Facelifted Toyota Fortuner luxury SUV to be launched on 6th January 2021

Toyota Kirloskar Motors Limited (TKML) has just announced that it will launch the facelifted version of the best-selling Fortuner luxury SUV on the 6th of January, 2021. Toyota is not just expected to launch the facelifted Fortuner on the 6th but also a new variant of the SUV called the Legender, which has already gone on sale in many South East Asian markets.

The facelift will be the first major update for the 2nd generation Fortuner, which was launched in India during 2016. The Legender is a more upmarket trim for the SUV with stylistic changes, and is expected to bring more buyers to Toyota showrooms. The Fortuner Facelift and Legender are likely to be marginally pricier than the pre-facelift version. Prices of the Fortuner start from Rs. 28.6 lakh, ex-showroom. The facelifted version could be about 5 % pricier.

A major mechanical update is also in the offing. Toyota is expected to boost power and torque outputs of the 2.8 liter-4 cylinder GD turbo diesel engine, to 204 Bhp-500 Nm. This state of tune is likely to be offered on the Legender and higher trims of the Fortuner. A 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox is likely to be offered with this engine as standard in the more powerful state of tune. A lower state of tune on this engine (177 Bhp-450 Nm) could be offered with a 6 speed manual gearbox.

Also read: 450 bhp Mercedes CLA 45 AMG sportscar for sale at a price cheaper than Fortuner

The facelifted Fortuner is likely to get rear wheel drive layout on the lower trims, and a four wheel drive layout on the higher trims. Toyota is also expected to offer the facelifted Fortuner in a petrol version, with a 2.7 liter-4 cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with 164 Bhp-245 Nm state of tune. 5 speed manual and 6 speed torque converter automatic gearboxes are expected to be offered with this engine. The petrol version of the Fortuner Facelift is likely to get a rear wheel drive layout as standard.

In terms of visual changes, the facelifted Fortuner and Legender will get revised front end and rear end styling. The front end will get a larger mesh-pattern grille, a redesigned LED headlights with LED DRLs and a reprofiled front bumper. The rear will get slimmer LED tail lamps while the sides of the SUV will get a refresh in the form of new, 18-inch alloy wheels. The top-hat of the luxury SUV will remain unchanged and so will most of the vehicle’s interiors except for minor feature additions.

A 8 inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be a key added feature, along with a revised instrument cluster, 360 degree camera 8 way adjustable driver and front passenger seats, wireless phone charging, ambient LED lights, JBL audio system with 9 speakers, will be the major feature additions on the facelifted Fortuner. The Legender will get most of these features as it will be the new top-end trim of the Fortuner. Bookings for the facelifted Fortuner are open at most Toyota dealerships across India. The SUV will continue to be built through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit format at Toyota’s Bidadi factory near Bangalore.

Also read: Mahindra Alturas gets much cheaper than the Toyota Fortuner thanks to 3 lakh discount