new Hilux, with the model sporting a flatter grille, restyled headlight clusters, new bumpers, alloy wheels, and taillights.
The interior of the new Fortuner will be very similar to that of the Hilux, which is derived from the Prado. It will feature the same steering wheel, dashboard, center console, and physical buttons for climate control. Additionally, the new Fortuner will come equipped with a Multi-Terrain Select system and a pair of 12.3-inch displays.
Some of the features that can be expected in the new Fortuner include a surround-view camera system, heated and ventilated electric front seats, and an array of safety and driver assistance systems. The 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine with or without the 48-volt mild-hybrid system is also expected to remain the same. Although the model shown in December will be assembled in Thailand, it will still be built at Toyota's Durban facility, where the Hilux is also manufactured.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
