More kit and price slash for 2018 Toyota Fortuner

Toyota has embarked on an early Christmas for buyers of its seven-seat Fortuner range by adding features while cutting prices by a minimum of $5,000. Prices for the range in Australia now start at $42,590 – a reduction of $5,400 or 11.25 per cent – and all but the top-of-the-line Crusade are now priced below $50,000. All stickers are before on-road costs.

The most-affordable GX variants have been improved with new 17-inch alloy wheels (replacing same-size steel wheels) and gain the convenience of rear parking sensors.

Mid-range GXL is now equipped with satellite navigation, Toyota Link connected mobility and digital radio⁺ – all operated via a seven-inch display audio screen.

Despite the new features, GXL prices have been reduced by $5,500 or more than 10 per cent. For added luxury, buyers of automatic GXL can opt for a dark brown leather-accented interior, which includes power-operated driver and front-passenger seats.

At the top of the range, the Crusade is now fitted with a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system, heated and eight-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats and LED instead of halogen fog lamps. Pricing for Crusade – now available exclusively with an automatic transmission – is down by $5,000.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing said Fortuner’s enhanced equipment levels would meet the expectations of people seeking a rugged off-roader with the comfort and style of an SUV.

“Fortuner’s updates are based on specific feedback from our dealers and our guests, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to continuous improvement,” Mr Cramb said.

“The added features further boost the appeal of Fortuner, which is recognised for offering the space, comfort, convenience and quality of an SUV while delighting owners with its prodigious off-road ability,” he said.

Read ForceGT’s Toyota Fortuner review

Fortuner is the turbo-diesel alternative to the similar-size petrol-only Kluger and offers an affordable choice for those who aspire to own a LandCruiser. It is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder common-rail direct-injection turbo-diesel engine with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Maximum power is 130kW and peak torque is 450Nm for the automatic and 420Nm for the manual. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3,000kg for manual and 2,800kg for auto variants.

Fortuner uses just 7.8 litres/100km for the manual, providing a theoretical range of more than 1,000km from the 80-litre fuel tank. Fuel consumption with the auto is 8.6 litres/100km.

The SUV’s seven seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. The 60/40 split-fold second-row seat has a one-touch slide and tumble feature while the 50/50 third-row seats are stowable. Cargo capacity ranges from 200 litres to 1,080 litres when packed to the top of the seat backs.

Standard equipment also includes durable fabric seat-coverings, projector-style headlamps, LED tail-lamps, an air-conditioned cool box, Bluetooth connectivity, six speakers and three 12V accessory sockets.

Additional features in GXL include keyless smart entry and start, roof rails, reverse parking sensors, fog lamps, colour MID, privacy glass and downhill assist control.

Manual versions have Toyota’s “intelligent” system that matches engine revolutions to transmission speed for smooth shifting. Auto variants have paddle shifters.

Range-topping Crusade has expanded luxury features including a leather-accented interior (fawn or dark brown), power tailgate, climate-control air-conditioning, bi-LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels (including the spare), 220V socket and a power-operated driver’s seat.

A comprehensive range of Toyota Genuine Accessories is available including airbag-compatible bull bars, towbar and load distribution hitch.

2018 Toyota Fortuner pricing (excluding on-road costs)