Refreshed 2023 Toyota Fortuner makes ASEAN debut 

Updated Aug 05, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

A new Fortuner variant has arisen. 

The Toyota Fortuner has just received significant updates in Thailand. Released in 2022 for the 2023 model year, this new Fortuner has a few new exterior bits as well as some revamped features inside. It even gets a new variant dubbed the Fortuner Leader. 

FORTUNER LEADER’S GENERATION: New Fortuner Leader

Of note, the Leader sits below the Thai-spec Toyota Fortuner Legender in Toyota Thailand’s lineup. The latter of course, is the Land of Smile’s equivalent to the Philippine-spec Toyota Fortuner LTD. 

That said, let’s check what this new variant offers as it might preview what’s to come for the local version of the Toyota Fortuner in the near future.

Exterior 

On the outside, the silhouette of this macho-looking SUV remains the same. For the Fortuner Leader specifically, changes are then focused on the front portion of the vehicle. Specifically, it gets the styling cues of the Legender (LTD), whilst bearing the simpler headlamps of lower-spec Fortuner trims.  

A picture of the front of the Toyota Fortuner Leader

A closer look at the Fortuner Leader's front end

No, it does not come with the Legender’s (LTD) two-tone black top paint scheme, though some of its bits are blacked out. These include the grille trims. It then uses a set of 18-inch alloy wheels which also looks similar to the top-spec model. 

Also new to this refreshed Fortuner is the addition of automatic high beams. Of note, these are not present on the current Philippine-spec Fortuner LTD though both do come with automatic on-off control functions. 

The 2023 Toyota Fortuner Leader

The 2023 Toyota Fortuner Leader

Interior 

Inside, the refreshed 2023 Toyota Fortuner pretty much carries over the features and styling details of the last version. You still get leather seating, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a 60:40 split-folding second row, and a 50:50 split-folding third row. In total, it can, of course, seat up to seven. 

A picture of the interior of the Toyota Fortuner Leader

Inside the Fortuner Leader. Not much changes here

Likewise, the recently launched 2023 Fortuner in Thailand, also gets a push button start, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a 4.2-inch TFT gauge cluster, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a cooled box storage compartment, as well as a dual-zone automatic climate control system. 

Tech & Safety 

On the tech side of things, the updated Thai-spec Fortuner gets the same eight-inch touchscreen that’s already present on the current model. It still gets Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity.  

A picture of the Toyota Fortuner Leader's airbags mid-deployment

The Fortuner Leader gets seven airbags

The new Leader variant also comes with additional driver assist safety features. Among these are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree view camera. That’s not as comprehensive as the one on the Legender (LTD), though one can say that it has more kit than the Fortuner V and G. 

Engine 

Now, this is where Toyota Thailand throws a curveball. That’s because while the new Fortuner Leader variant looks similar to the Legender (LTD), it instead uses the smaller 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine that’s present on the lower-spec Fortuner V and G trims in the Philippines. 

In the local market, this powertrain for the Fortuner can produce up to 148 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. It is then paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, with a paddle shifter manual mode. 

Price 

In Thailand, the Fortuner Leader starts at 1,371,000 Baht, which is around Php 2,100,000 before taxes and other fees. With that in mind, it slots just below the more expensive Legender (LTD) variants which in turn starts at  1,859,000 Baht or around Php 2,876,000. Think of it as an LTD-lite, or one can even say that it fits the bill of what the Ford Everest Sport is to the Everest variant lineup.  

A picture of the Toyota Fortuner Leader in Dark Blue MIca

The Toyota Fortuner Leader in Dark Blue Mica

On the flipside, the new Leader trim might even replace some local variants entirely. Then again, Toyota Motor Philippines has yet to say anything about this refreshed Fortuner.

Catch more information about the refreshed Toyota Fortuner and other car industry updates here in the Philippines’ largest automotive portal.  

Know more about Toyota Fortuner 2024

Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner 2024 sold in our market spans six five trim levels and 11 variants. Toyota Fortuner prices in the Philippines range from PHP 1,769,000 for the Fortuner G 2.4 M/T to PHP 2,650,000 for the flagship GR Sport 2.8 A/T. This midsize SUV spans two turbodiesel options, with most of the range equipped with a 6-speed automatic gearbox (6-speed manual for the base variant) as well as a 4x2 drivetrain (4x4 is available on the LTD trim and is standard on the GR Sport). The Fortuner brings a length of 4,795mm, a width of 1,855mm, and a height of 1,835mm on a 2,745mm wheelbase. 

The lowest monthly installment starts at Php 19,683 for the G 2.4 4x2, with 60-month payment terms on a 50 percent downpayment. As a contender in the midsize SUV segment, the Toyota Fortuner faces off against a slew of rivals including the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra, Ford Everest, Isuzu mu-X, and Foton Toplander

 

Toyota Fortuner Launch

Toyota Philippines launched the 2021 Fortuner facelift in late 2020 with the addition of the new and distinct variant called LTD. All of the variants introduced by the Japanese carmaker come with an automatic transmission except
the G variant which has to option to go for a manual transmission. Only the top-ranging LTD variants are benefited by a 4x4 drivetrain and a two-tone paint that comes with a blacked-out roof.

One of the best and new features the facelifted model brought in the country is the more powerful engine. The 7-seater midsize SUV now offers Filipino car buyers a 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV diesel engine that allows it to join the 500 Club
alongside other midsize SUVs in the country such as the Ford Everest and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Since the Fortuner's entry in the local market in 2005, TMP has already sold over 220,000 units of the unit.

Toyota Fortuner Exterior

The Toyota Fortuner gets a more confident and stylish design. The top-spec LTD comes with a 2-tone color black roof color lineup, a bolder and sportier front and rear bumper design, and machine-cut 18-inch alloy wheels. Split-type LED headlamps and LED front foglamps, sequential turn signal lamps, and the redesigned LED rear combination lamps give the LTD variant a more dynamic design while maintaining visibility on Philippine roads. 

Toyota Fortuner Philippines front view

The Toyota Fortuner gets a more confident and stylish design

On the other hand, the Q and V variants of the new Fortuner get LED foglamps and redesigned LED rear combination lamps, as well as Bi-Beam LED Headlamps with LED Line Guide - Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Meanwhile, G variants also now come with Bi-Beam LED Headlamps with LED DRL.

Toyota Fortuner Interior

The Toyota Fortuner LTD variants offer a more premium interior feel as compared to other variants thanks to its variant-exclusive leather with maroon accent seat material. Another feature found in the top-spec variant only is the leather plus galaxy black trim steering wheel which complements the seats. The G and V variants come with fabric upholstery, while the Q variants benefit from leather upholstery.

Toyota Fortuner interior view

The maroon trims are excellent touches

Standard features for the 7-seater midsize SUV include a 4.2-inch multi-information display (MID), tilt and telescopic steering column, four cupholders and two bottle holders up front, two cupholders and two bottle holders at the rear, 60:40 split for the 2nd-row passengers with 1-touch tumble with center armrest, and 50:50 split for the third-row seats. A cool box is included for all variants except the base G variants.

Technology & Safety Features

Comfort and entertainment are guaranteed the whole journey for the driver and passengers as LTD and Q variants have 8-Way Power Adjust front seats, and Front Seat Ventilation System for the LTD variant. Never lose power with the wireless charger and rear USB chargers available on LTD, Q, and V grades, and experience premium sound quality over the LTD variants’ 9-speaker JBL sound system. The new Fortuner also comes with either a seven- or eight-inch infotainment touchscreen depending on the variant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard across all variants of the new Toyota Fortuner.

Toyota Fortuner's dashboard

The new Fortuner also come with either a seven- or eight-inch infotainment touchscreen depending on the variant

Toyota Fortuner Philippine seats

Comfort and entertainment is guaranteed the whole journey for the driver and passengers

Standard safety features in the SUV include dual-SRS airbags and driver's knee airbag (LTD variants get side and curtain airbags), an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control, hill-start assist control (HAC), and ISOFIX tethers. The higher-trim Q and LTD variants are installed with a pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure alert with yaw assist, and adaptive cruise control (ACC). 

Platform & Chassis

The Toyota Fortuner Philippines is a five-door midsize SUV that is built on the same IMV platform as the Hilux and Innova. The three models share the same engines, but the outputs and displacements differ. The front suspension is handled by the fully independent double-wishbone, while a rigid axle with coil springs handles the rear suspension. This seven-seater SUV has a length of 4,795 mm, a width of 1,855 mm, a wheelbase of 2,745 mm, and a ground clearance of 193 mm.

Two of the Toyota Fortuner variants

All variants share the same brake and suspension parts

>>> Toyota Fortuner for sale in the Philippines at best prices

Engine & Drivetrain

The new Toyota Fortuner LTD and Q variants are powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine that delivers 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the V and G variants of the model come with a 2.4-liter diesel engine that generates 148 hp and 400 Nm of torque. All variants come with a six-speed automatic transmission except for the entry-level G variant, which has a 6-speed manual transmission.

Toyota Fortuner Philippines on the road

The new Toyota Fortuner LTD and Q variants are powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine

All variants of the 7-seater midsize SUV utilize a 4x2 drivetrain. However, Toyota Motor Philippines also offers a 4x4 drivetrain which is made available only on the top-ranging LTD variant that comes with auto disconnect differential and differential lock for a more seamless off-roading ride.

>>> For your further reference:

Available colors for the Toyota Fortuner 2024 are Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Attitude Black Mica, Gray Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Super White II. 

For off-road capability, the Toyota Fortuner 2024 is equipped with a rear-locking differential that works with its four-wheel drivetrain. Toyota Safety Sense is standard on the Q, LTD, and GR Sport trims, bringing driver-assist features such as a pre-collision system and adaptive cruise control. Upper-spec variants also come with a panoramic view monitor that provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s exterior. Also, the Fortuner Philippines is the only one in its class that offers ventilated front seats. 

Toyota Fortuner Pros & Cons

 Pros  Cons
 
  • Muscular design 

  • Improved interior and safety features 

  • Robust powertrain and suspension

  • Extensive variant lineup

  • Not so comfortable ride quality 

  • Pricey compared to rivals 

Toyota Fortuner Q&A

1. Does the Toyota Fortuner have 7 seats?

Yes, it is a midsize SUV that has 7 seats.

2. Will the Toyota Fortuner 2024 have a sunroof?

Unfortunately, no. Sunroofs are not available on the Toyota Fortuner 2024.

3. What is special about the safety system of the Toyota Fortuner 2024?

The safety system of the Toyota Fortuner 2024 has been improved because it includes Blind spot indicators with rear cross-traffic alert, stability control, traction control, and hill start assist.

4. How is the Toyota Fortuner price in the Philippines?

The price of Toyota Fortuner is quite good. It ranges from 1,769,000 Php for the entry-level G 2.4 4x2 MT to 2,650,000 Php for the top-of-the-line Toyota Fortuner GR Sport 2.8 Diesel 4x4 AT.

5. Which Toyota Fortuner Philippines color is best?

It’s difficult to tell which color is best since this depends on each one’s preference. However, Fortuner 2024 black and Fortuner 2024 white seem to be popular choices.

 

₱ 1,736,000 - ₱ 2,595,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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