By Toyota Fortuner is the best-selling model in its segment even though the SUV is priced at a premium, buyers are willing to spend more. The current generation model has been in the market since 2015 and the Japanese manufacturer introduced an update last year, which made its way to the Indian market earlier this year. According to new reports, Toyota has begun work on the next-generation Fortuner, which is expected to reach the global market sometime towards the end of next year and it could come here by 2023/24.
The new model will be based on the updated iMV platform of the new Hilux pick-up truck. The ladder frame chassis is expected to be tuned to provide better ride comfort and driving dynamics as the arch-rival Ford Endeavour is better in this department. The bouncy ride has been the reason for buyers choosing the Endeavour over the Fortuner. Along with this, the engineers want to improve the off-road capability of Fortuner even though it is one of the best in its segment as the approach and departure angles are good.
But the Fortuner is an old-school SUV and doesn’t come with a fancy terrain management response system like the Endeavour. Toyota is offering a similar sort of system on its high-end SUVs and it could make its way to the Fortuner as well. Another major change expected is the introduction of Electronic Power Steering (EPS) instead of the current hydraulic set up as Fortuner is one of the very models in the industry, which is using this as the majority of manufacturers has moved to EPS as it makes driving bit easier.
But the feedback from the hydraulic steering wheel can’t be matched by the EPS unit but for the mass market, the latter makes sense. The current generation Fortuner is available in both diesel and petrol engines with manual and auto gearbox options. Some reports have indicated that Toyota is expected to introduce a hybrid engine option in India as the company want to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. More details are expected to be revealed in the coming months while Ford will launch the next-generation Endeavour in 2022.
