The Toyota Fortuner remains a popular choice for those that are looking for a rugged, attractive SUV with seating for seven and serious off-road credentials. Backed by Toyota's renowned reliability, the Fortuner is a popular model across the country, even if many of them never see more than the occasional dirt road.
Related: Toyota Fortuner updated for 2020/21
The second-generation Fortuner touched down in 2016 and was met with rave reviews. The largely refined range was now even better on-road and many of the niggles that plagued earlier generations had been addressed. As part of the life-cycle refresh, the Fortuner was recently updated, building even further on the tried and tested recipe.
Here are 5 of the most important changes that the 2021 model sees.
1. Cosmetics
The 2021 Toyota Fortuner gets a revitalised model range with the flagship model receiving the VX badge. The 2.8 GD-6 VX model is the one to wear all of the new gear with some filtering down to the lower models, depending on the engine size.
The 2021 model receives a new look with a restyled front end, complete with an aggressive-looking bumper, a deeper grille with wave-like patterns and a gloss finish. The chrome spars flanking the grille now drop further into the front bumper and are flanked by reprofiled headlights, now with Bi-LED technology and new LED DRLs.
A new chrome waistline trim adorns the VX models and the rear is treated to new taillights and a roof spoiler.
2. Wheels
There's a new design for the Fortuner range with the 2.8 GD-6 range wearing a new 18-inch wheel with 265/60R18 tyres. This turbine design is finished off in a dark gunmetal, metallic finish. The 2.4 GD-6 models keep their 17-inch wheels and are shod in similarly wide 265/65R17 tyres.
3. Interior
The one area where Toyota certainly have listened to their customers is in the interior department. The new Fortuner range does away with the dark, chocolate brown leather interior and it is replaced with sumptuous black leather with contrasting brushed alloy trims. Contrasting silver stitching further elevates the interior atmosphere.
Drivers are also treated to a new gauge design with dark blue backgrounds and a new typeface. These are complemented by the blue interior lighting.
4. Infotainment system
The Fortuner is now fitted with the latest generation 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system does away with the full-touch interface and now includes physical buttons and rotary knobs for menu and function shortcuts with the knobs handling tuning and volume duties. This is considerably safer than the full-touch arrangement and allows you to adjust volume without having to divert your eyes from the road.
VX models are also equipped with a 9-speaker JBL sound system, while all 2.8 GD-6 models get navigation.
5. Power
The lineup still consists of the 2.4 GD-6 and 2.8 GD-6 models but the 2.8-litre derivatives have seen advances that not only promote smoother and more efficient running, but boost the power at the same time.
The addition of a new fuel injection system and revised turbocharger see the power increased by 20 kW to 150 kW total with the torque jumping from 450 Nm to 500 Nm for a 50 Nm gain.
Fuel consumption is also improved with the 2.8 GD-6 models claiming an average consumption of 7.6 to 7.9 l/100km depending on the drivetrain configuration.
Recommended next:
Which Toyota Fortuner model retains its value best?
Top 5 extras for your 2021 Toyota Fortuner
#AutoCentral: The rise and rise of the SUV body style, driving the latest Toyota Fortuner
