• Toyota's Fortuner receives a styling upgrade with new front-end looks and upgraded safety features.
• The new 2.8 GD-6 VX is the new flagship model.
• The Fortuner also revives a power upgrade to its 2.8-litre engine with 150kW and 500Nm outputs.
Toyota's ubiquitous Fortuner SUV has gone under the knife for 2020 and also benefited from a more powerful engine and upgraded safety system.
The new 2.8 GD-6 VX is the range-topping model. The cosmetic changes are most noticeable at the front and include a larger, blacked-out grille with wave-like mesh pattern (finished in gloss on the VX) is accompanied by a silver-accented "skid-plate".
The LED headlights now feature 'scalloped' daytime running light guides and are joined by LED fog lamps and strip-like LED turn-signal elements in the lower bumper.
On the VX-grade, the side profile is enhanced with a thin, chrome belt-line that extends towards the rear. There are also new rear lights units with integrated light guides.
2.8 GD-6 variants receive a new 18-inch alloy wheel with turbine design and metallic surface treatment – employing 265-60-R18 tyres.
Toyota says customer feedback is the reason behind the shift to a black interior from the brown leather upholstery previously used.
A new instrument cluster design has been employed with metallic-blue dial faces and white needle pointers.
Updated infotainment system
An all-new 20cm infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality now calls Fortuner home. This allows users to mirror applications off their mobile phone.
Navigation applications such as Google Maps and Waze are natively included and occupants can also access their music libraries and streaming accounts via apps like Apple Music, Joox, Spotify and SoundCloud. Wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth with a USB input for additional media options.
The 2.8 GD-6 models (mid and VX) are also equipped with embedded Audio Visual Navigation (AVN).
Perhaps the most important news is the new beefed up engine first seen in Hilux. The output of the 2.8 GD-6 engine has been boosted to 150kW and 500Nm.
Toyota says the six-speed automatic transmission in turn has been recalibrated to allow earlier lockup for improved acceleration and cooling performance, especially while towing.
Another win for the 2020 Fortuner is the towing capacity of 2.4 GD-6 4x4 models has seen an increase of 800kg, now registering 3.3-tonnes and matching that of the 2.8 GD-6 4x4 model.
Subsequently, 2.8 GD-6 4x4 models now also boast a towing capacity of 3300kg (an increase of 300kg over the outgoing model).
PDC and LED headlights now standard on 2.4 models
The 2.4 GD-6 variants now also include Park Distance Control (PDC) alongside full LED lighting, cruise control and touchscreen infotainment. A new multi-information display screen now includes a large, digital-speed read out and steering wheel angle indicator.
The 2.8 GD-6 'mid-grade' adds an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, power seat adjustment for both driver and passenger, climate control as well as rear fog lamps. A leather steering wheel, leather dashboard accents and matte wood-trim - complete the interior offering.
The new VX model boasts seat heating for driver and passenger, welcome lighting and the Toyota Safety Sense system that integrates a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control and road sign recognition.
The Japanese carmaker has also rolled out its 'connect' telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle via the MyToyota App.
The company says the app allows on-demand service bookings, vehicle information and history, tracking data as well as Toyota Connect data recharge services and much more – latterly even including the ability to renew your vehicle license online.
Model line-up and pricing
2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT - R 566 800
2.4 GD-6 RB 6AT - R 588 000
2.4 GD-6 4X4 6AT - R 616 700
2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT - R 700 100
2.8 GD-6 4X4 6AT - R 770 400
2.8 GD-6 RB VX 6AT - R 720 200
2.8 GD-6 4X4 VX 6AT - R 790 500
Note: 2.7 VVTi, 2.8 GD-6 Manual and 4.0 V6 models were removed from the line-up at Epic introduction