2025 Toyota Fortuner – Is it Better than Its Rivals?!
The Toyota Fortuner, a name synonymous with rugged reliability, is preparing for a transformation that could shape its future. Picture this: an SUV that’s already proven in tough environments, now equipped with groundbreaking technology aimed at slashing fuel consumption. But here’s the pressing question: will this innovation make its way to markets like Australia? As anticipation builds, the automotive world is keeping a close eye on what could be a game-changer.
This week, Toyota South Africa unveiled the Fortuner equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The new model combines a 48-volt battery and an electric motor-generator with a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Together, this combination enhances fuel efficiency by up to five percent, a significant boost for a large SUV. This addition is part of Toyota’s broader goal to offer more eco-friendly options in their lineup. However, while this innovation is hitting the roads in South Africa, its arrival in Australia remains uncertain.
In Australia, this hybrid technology has already appeared in Toyota’s popular HiLux ute and is set to feature in the upcoming 250-Series LandCruiser Prado. Yet, when it comes to the Fortuner, Toyota Australia has not confirmed whether they will introduce this hybrid version. One of the key reasons for this delay is that Australia sources its Fortuner and HiLux models from Thailand, where the production lines have not yet incorporated the mild-hybrid system into the Fortuner. This leaves Australian buyers waiting to see if this fuel-saving technology will be available in their market anytime soon.
Since its introduction to the Australian market in 2015, the Fortuner has been a strong contender in the SUV segment. In 2020, it received a facelift and several technological upgrades. Interestingly, the design of the Fortuner in Australia differs from the South African model, particularly in the front and rear styling. Despite these differences, the new 48-volt Fortuner in South Africa offers performance similar to that of Australia’s HiLux V-Active. Both vehicles are powered by the same turbo-diesel engine, delivering 150 kilowatts of power and 500 newton-meters of torque. One difference, however, is the transmission. While both the Fortuner and HiLux use a six-speed automatic transmission, the upcoming LandCruiser Prado will feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is expected to provide even greater fuel efficiency.
The addition of this mild-hybrid technology does come with a price increase. In South Africa, the Fortuner 48V is priced at about 11,000 Rand more, equivalent to roughly 900 dollars. This price hike is slightly more than the increase seen with the HiLux V-Active model in Australia.
Globally, the Toyota Fortuner is a respected name in the SUV world, but in Australia, it faces fierce competition. Rivals like the Ford Everest and even Toyota’s own Prado have consistently outpaced the Fortuner in terms of sales. As fans of the Fortuner eagerly await news, the question lingers: will this more eco-conscious version of the Fortuner ever reach Australian shores? For now, the future of this highly anticipated model remains unclear, but the desire for a greener, more efficient SUV is only growing stronger.
Disclaimer:
The information in this video is based on topics that are being explored in various media. We also present illustrations that we generated from AI technology. The purpose of this video is to share the information we know. We sincerely hope you find our information useful.
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