Toyota Fortuner

Toyota Fortuner
2015 Toyota Fortuner Limited
Overview
ManufacturerToyota
Also called
  • Toyota Hilux SW4 (2004–2015)
  • Toyota SW4
ProductionNovember 2004 – present
Model years2005–present
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size SUV
Body style5-door SUV
Layout
PlatformToyota IMV platform
ChassisBody-on-frame
Related
Chronology
Predecessor

Toyota Fortuner, also called the Toyota SW4, is a mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) made by the Japanese company Toyota. It has been produced since 2004.

The Fortuner is based on the Toyota Hilux pickup truck. It has five doors and can have two or three rows of seats. It is available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The Fortuner is part of Toyota's Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) project. The project also includes the Hilux and the Toyota Innova.

The name "Fortuner" comes from the English word "fortune".

Development

The first-generation Fortuner was developed in Thailand by Thai and Japanese engineers. Toyota Australia helped design the updated first-generation model and developed the second generation.

The Fortuner was made mainly for markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. It is sold under the name Toyota SW4 in some countries, including Argentina and Brazil.

First generation (2004–2015)

The first-generation Fortuner was shown in December 2004 at the Thailand International Motor Expo. It went on sale in 2005.

It was positioned between the smaller Toyota RAV4 and the more expensive Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

The first generation was available with petrol and diesel engines. Depending on the country, buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. It also came with manual and automatic transmissions.

Toyota introduced two major updates to this generation.

2008 update

In July 2008, Toyota introduced an updated version of the Fortuner. It had a new front grille, headlights, and rear lights. Some models also received new interior features and improved air conditioning.

2011 update

In July 2011, Toyota introduced another update. It had a redesigned front and rear, new lights, and changes to the interior.

In some markets, Toyota also improved the diesel engines by adding a variable-nozzle turbocharger.

Sales in different countries

The Fortuner was introduced in several countries during its first generation.

  • Philippines: It was introduced in 2005. It was sold with petrol and diesel engine options.
  • Indonesia: It was introduced in July 2005 at the Gaikindo Auto Expo in Jakarta.
  • Malaysia: It was launched in August 2005.
  • India: Toyota introduced it in 2009. It was assembled at Toyota's factory in Karnataka.
  • South Africa: It was introduced in 2005 and went on sale in 2006.
  • Argentina and Brazil: It was sold as the Toyota SW4.
  • Pakistan: It was introduced in 2009.

Second generation (2015–present)

Toyota showed the second-generation Fortuner on 16 July 2015 in Australia and Thailand. It was based on the same platform as the new Toyota Hilux.

The second generation had a different exterior and interior design. It also received updated petrol and diesel engines.

Unlike the first generation, its four-wheel-drive system became part-time instead of full-time.

The vehicle also received improvements to its suspension, safety features, and interior equipment.

Sales in different countries

The second-generation Fortuner was introduced in several countries.

  • Australia and Thailand: Toyota unveiled the second-generation Fortuner in both countries on 16 July 2015.
  • Philippines: It was launched on 14 January 2016. It was offered with petrol and diesel engine options.
  • Indonesia: It was introduced in 2016.
  • India: It was launched in November 2016.
  • Malaysia: It was launched in October 2016.
  • Argentina and Brazil: It continued to be sold as the Toyota SW4.
  • South Africa: It was introduced in 2016.
  • Pakistan: It was introduced in 2016.

Engines and features

The second generation was offered with different petrol and diesel engines, depending on the country.

These included:

  • 2.7-litre petrol engine
  • 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine
  • 2.4-litre diesel engine
  • 2.8-litre diesel engine

Some versions had a six-speed manual transmission, while others had a six-speed automatic transmission.

Available features included airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), automatic climate control, and an information display.

2020 update

Toyota introduced an updated version of the second-generation Fortuner in 2020.

The updated model had changes to its front design, headlights, grille, and rear lights. Toyota also improved the engine performance and added new equipment.

Some markets received a sportier version called the Legender. Toyota also introduced versions under its Gazoo Racing (GR) brand.

Third generation (scheduled for 2026)

In October 2026, reports said that the next Toyota Fortuner was scheduled to be revealed globally on 1 December 2026. Toyota South Africa Motors confirmed the date. The new model was expected to have updated exterior styling and interior technology. However, Toyota had not yet released its full specifications. Some reports described it as a new generation, while others described it as a major update to the existing model.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Toyota Fortuner History". Toyota Zambia. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  2. ↑ "Official: All-New Toyota Fortuner Global Reveal Confirmed for 1 December 2026". AutoTrader South Africa. 20 October 2026. Retrieved 3 November 2026.
  3. ↑ "New Toyota Fortuner Global debut on December 1, India launch next year". The Financial Express. 21 October 2026. Retrieved 3 November 2026.