Next-Gen Toyota Fortuner: What It Could Look Like!
Toyota is known to be readying a generational update to the popular Fortuner SUV. The new Fortuner will launch in the coming months and will pack a lot of changes, including a new mild-hybrid powertrain. While we are yet to hear from the manufacturer on what changes are to be expected on the new vehicle, digital renders show what the SUV could look like. Shared on the YouTube channel Theottle, this render shows the Fortuner imagined in a way that it encompasses cues from the new Crown.
Rumours suggest that the new Fortuner will continue to be based on Toyota's IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform and will not switch to the new TNGA-F architecture. The CGI artist here, did some slicing and dicing on the second-generation Fortuner, incorporating cues from the sixteenth-generation Toyota Crown into it. The result looks very interesting.
Before we dive any deeper, let's reiterate- these are mere digital imaginations created by individual artists, and it is very unlikely that Toyota would even think about taking these into production. The headlamps, front grille, bumper and air dams come directly from the Crown. The body lines on the profile have also been tweaked for added visual appeal. Minor changes can be seen at the rear as well. Special TRD Sportivo design elements and detailing can also be seen at various places.
Interestingly, no changes seem to have been made to the functional areas of its design. The render looks as capable off-road as the current Fortuner. The approach, departure and rampover angles have been kept safe. The bumper designs suit off-roading.
New Generation Fortuner: What To Expect?
The Japanese carmaker is known to launch the new Fortuner in India sometime next month. The vehicle is expected to feature minor styling tweaks and get more features inside the cabin. The new SUV will reportedly get ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and a 360-degree camera.
The biggest highlight, however, will be the new mild-hybrid (MHEV) diesel powertrain. It will promise better fuel economy, smoother performance, and improved refinement—all without affecting the SUV’s off-road abilities. The components are placed smartly, so that the new Fortuner would retain its 700 mm water wading depth and rugged DNA.
The SUV will use the familiar 2.8-litre diesel engine, now paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. This setup has three main parts: a belt-integrated starter generator, a 48V lithium-ion battery, and a DC-DC converter.
This system replaces the traditional alternator and allows features like regenerative braking and torque assist during acceleration. It also makes engine restarts smoother, improves overall refinement, and reduces noise and vibrations.
Some reports suggest Toyota might add a hybrid-specific instrument cluster. This could show data like battery charge, energy flow, and regeneration status—features already offered on the international version of the Fortuner sold in South Africa.
Toyota claims the fuel efficiency could go up by around 10 percent. For a large SUV like the Fortuner, that’s a big plus.
The 4×4 version of the new Fortuner will also bring back the idle start-stop system. This feature was available in earlier models but was later dropped. It’s now returning as part of the hybrid system, helping drivers save more fuel in city traffic without affecting performance.
Tough Competition Ahead!
Once launched, the new Fortuner will go head-to-head with rivals like the MG Gloster and the upcoming MG Majestor. MG recently announced its decision to push back the Majestor's launch, so that it gets the best possible entry and the timing aligns well with that of the Fortuner's launch. With its proven reliability and now the more advanced powertrain, the new Fortuner MHEV could once again dominate its segment.