New Toyota Fortuner revealed: Improved engine for HiLux-based SUV

The Japanese brand has given its big, tough HiLux-based four-wheel-drive an upgrade that brings big improvements in some important areas.

2020 Toyota Fortuner.

Toyota has introduced changes to its Fortuner off-roader.

Sales of the HiLux-based four-wheel drive are one of the few blights on Toyota’s SUV dominance in Australia. It is comprehensively outsold by its rival ute-based SUVs the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

The 2020 Fortuner features a much improved engine.

But a range of improvements should improve the Fortuner’s sales fortunes.

Leading the charge is an improved 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine making 150kW and 500Nm, a 20kW and 50Nm improvement on the previous version.

Engine adjustments have also improved fuel use, with consumption in the city dropping by more than 17 per cent.

Grey nomads can rejoice, as the vehicle’s towing capacity has increased by 300kg to 3100kg.

Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing chief Sean Hanley said the improvements would appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Revised styling gives the Fortuner more modern appeal.

“Customers will appreciate the extra performance from the high-torque engine, coupled with impressive fuel economy, smoothness and quietness — whether they’re on the school run or heading into the great outdoors,” said Mr Hanley.

Toyota maintains the Fortuner’s three-tier model range. All grades now get a bigger eight-inch infotainment screen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top two grades also get satnav and digital radio as standard.

A number of styling upgrades have freshened up the Fortuner’s appearance, including a revised front grille, bumper and headlights that provide a more modern look.

The Fortuner is due to land in Aussie showrooms from August. Prices and specification will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch.

The upgrades to the Fortuner were mirrored in the best selling HiLux ute. The tough workhorse ute scored the same engine upgrades and a number of visual and engineering revisions.