News / 11 March 2025 / Michael Taylor

New Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing and features

Toyota has officially launched the Fortuner GR-Sport in South Africa, adding a flashy new model to its popular SUV series.

The GR-Sport has a starting price of R999,000, making it the new flagship of the range ahead of the mild hybrid VX, which costs R961,800.

Features

Similar to the Corolla Cross and Hilux, the GR-Sport treatment has given the Fortuner a number of sporty-themed cosmetics inspired by the brand’s Gazoo Racing division.

The new model has a GR-specific grille and bumpers, as well as a set of bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

It also has a black front spoiler, new fog lamp bezels, and a streamlined rear diffuser.

All of these additions are meant to complement one of two colour choices – Attitude Black or Platinum Pearl White.

Inside, you’ll find suede-and-leather Sports seats with red stitching, as well as a GR multifunction steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock indicator and paddle shifters.

The SUV also features aluminium sports pedals, a GR-branded push-start button, and GR logos on the centre console, steering wheel, bumpers, doors, and tailgate.

All of this is in addition to the kit found on the VX, which includes automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control with rear-seat vents, electric front seats, a JBL sound system, and an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Fortuner also comes with the Toyota Safety Sense package, which adds a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, ABS with brake assist, hill assist, downhill assist control, trailer sway control, and seven airbags.

Engine

The GR overhaul is not just limited to the Toyota’s visuals, as the flagship benefits from unique monotube shock absorbers for better off-road handling.

Like the Hilux GR-Sport, the new Fortuner also features an uprated version of the brand’s 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine.

This gives it a total of 165kW and 550N, in contrast to the 150kW and 500Nm of the standard models.

Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox with a limited-slip differential, which results in an average fuel consumption of 8.4l/100km.

The rest of the package is identical to what we’ve seen before, with a ground clearance of 279mm, an approach angle of 29 degrees, and a departure angle of 25 degrees.

It also has three driving modes for Standard, Eco, and Sport.