The Toyota Fortuner is the undisputed king of SUVs in the Philippines. This isn’t because it’s the most powerful in its class, nor is it because it’s the best-looking. There are plenty of options out there if you want a seven-seater SUV and a lot of them are arguably better based on opinions we’ve read.
But just like several Toyota models, the Fortuner is at the top of its class in terms of sales numbers, selling five-digit units annually since 2012. It was even hailed as the overall bestselling vehicle in the Philippines at the end of 2017, beating the more affordable Vios subcompact sedan in the process.
Since its inception in 2005, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has moved over 220,000 units. If you noticed that the Fortuner is ubiquitous on the road, whether in Metro Manila or in the provinces, then you shouldn’t be surprised.
And by the looks of it, the nameplate is on its way to becoming the bestselling SUV again this year with the refreshed and more improved 2021 Fortuner out and about.
What’s visibly new?
For its mid-cycle facelift, the 2021 Toyota Fortuner naturally gets a new face to increase its appeal on the market, with bi-LED headlamps standard across the range. It gets larger corner housings with fog lamps (for the higher trims), plus revamped front and rear bumpers. Turn signals are also now integrated on the lower front bumper, while the rear end gets a set of better-looking LED taillights.
What’s new for the 2021 model year is the introduction of LTD variants, serving as the range-topper in the Fortuner lineup. The LTD variants have a different fascia, seen on the grille that looks like a split version of Lexus vehicles’ spindle grille. It gets sequential turn signals, front and back, and a two-tone paint job to keep up with the trend.
The LTD variants get machine-cut 18-inch alloys, while the Q variant has same-sized regular ones. The lower V and G variants make do with smaller 17-inch rims. Of note, TMP drops the 2.7-liter gasoline variants of the Fortuner for the 2021 model year, making it a full diesel range now.
Refreshed cabin
While the Fortuner’s cabin layout remains largely the same, the feature set and trimmings are new. The LTD variants are equipped with leather seats with maroon accents, while the Q makes do with leather seats and dark wood trim around the cabin. Again, the V and G trims get the lower spec with fabric seats
The rest of the cabin is practically the same, including the third-row seats that fold up instead of the usual fold-flat configuration.
High-tech for the modern era
Despite carrying over the layout and configuration from its predecessor, the Fortuner’s cabin gets most of the upgrade in terms of tech toys, especially on the top-spec trims. The whole lineup is equipped with a keyless entry system, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are accessible through a touchscreen infotainment. Music lovers will enjoy the LTD trim and its 9-speaker JBL setup, along with the bigger 8-inch screen. Wireless charging pads and USB ports are standard across almost all trims, while 12V accessory sockets are the options for the lower G variants.
The Fortuner is among the safest SUVs your money can buy, and that holds true for the 2021 model year with the introduction of Toyota Safety Sense to the nameplate. The LTD and Q specific suite of safety features include a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
These features go hand-in-hand with the Fortuner’s standard safety equipment including seven airbags, 3-pt. ELR seatbelts, Anti-Lock Brake System with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, and Hill-Start Assist Control.
All-diesel lineup
As mentioned, the 2021 Fortuner drops the gasoline variant, which leaves two diesel options for buyers to choose from.
The Fortuner LTD and Q trims are powered by the 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV engine that churns out 201hp and 500Nm of torque, which, as seen on the new Hilux, puts the Fortuner at par with the segment leaders in terms of power output. The lower V and G variants get the 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV engine that makes 147hp and 400Nm of torque. According to Toyota, this engine has been improved for fuel-efficiency.
Both power plants are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Those who prefer to drive stick may choose to do so with the G 6MT variant.
Pricing
The 2021 Toyota Fortuner is now available across TMP’s network of 70 dealerships in the country. Prices range from P1,633,000 to P2,404,000, with a P10,000 premium if you’re going for the White Pearl paint option.
The variants are as follows: 2.4 4×2 G 6MT (P1,633,000); 2.4 4×2 G 6AT (P1,723,000); 2.4 4×2 V 6AT (P1,827,000); 2.8 4×2 Q 6AT (P1,998,000); 2.8 4×2 LTD two-tone 6AT (P 2,244,000); and 2.8 4×4 LTD two-tone 6AT(P 2,404,000).
