Japanese automaker, Toyota, is planning to launch multiple new SUVs in the Indian market in the next 2-3 years. The company is working on a new 7-seater version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, which is likely to be launched sometime in late 2025. Adding to it, the company will introduce the new generation Fortuner SUV that is reportedly under development. Moreover, a more affordable or mini Fortuner (rumoured to be called FJ Cruiser) is also expected to make its way to our market. In this article, we talk about the top 5 things we know about the upcoming new Toyota Fortuner.
New Platform
The current Fortuner is designed and developed on the ladder-on-frame chassis, called the IMV, which also underpins the Innova Crysta. The next-gen Fortuner will be designed and developed on an all-new TNGA-F platform, which is flexible enough to accommodate different body styles and multiple engine options including ICE and hybrid. This architecture currently underpins multiple global cars including the Lexus LX500d, Land Cruiser 300 and the Tacoma pickup. This platform supports a wheelbase length of 2,850-4,180mm. This single platform for multiple-sized vehicles will help Toyota in reducing cost, and development time and achieving considerable gains in economies of scale.
New Toyota Fortuner Styling
The new-gen Fortuner SUV will share its styling cues from the Tacoma pick-up, which is already on sale in global markets. The Tacoma has an aggressive front bumper design to accommodate improved off-road elements, and the same is expected in the new Fortuner. It is likely to have wider fender flares, a flattened-bonnet with strong creases, prominent cladding around the flared wheel arches and a skid plate.
ADAS Tech, Electric Steering, VSC
The new-gen Fortuner will come with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite with features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, automatic parking assist, blind spot detection, and forward collision warning. The SUV will also receive Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, which will mitigate skidding and rollover risks. Instead of the traditional hydraulic unit, the new Fortuner will be fitted with an electric power steering.
Mild-hybrid diesel Engine
With all-new Fortuner, Toyota will add a new diesel engine with mild hybrid system. It is likely to be powered by a 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with an integrated starter generator (ISG). Rumoured to be called the GD hybrid, the mild hybrid diesel engine is expected to offer higher fuel efficiency and added torque on demand. It will come with an engine start/stop system. The mild hybrid system collects kinetic energy during braking or deceleration that can offer an additional torque under acceleration. Not just higher fuel efficiency, the new Fortuner is also likely to offer improved power and torque. In the global markets, the SUV could also receive a 2.4L turbo petrol engine or a 2.4L hybrid turbo petrol engine.
New Toyota Fortuner Launch Timeline
The new-gen Fortuner is expected to make its global debut sometime in 2025. However, Toyota is yet to make an official announcement on the same. We expect the new Fortuner to arrive in our market by the end of 2025 or in 2026.
