The second-generation Toyota Fortuner has been on sale in South Africa since 2016 seeing two facelifts during this time, and the third generation of the popular SUV is expected to launch in 2026.
While this date isn’t set in stone yet, a spokesperson for Toyota South Africa (TSAM) said we can “base our estimations” on when the new model is making its debut by looking at the product cycle of its predecessors.
The first-generation Fortuner launched in 2006 and was replaced approximately 10 years later by the one we have now, giving us an anticipated arrival date of 2026 for the third generation.
As such, the next Fortuner will likely be unveiled to the world in 2025 and reach showrooms the year thereafter, similar to its ancestors.
What’s available
The Toyota Fortuner was recently updated for the local market by means of exterior and interior touchups.
These enhancements were accompanied by an average of a 2% bump in price, said a TSAM spokesperson, resulting in the seven-seater now being available from a starting sticker of R653,500.
Visually, the SUV gained a new mesh grille that takes up 25% of the front fascia instead of the previous 50%, restyled LED headlights with four partitions, sequential LED turn signals, LED fog lamps, aerodynamic corner mouldings for the rear bumper, a roof spoiler, a black licence plate garnish, and the option now exists to get a gloss black roof and mirrors.
The entire range now also rides on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.
The cabin then gained new instrument cluster graphics, gloss black finishes with a new “ornamentation pattern”, and maroon/black leather upholstery with contrast stitching.
Amenities across the Fortuner range includes cruise control, manual air conditioning, a reverse camera, keyless start and entry, hill assist, front and rear park distance control, a multi-information driver display, and an 8-inch entertainment screen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and six speakers.
On top of this, the 2.8-litre units receive a leather and wood steering wheel, automatic dual-zone climate control, and electronically-adjustable front seats.
The range-topping VX models add on top lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, a panoramic camera system, adaptive cruise control, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.
As before, the Toyota is powered by either a 2.4-litre, turbocharged diesel motor with 110kW and 400Nm, or a turbo-diesel 2.8-litre with 150kW and 500Nm.
Depending on the model, these units are paired with a six-speed manual or automatic box and can be had in both 4×2 and 4×4.
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