In July last year, Toyota released the brand new Fortuner. The car is a complete overhaul of the older model which was still using an ancient chassis. The new generation shares its fully boxed frame with the Hilux. This means it is considerably stiffer while not being much heavier than before. Toyota also added more efficient and powerful engine into the mix, so the Fortuner is now one of the best cars in its class. However, it is not perfect, and it is still missing some features. However, there are now rumors out there suggesting that all of these should be addressed in the 2018 Toyota Fortuner update.
Please, continue reading our article based on more or less accurate rumors, speculations, and genuine information collected on the Internet.
2018 Toyota Fortuner Release Date and Price
The crossover should be released in early 2018 around the World and this time around it should become available in more markets. The current Fortuner has been developed mostly in Thailand, and it is only available in a handful of markets. With the 2018 model, Toyota is expected to bring the Fortuner in Europe and a few more markets around the World. Some also said that the Fortuner might be released in the US under the 4Runner name, but this hasn’t been confirmed so far. However, it would make sense, especially since the 4Runner’s base design hasn’t changed in over a decade. The price of the upcoming Fortuner is expected to remain roughly the same as before. This means that in Australia it will start right under $50,000 and it will go up to nearly $60,000 which would put it right where the competition is.
Design
Even though some said the 2018 Toyota Fortuner would get a new look, this is highly unlikely. Let’s not forget that Toyota released the car not that long ago and offering a major overhaul wouldn’t make much sense. However, we do expect some upgrades over the current car. For starters, the ground clearance might be altered with this update. The current model sits at just 225mm of clearance which is quite low. Toyota may offer a new base trim level with a higher ground clearance which is still needed by many. The interior should remain roughly the same as before. The only real upgrade here over the current model might be Toyota’s upcoming infotainment unit.
A New Trim Level?
TRD is a well-known brand for many Toyota enthusiast around the World. Toyota Racing Development division has been making some of the best cars Toyota ever released. The 2018 Toyota Fortuner might be one of the cars to receive their treatment. This has not been confirmed, but it has been suggested by inside sources a few times so far. If the US models are anything to go by then expect the TRD Fortuner to receive an updated running gear, beefier shocks and springs, larger brakes and even skid plates. These should easily make it one of the most capable crossovers in its class.
Under the Hood
The TRD package is unlikely going to change anything about the engines. This still means that the Fortuner will get the same powertrains as before. There will be three diesel engines and two gas engines. The latter will only see use in some markets around the World. The diesel, on the other hand, is going to be available on a much broader level. The base unit will be the same 2.4-liter turbo as before. This will continue to make 149 horsepower and 253 or 300 lb-ft of torque depending on the transmission. The top end unit will not be the three-litre diesel but rather the new generation 2.8 liter inline 4. With the help of a VNT turbo, this will make 177 horsepower and 310 or 330 lb-ft of torque.
Take a look previous model while we wait for the Fortuner: