Toyota has updated the Fortuner SUV in South Africa featuring refreshed styling and equipment enhancements. The facelift actually is similar to what we call Fortuner Legender in our part of the world— the design iteration already being a couple of years old now.
As per the South African motoring press, this final mid-life tweak will benefit the now 8-year-old second-generation Fortuner in South Africa since an all-new model is expected to make its debut (in Thailand) later this year & will likely reach the South African market within a couple of years time. Bear in mind while most of the Toyota cars in South Africa are sourced from India, the Fortuner is offered as a locally assembled option.
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Like the pre-facelift models, the Fortuner in South Africa continues to be offered in 7 trims and 2 engine & transmission options including 2.4L and 2.8L units with manual & automatic transmission options with both 2WD and 4WD configurations available.
On the outside, the familiar makeover includes a sleeker front profile with redesigned automatic LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and a fresh grille design. The entire Fortuner range now comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, side steps, roof rails, and chrome door handles, while the higher trim levels gain access to sequential LED indicators and an electric boot door.
Inside, the Fortuner now comes with a partial leather upholstery with a black and red finish, cruise control, manual air conditioning, a reverse camera, keyless start and entry, hill assist, front, and rear park distance control, a multi-information driver display, and an 8-inch entertainment screen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and 6 speakers.
On top of this, the 2.8L units receive a leather and wood steering wheel, automatic dual-zone climate control, and electronically-adjustable front seats. The range-topping VX models then add to this with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, a panoramic camera system, adaptive cruise control, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.
Related: Toyota Introduces New Fortuner Commander in Thailand
Safety features include 7 airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, hill-hold assist & descent control, vehicle stability assist, and trailer-sway control. The 2023 Toyota Fortuner facelift in South Africa is priced from ZAR 653,500 (PKR 90.9 lac) for the base 2.4L 4×2 RB MT version to as high as ZAR 897,000 (PKR 124.89 lac) for the top-spec 2.8L 4×4 VX AT variant. The vehicle is backed by a 3-year/100,000 km warranty and a 90,000 km service plan (with intervals of 10,000 km).
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
