Better towing for Toyota off-roaders
More grunt, technology and higher tow ratings for 4x4 HiLux and FortunerThe covers have been whipped off the updated 2021 Toyota Fortuner, showing off a tougher, more sophisticated look for the seven-seat SUV, plus a higher 3100kg tow rating.
Revealed just minutes after the 2021 Toyota HiLux ute on which it’s based, the upgraded Toyota Fortuner will also arrive in Australia from late August.
As well as the sophisticated new exterior design, characterised by its sleek multi-LED headlight clusters, equipment levels have increased with the fitment of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired, not wireless) as part of a significant improvement to the infotainment system.
Now boasting an 8.0-inch touch-screen (up one inch), the 2021 Toyota Fortuner is expected to get a fancier cabin fit-out than the updated HiLux ute.
Matched as standard to an automatic transmission, an upgraded 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. pumps out significantly more power and torque – up from 130kW/450Nm to 150kW/500Nm – thanks to “new and uprated components”.
The boost in power also sees the Toyota Fortuner’s towing capacity increase from 2800kg to 3100kg, and is likely to be accompanied by a fix for the diesel particulate filter problem that prompted a class action again the Japanese brand in Australia.
Current pricing for the Toyota Fortuner starts at $45,965 for the GX model grade and tops out at $58,290 for the Crusade variant.
Sporting a new, more muscular and truck-like front-end design, the midlife makeover for the Hilux ute -- Australia’s most popular new vehicle -- also brings more power, improved fuel economy and a higher towing capacity than before.
Under the bonnet, the HiLux’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine has also been upgraded to deliver 150kW of power (up 20kW) in all models and 500Nm of torque (up 50Nm) for automatic versions.
Inside, Toyota’s existing infotainment system has been updated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a restyled interior and instrument panel.
Towing capacity for automatic 4x4 HiLux variants – including new double-cab-chassis Workmate and SR5 derivatives – has been upgraded to a maximum of 3500kg to match manual versions.
On 4x2 variants, all diesel automatics are now rated at 2800kg, an increase of up to 300kg.
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