Toyota launches new Fortuner at ₹25.92 lac

Petrol, diesel, 2WD, 4WD, manual and auto variants available. Everyone can stop holding their breath now

It’s as if anyone we speak to in the market for an SUV was waiting for the new Fortuner to become available before making any choices. That’s the sway the brand holds within the psyche of the Indian consumer. And why not? Toyota’s don’t break and soldier on until the owners get downright bored of them. So here comes another one for the decades.

The new Fortuner is available with a 2.7-litre petrol or 2.8-litre diesel motor. Both get options of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions (5-speed manual for the petrol) while diesel models can be had in 2WD and 4WD. The top-end diesel automatic outputs 177PS and 450Nm, while the petrol generates 166PS and 245Nm.

This is the second-generation Fortuner for India, and Toyota has stepped up its game significantly in all spheres. The interior, for instance, is a marked improvement. While the outgoing model was a bit like an Innova on the inside, the new interior takes things upmarket with a 7" touchscreen, TFT screen for the multifunction display, wood and metal accents and the now-obligatory cabin mood lighting combined with a dark brown interior colour scheme. The exterior is far less plain as well. There’s an imposing front fascia, generally more muscular lines ala the Landcruiser, 17" or 18" wheels depending on variant, and a powered tailgate. LED headlights and DRLs are present, as are LED taillamps.

Safety is up with 7 SRS airbags, pre-tensioners for the front seat belts, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and ISOFIX support for child seats.

We’re impressed with the pricing of the new Fortuner, which we expected to take a jump upward in line with what we’ve seen from some other Japanese manufacturers. This takes the fight aggressively to the Ford Endeavour’s corner.

Prices

2.7-litre petrol 2WD 5-speed manual: Rs. 25,92,000

2.7-litre petrol 2WD 6-speed automatic Rs. 27,67,000

2.8-litre diesel 2WD 6-speed manual: Rs. 27,52,000

2.8-litre diesel 2WD 6-speed automatic: Rs. 29,14,000

2.8-litre diesel 4WD 6-speed manual: Rs. 30,05,000

2.8-litre diesel 4WD 6-speed autmatic: Rs. 31,12,000