Fortuner gets safety upgrades

The diesel-engined, HiLux-based seven-seater now comes with Autonomous Emergency Braking across the range, with the pre-collision safety system using a forward-facing camera and radar to detect vehicles and pedestrians in both day and night conditions, but cyclist detection with this system only works in daylight.

Lane Departure Warning technology has also been made standard and works by alerting the driver with visual and audible warnings, as well as steering wheel vibration, if the vehicle deviates from its lane. If the driver doesn’t respond, steering assistance will be provided through the Fortuner’s braking system.

Road Sign Assist (RSA) is another range-wide addition, along with Active Cruise Control that operates at speeds above 40km//h to keep the Fortuner at a safe distance from vehicles ahead. Toyota says these systems are linked: when RSA detects a speed-limit sign that is different to the pre-set cruise-control speed, the driver can use steering-wheel switches to reset the vehicle speed to match the new speed limit.
Another upgrade is the addition of a colour 4.2-inch information screen on the dash cluster of the entry-level Fortuner GX. Previously, this display was limited to the GXL and top-spec Crusade grades.

The drivetrain remains unchanged – a 2.8-litre four-cylinder direct-injection turbo-diesel, producing 130kW and 450Nm, matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Listed economy is 8.6lt/100km on the combined cycle.

Other grade-specific features remain unchanged, with the Fortuner GX featuring Bluetooth, an air-conditioned cool box, projector headlights, LED tail lights and cloth seats. To this, the GXL adds a smart key, Downhill Assist Control, sat nav, roof rails and fog lamps, while the Crusade replaces the 6-speaker sound system of the lower grades with a premium 11-speaker system and adds leather-accented seats, heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, climate control air con, a power tailgate, 18-inch alloys and a full-sized spare.

The safety tech upgrades have increased Fortuner pricing across the board, with the range now starting at $45,965 for the GX (+$1,375), $50,790 for the GXL (+$800) and $58,290 for the Crusade (+$1,300), excluding on-road costs.

See your Toyota dealer for further details.