2021 Toyota Fortuner Facelift: What Are The New Updates Of the Facelift Fortuner?

2021 Toyota Fortuner Overview

Toyota Fortuner has remained an unchallenged top-selling vehicle of the full-size SUV segment since its debut in 2009 in India. The success of the Toyota Fortuner can boil down to its respectable attributes like imposing design, excellent build quality, powerful performance and comfortable cabin. There is no wonder that the Fortuner can remain one of the top SUV choices for Indian buyers through all these years. 

It is currently at its second generation. At the beginning of 2021, Toyota Kirskolar has launched the facelift version for its best-selling SUV. The new facelift comes with some minor aesthetic updates along with feature additions. Moreover, along with the facelift Toyota Fortuner, Toyota also introduces a new top-spec variant called Toyota Fortuner Legender.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Exterior

Toyota does not frequently update its big SUV, but once it did, it must be comprehensive. Toyota Fortuner receives a proper mid-life facelift with some substantial updates.

Front end

On the front end, the facelift Fortuner gets a larger and more dominant grille, along with sleek-looking LED projector headlights, LED DRLs, revised front bumper new foglights and more. These aesthetic changes forge an up-to-date design for the facelift model. More importantly, these updates make the facelift distinctive from the rather dull and outdated pre-facelift version.

Side profile

Being a mid-life facelift, the new Toyota Fortuner's side profile doesn't receive a makeover as comprehensive as the front face does. The only notable update on the side is the new set of 18-inch alloy wheels. The wheels are designed to look butch and sharp.

Rear-end

For the rear end, the Toyota Fortuner flaunts new LED taillights. For the Legender variant, there are a unique set of split quad-LED headlights, contrasting black roof, and Legender badge at the rear.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Dimensions

The facelift Fortuner sees no change in terms of dimensions. The full-size SUV measures 4795 mm, 1855 mm, and 1835 mm in length, width, and height, respectively. The wheelbase stands at 2745 mm.

Interior

In terms of the design, the interior of the new Fortuner carries over a nearly identical design from the pre-facelift version. The most notable interior update is the new interior colour option. Customers now get a dark brown interior scheme as standard. However, if buyers want to make the interior look plusher and more premium, an all-black cabin is also available as an option. Apart from this, there is also a new instrument cluster with shining silver inserts at play. The leather upholstery now gets a new colour scheme.

Seating capacity

As for the seating arrangement, the Toyota Fortuner remains unchanged. Fortuner will get the same seating layout which continues to offer amply space for both the front row and the rear row. To improve the comfort for the passengers, the SUV now comes with ventilated seats for the driver and co-driver. This feature offers a real delight, especially for the Indian car owners who usually endure highly humid and hot weather.

Comfort features

While the design of the interior gets minimum updates, the equipment list sees a handful of additions. The pre-facelift model was offered with dual-zone automatic AC, semi-digital instrument cluster, a 4.2-inch MID, electrically adjustable front seats. All of these features are brought to the facelift version. Apart from these existing features, the facelift earns other new features, including a larger 8-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, front clearance sonar.

The highlight of the new Toyota Fortuner interior is a host of newly-added connectivity technologies like geofencing, location tracking, real-time tracking, and so on. Toyota Fortuner Legeder even gets one step further with upmarket features like wireless charger, kick-activated electric tailgate, multiple driving modes, and a massive 9-inch touchscreen.

Safety

As for the safety front, Toyota Fortuner comes with seven airbags, 360-degree camera view, lane departure warning, collision prevention system, dynamic cruise control. It is worth noticing that the Fortuner facelift was given a full-star safety rating in the recent ASEAN NCAP test. It is hoped that the Fortuner will offer the same level of protection when entering the Indian market.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Engine

Toyota Fortuner continues to offer the same two engines from the previous model, a 2.7-litre turbo petrol and a 2.8 turbo diesel engine. However, the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine is tweaked to deliver higher power outputs. If mated to the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, it is capable of making 206 BHP and 500 Nm of torque against 179 PS and 455 Nm of the pre-facelift version. When pairing with a six-speed manual, the torque figure drops to 420 Nm. With these power specs, this unit is regarded as the best turbo-diesel engine in the segment. It continues to deliver a high level of refinement. In addition to that, the 6-speed manual offers a smooth and swift shift while driving.

On the other hand, the 2.7-litre petrol engine continues to churn out 166 PS and 245 Nm. It is offered with two choices of transmissions, a 6-speed manual and six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Compared to the diesel version, the petrol engine is a less popular option among Toyota Fortuner buyers. However, this engine still offers decent refinement. Still, the mid-range performance is not the best in the segment.

It is hard for a ladder-frame SUV like Fortuner to maintain flawless ride quality. That being said, the big SUV from Toyota deserves a compliment for its good control and composure even at high speed, especially for a vehicle of its size. Just like before, the Toyota Fortuner continues to offer an incredible off-road ability with the 4x4 drive system. 

2021 Toyota Fortuner Prices

On launching the new facelift model for the Toyota Fortuner, Toyota has also increased the price of the full-sized SUV. 2021 Toyota Fortuner is available at the starting price of Rs 29.98 lakh. The top-spec Legender variant is priced at Rs 37.43 lakh.

The starting price of the Fortuner is on par with those of its direct rivals – Ford Endeavour as well as the MG Gloster. However, the top model of the Fortuner still commands a premium over the top-of-the-line Endeavour and Gloster.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Colours

Previously, Toyota Fortuner was provided with seven colour options. Coming to the new facelift model, the Fortuner gets a new colour, Sparkling Black. Toyota Fortuner is now offered with eight exterior colour options:

• Super White

• Pearl White

• Grey Metallic

• Silver Metallic

• Attitude Black

• Phantom Brown

• Avant-Garde Bronze

• Sparkling Black

Toyota Fortuner Legender will come with dual-tone colour scheme option (pearl white and matte black).

2021 Toyota Fortuner Verdict

Toyota Fortuner has been always been a safe choice for customers who want a big SUV with a strong build, great performance and imposing look. The only downside of the Toyota Fortuner is its premium pricing. Compared to other cars in the segment, the 2021 Toyota Fortuner is much more expensive. However, in the long term, thanks to its high resale price, the full-size SUV from Toyota can prevent the owners from losing much money if they want to sell the car and get a new one.

With the new updates, the 2021 Toyota Fortuner looks even better and more appealing. Along with the extended list of equipment, the Toyota Fortuner will surely gain more sales in the Indian market.