The Toyota Fortuner, a stalwart in the SUV market, has received a series of updates for its 2024 model year.
While not a complete overhaul, these changes aim to keep this popular vehicle competitive in an increasingly crowded segment.
Let’s delve into the details of what’s new, what’s improved, and what remains the same in the 2024 Toyota Fortuner.
Exterior Design: Subtle Refinements
The 2024 Fortuner maintains its robust and commanding presence on the road, with Toyota opting for subtle refinements rather than a radical redesign. Key exterior updates include:
- Front Fascia: The new model sports a bold trapezoid grille with chrome highlights, giving it a more premium appearance. This is complemented by a pontoon-shaped bumper with an integrated skid plate, enhancing its rugged appeal.
- Lighting: The headlamps have been updated with distinctive LED line guides, improving both aesthetics and visibility. At the rear, new split LED combination lamps add a modern touch to the SUV’s profile.
- Wheels: Multi-axis spoke alloy wheels with a super chrome metallic finish provide a fresh look to the Fortuner’s stance.
- Fog Lamp Bezel: A redesigned fog lamp bezel contributes to the front end’s updated appearance.
- Power Back Door: An electronically controlled power back door with memory function and jam protection has been added for convenience.
While these changes are not revolutionary, they do serve to keep the Fortuner looking fresh and contemporary in a competitive market.
Interior Enhancements: Comfort Meets Technology
Inside the cabin, Toyota has focused on improving both comfort and technology. Notable interior updates include:
- Color Schemes: The 2024 Fortuner offers two interior color options – a new black interior for a sleek, modern look, and a chamois color option for those preferring a lighter, more airy feel.
- Instrument Cluster: A cool blue combimeter theme with silver ornamentation adds a touch of sophistication to the driver’s view.
- Infotainment System: The touchscreen infotainment system has been upgraded to a 9.0-inch unit, now featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
- Wood Trim: A new interior wood trim design enhances the premium feel of the cabin.
- Driving Modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes are available in diesel variants, while petrol variants offer Eco and Power modes.
- Steering: The power steering now comes with Variable Flow Control (VFC) and paddle shifters in diesel variants.
These interior updates, while not revolutionary, demonstrate Toyota’s commitment to keeping the Fortuner competitive in terms of comfort and technology.
Performance Upgrades: More Power Under the Hood
One of the most significant updates to the 2024 Fortuner comes in the form of enhanced performance, particularly for the diesel variant:
- Diesel Engine: The 2.8-liter diesel engine has received a power boost, now producing 224 bhp (an increase of 20 bhp) and 550 Nm of torque (up by 50 Nm).
- Transmission Options: Both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions continue to be offered.
- 4×4 Capability: The Fortuner retains its robust 4×4 system, maintaining its off-road prowess.
These performance enhancements make the Fortuner one of the most powerful SUVs in its category, addressing any concerns about its ability to handle tough terrain or heavy loads.
Technology and Safety Features
Toyota has also focused on improving the Fortuner’s technology and safety features:
- Toyota Connected Services: The 2024 model offers advanced connected features, allowing owners to stay in control of their vehicle remotely.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System: This feature, previously available in some markets, is now standard across the range.
- Front Clearance Sonar: A new addition that provides visual indicators on the Multi-Information Display (MID) to assist with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Safety Suite: While not explicitly mentioned in the updates, it’s expected that the Fortuner will continue to offer Toyota’s comprehensive safety package, including multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, and Hill-start Assist Control.
Color Options: Express Your Style
The 2024 Fortuner is available in a range of colors to suit various tastes:
- Platinum White Pearl (New)
- Sparkling Black Crystal Shine
- Phantom Brown
- Super White
- Attitude Black
- Avant-Garde Bronze
- Silver Metallic
This diverse color palette allows buyers to choose a Fortuner that best expresses their personal style, from classic whites and silvers to more distinctive options like Phantom Brown and Avant-Garde Bronze.
Market Position and Competition
Despite its updates, the Fortuner faces stiff competition in the large SUV market.
In Australia, for example, it captured only 2.9% of the sub-$70,000 large SUV market in 2023, with 3,619 units sold. This pales in comparison to competitors like the Ford Everest, which sold 15,071 units in the same period.
The Fortuner’s position is unique, as it offers a more family-friendly alternative to the hugely popular HiLux pickup. However, it hasn’t managed to capture the same market enthusiasm as its ute counterpart.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Robust and reliable platform shared with the HiLux
- Improved power and torque in diesel variants
- Advanced 4×4 capabilities
- Toyota’s reputation for reliability and resale value
- Reasonably priced for a flagship model in its segment
Weaknesses:
- Interior packaging is less spacious compared to some competitors
- Heavy controls can feel truck-like in urban environments
- Technology features, while improved, still lag behind some rivals
- Lack of a hybrid option in an increasingly eco-conscious market
Toyota Fortuner New look : Evolution, Not Revolution
The 2024 Toyota Fortuner represents an evolution of a tried-and-tested formula rather than a revolutionary change.
Toyota has focused on enhancing the Fortuner’s strengths – its robust build, powerful engine, and off-road capabilities – while making incremental improvements to address some of its weaknesses.
The updated exterior design keeps the Fortuner looking fresh, while interior enhancements and technology upgrades aim to improve the overall user experience.
The significant boost in power for the diesel variant is perhaps the most notable change, reinforcing the Fortuner’s position as a capable and powerful SUV.
However, in a rapidly evolving market where competitors are introducing hybrid powertrains and more car-like driving dynamics, the Fortuner’s updates may not be enough to significantly change its market position.
Its truck-based platform, while excellent for off-road use and towing, may continue to be a drawback for buyers primarily using their SUV in urban environments.
Ultimately, the 2024 Toyota Fortuner remains true to its roots – a robust, capable, and reliable SUV. For buyers who prioritize these qualities and appreciate the connection to the HiLux’s proven platform, the updated Fortuner presents an attractive option.
However, those looking for the latest in automotive technology or a more car-like driving experience may find more appealing options elsewhere in the competitive large SUV segment.
As the automotive landscape continues to shift towards electrification and more refined on-road dynamics, it will be interesting to see how Toyota evolves the Fortuner in future iterations to meet changing consumer demands while maintaining its core strengths.