2021 Toyota Fortuner price and specs: Facelifted off-road SUV arrives

Along with a new look, Toyota’s ute-based seven-seat SUV gains a more powerful driveline, a handful of specification changes and a bump in retail prices.

The range now starts from $49,080 for GX specification, which is followed by mid-range GXL at $54,350. Crusade remains the top specification, and has now broken into the next tier, priced at $61,410. (All prices are before on-road costs.)

Those prices have gone up by $3115 for GX, $3560 for GXL and $3120 for Crusade, compared to the outgoing (pre-facelift) model.

Under the bonnet, the new Fortuner benefits from Toyota’s reworked 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine. Outputs have improved to 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm at 1600-2800rpm.

The new Fortuner will only be available with an automatic transmission, with the option of a manual phased out back in 2018.

The six-speed automatic transmission, which is still sourced from Aisin, has been recalibrated to give more frequent torque converter lock-up. Toyota tells us this is for improved fuel efficiency and cooler running, as well as helping off-the-line acceleration.

Along with improved performance, Toyota claims the Fortuner uses 11.6 per cent less fuel, on the combined cycle. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6L/100km.

This new driveline also improves the Fortuner’s towing credentials, with a braked towing capacity going up by 300kg to 3100kg. The 2021 Fortuner’s Gross Combination Mass has only improved by five kilograms, now up to 5550kg.

Steering has also been overhauled in the new Toyota Fortuner. While many other SUVs and four-wheel-drives are moving to electrically-assisted power steering, the Fortuner is sticking with hydraulic power steering technology.

This new system, however, is updated with a variable-flow power-steering pump, which lightens steering resistance at low speed, and then gradually firms up steering feel at higher speeds. It is also tuned to especially accommodate off-road driving, when low-range is engaged.

2021 Toyota Fortuner Spec Walk

Along with rear parking sensors, the new Fortuner now gets the same treatment up-front. There’s also bi-LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels and dark grey fabric trim. (No more burgundy!)

The infotainment system has been updated, which is now 8.0-inch across the range. This is one inch larger than the previous model, and the system now supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

There’s also now a rotary volume dial for easier control, and a digital speed readout through the 4.2-inch multifunction display.

GX specification misses out on satellite navigation and digital radio, which can be optioned in for $1000.

GXL gets these two features as standard, along with single-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, roof rails, LED fog lamps, privacy glass and hill-descent control.

Optional equipment for the GXL specification is a $2500 interior pack, which bundles eight-way electrically adjustable front seats and leather-accented trimming, features which are standard on top-specification Crusade.

Along with the more premium interior fitout, Crusade also gets a powered tailgate, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, darker woodgrain interior trims and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. There is also ‘high-grade’ headlights on the outside, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 2021 Toyota Fortuner will retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2019, with safety features like high-speed active cruise control and lane-departure alert with steering assist.

There is also a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, which has pedestrian (day/night) and cyclist (day) detection.

2021 Toyota Fortuner pricing

GX - $49,080

GXL - $54,350

Crusade - $61,410

GX option pack - $1,000

GXL option pack - $2,500

Premium paint - $600