Key highlights
- 2027 Toyota Fortuner spied again
- Front design details revealed with a new nose and new headlights
- Global debut is expected in early 2027
Toyota is nearing the final stage of development for the next-generation Fortuner. The upcoming 2027 Fortuner test mule was recently spotted in Thailand, revealing the fresh design details of the fascia.
2027 Toyota Fortuner: New exterior design, same stance
As seen in the new images, the fascia of the new Fortuner is revealed partially. The new-gen model will pack a set of new LED headlights, a new, wider grille with sharp design elements, and a flanked bumper with vertical foglight housing. However, we can not claim that this is the final design, but the new spy shot does give us a hint of what to expect.
The upper half of the new model looks identical to the current model. We believe that this has been done deliberately to keep the resemblance to the outgoing version and follow the design evolution philosophy. The test car seems to be riding on the new 17-inch alloy wheels with a fat sidewall. The current version comes with the 17-inch rims on the lower variants, while the top variants, like the Legender, get the 18-inch rims. A similar offering is expected on the new-gen Fortuner as well.
The front windshield has the ADAS module mounted behind the interior rear-view mirror. This confirms that the autonomous safety assist technology will be offered on the new Fortuner. Meanwhile, the rear quarter panel design seems to have wide haunches and the corner-based taillights extending to the panel. This design trait will enhance its overall SUV appeal and road presence.
Interestingly, the spied test car is the same one that was previously spotted from the back. Those spy images revealed the new LED taillights and new tailgate silhouette. The new-gen Fortuner will undergo a big design revamp at the rear with a boxy shape and sharp elements.
Tried and tested hardware will be offered
Earlier, the online rumours hinted that the new Fortuner will be a monocoque and will offer a petrol hybrid engine. However, this will not be the case. The latest information that has been leaked online hints that the new Fortuner will either continue the IMV ladder-frame platform of the current SUV, or it will shift to the more rugged TNGA-F platform of the new-gen Hilux. The latter is also used on the Land Cruiser Prado, and it offers better structural rigidity and off-road capability.
On the other hand, the powertrains are most likely to remain unchanged. These will include the current 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel and the 2.7-litre petrol engine options, both paired with the 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options. The 4X4 drivetrain will be a standard offering on the range-topping versions, while there will be a choice of 4X2 drivetrain as well.
With that said, Toyota engineers will most likely alter the engine tuning for better efficiency and improved performance. There could be an addition of new drive modes or terrain modes for improved off-road capability.
Modern technology, improved safety
The new Fortuner is likely to get an all-new cabin. The interior design will most likely be inspired by the Land Cruiser Prado 250. We saw the same design upgrade on the new-gen Hilux in India recently.
The new additions could include the new three-spoke steering wheel, a new dashboard, an improved list of features including a large central infotainment screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, ventilated seats with electric adjustment, and Level 2 ADAS safety features. The latter could offer an underbody off-road view, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more.
When will the 2027 Toyota Fortuner launch in India?
The new-generation Fortuner is slated for a global reveal next year. The exact launch timeline is unknown as of now, but we suspect that it will break cover by the end of the next year. Meanwhile, the Indian customers will have to wait at least a few months after the global reveal. So, it is most likely to launch in India by 2028.
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