2020 Toyota Fortuner: AEB now standard

The entire Fortuner range gets autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection (daytime only), adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and speed sign recognition as standard for the 2020 model year, following a similar update to the related HiLux ute earlier this year.

Based on the HiLux platform, the seven-seat Fortuner goes head-to-head with the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Holden Trailblazer.

Although the Pajero Sport and Everest offer AEB across the range, the best-selling MU-X and Trailblazer miss out – although the Holden does have forward collision warning.

The technology boost has also brought about price rises across the range. The entry-level Fortuner GX is now priced from $45,965 before on-road costs (+$1375), the mid-spec GXL costs $50,790 before on-roads (+$800), and the range-topping Crusade starts at $58,290 before on-road costs (+$1300).

Power in the Fortuner comes from a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine outputting 130kW and 450Nm, hooked up to six-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment in the base and mid-spec model has been boosted with the addition of a 4.2-inch colour screen in the instrument binnacle.

The GX gets fabric trim, projector headlights, LED tail-lights, Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system, and an air-conditioned cool-box.

Moving up to the mid-spec model gets you satellite navigation and DAB digital radio, along with keyless entry and go, fog lights, privacy glass, and hill-descent control.

The range-topping model gets an 11-speaker JBL audio system, heated and power-adjustable front seats, along with LED fog lights. It also gets climate control, bi-LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a full-size spare wheel, and an extra 220V socket.

Sales of the ute-based Fortuner are a weak spot in Toyota's otherwise strong SUV line-up. It's sitting on 2363 registrations to date in 2019, down 11.1 per cent on the same point in 2018, and trails the best-selling Mitsubishi Pajero Sport by more than 2500 sales.

Of all the ute-based SUVs on offer in Australia, only the Holden Trailblazer has fewer sales this year.

2020 Toyota Fortuner pricing

GX - $45,965 (+$1375)

GXL - $50,790 (+$800)

Crusade - $58,290 (+$1300)

All prices exclude on-road costs.