Toyota will unveil the next-gen Fortuner for the first time in Thailand on July 17, 2015. The all-new Fortuner is also likely to be showcased in India at the upcoming Auto Expo 2016 in February. 

The new Fortuner had an early reveal a few months ago, thanks to the photos leaked on the internet.  The design language of the next-gen Fortuner is now more in line with the current crop of Toyota off-roaders offered globally. Its overall profile still carries the signature rugged Toyota SUV look. For the first time, the SUV’s front styling will not be like the Hilux pickup truck’s (sold internationally). However, most of the basic underpinnings are shared.

The new Fortuner’s front is likely to benefit from the new V-shaped twin-slat grille and Camry-like wraparound headlamps with projector units. The front bumper gets a broad chin which merges with the grille, and at the corners sit vertical LED daytime running lamps along with round fog lamps. For some markets, the Fortuner is also expected to get large 12-spoke alloy wheels.

Like the current version, the new Fortuner is also based on Toyota’s Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform that underpins the new Hilux Revo pick-up truck, and will also underpin the new Innova. This means it will continue to be based on a ladder-frame chassis. Our sources tell us that the new Fortuner will have more interior room, especially in the third row.

The next-gen Fortuner and Innova will come with Toyota’s new GD series engines. The new GD series consists of two diesel engines – a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, expected to replace the current 2.5-litre diesel unit, and a 2.8-litre that will replace the current 3.0-litre unit. The new 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV motor is rated at 148bhp and 40.78kgm of torque while the larger 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV is rated at 175bhp and 45.9kgm of torque.

The new Toyota Fortuner will compete with the likes of the new Ford Endeavour and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport globally. We expect Toyota to bring the new Fortuner to Indian showrooms early next year.