Next-gen Toyota Fortuner to debut in 2022 - hybrid engines, better ADAS, new tech!
Sanjay · Jan 12, 2021 02:00 PM
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Current-gen, facelifted Fortuner pictured.
The Toyota Fortuner is in its second generation, and last week we welcomed the facelifted version in Malaysia. Now, there's news that seemingly confirms the third-generation, all-new Fortuner's debut in 2022.
Mr. Konishi.
Yoshiki Konishi, chief engineer of Toyota Motor Corporation, told Indian media that “We’ll launch it next year.” So what can we expect?
What's new: new EPS, better VSC, improved ADAS
Chief among the updates is electric power steering (EPS) that will replace the current model's hydraulic power steering. “In the near future, we would like to introduce EPS (electric power steering), which will make the vehicle easier to drive,” said Konishi.
The current-gen Fortuner also comes with VFC technology.
However, he added that, "if we introduce EPS, we will need a big change in the electronic platform," which also means the next-gen SUV will receive an updated electronic and electrical (ENE) architecture.
Also, the next-gen Fortuner's vehicle stability control (VSC) system is expected to be improved, in order to provide a finer degree of control to tackle varied terrains.
But that's not all - expect the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and connectivity features to be improved in the generational update.
About this, Konishi said, “We are on the way to introduce connectivity features step by step. “The next generation of the Fortuner will have some additional items. It will have (greater) digitisation and ADAS.” However, what's to be improved hasn't been disclosed yet.
Recall that the range-topping Fortuner 2.8 VRZ in Malaysia comes with partial TSS - bundling dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), pre-collision system (AEB), and lane departure alert with yaw assist (LDA).
Also new: Hybrid power
Toyota is also looking towards cleaner powertrains to the next-gen Fortuner. On this, Konishi said, “We need to introduce high efficiency powertrains on our Fortuner, which depends on the region.”
"At this time, a (pure) diesel powertrain is not the best. It’s difficult to meet regulations. So, we need to change from diesel to a diesel-plus-hybrid system, or also another powertrain,” he continued.
The 1GD-FTV mill found in the range-topping Fortuner 2.8 VRZ.
As such, it's fair to expect that the next-gen SUV to feature some form of hybrid powertrains, although specifics are yet to be confirmed. “We have two types of hybrids – one is a strong hybrid and the second, a mild hybrid. So, these are one of our solutions," said Konishi.
For now though, the Fortuner sold in Malaysia comes with a choice of three turbodiesel engines (depending on variant):
2021 Toyota Fortuner Engines in Malaysia
Variant
Engine
Transmission
2.4 4x4
(Only available in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan)
150 PS/400 Nm
6-speed automatic
2.7 SRZ 4x4
166 PS/245 Nm
2.8 VRZ 4x4
204 PS/500 Nm
One thing stays: body-on-frame construction
The Fortuner and Toyota Hilux share a platform, and that's not something that's going to change in the next-gen.
Konishi confirmed that the incumbent Fortuner will still maintain its body-on-frame construction, explaining that it's "one of its core concepts". Clarifying this, Konishi said that "customers who use the SUV off-road need the current body-on-frame (construction)."
2021 Toyota Fortuner in Malaysia
The facelifted Innova.
As mentioned, the current-gen facelifted Fortuner made its appearance last week alongside the 2021 Toyota Innovafacelift.
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With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
