The next-generation Toyota Fortuner will be revealed at some point in 2026, before going on sale in South Africa in 2027. Here’s what we know so far.
The next-generation Toyota Fortuner has been spotted in Thailand before its official reveal. Given how popular the 7-seater, bakkie-based SUV is in South Africa, we’re going to share what we know so far, plus make some educated estimations and guesses.
As a reminder, the Toyota Fortuner is assembled right here in South Africa at Toyota’s plant in Durban. It is still the segment leader, comfortably ahead of both its direct rivals; Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, as well as pretty much every other body-on-frame SUV. In 2025 it sold almost 10 000 units and was the 15th most popular passenger segment.
The criticisms of the current iteration of Fortuner are substantial as it lags behind rivals in terms of technology and cabin aesthetics. That said, there’s no denying the toughness, the rugged offroad talents and performance from the diesel powertrains.
We’ve had some fun superimposing the front face of the new 9th-generation Hilux onto the body of the Fortuner and we think that’s a reasonably accurate assumption to make when it comes to the design of the all-new 3-row SUV.
For the next-generation Toyota Fortuner, we expect it to follow the same route as the new 9th-generation Toyota Hilux and utilise an updated version of the current model’s IMV platform instead of moving to the more premium TNGA-F setup, the one used in things like the Prado, Land Cruiser 300 and so on.
We already know why Toyota stuck to its IMV platform for the Hilux and it makes perfect sense to retain the chassis and current powertrain lineup. As a reminder, the current Fortuner makes use of 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines with varying outputs and 48V mild-hybrid tech on some derivatives. Let’s not forget about the flagship Fortuner GR-Sport either, armed with 165 kW and 550 Nm.
Interior Updates
The cabin of the next-generation Toyota Fortuner will likely be the recipient of the biggest upgrade. While there’s nothing fundamentally and ergonomically wrong with the current model, it just doesn’t look or feel appropriate at this price point.
Our gutfeel suggests the interior from the new 9th-generation Toyota Hilux was serve as a basis for the new Fortuner, taking elements like the gear selector and switchgear from the higher-specced Land Cruiser.
While we’ve yet to have any face time with the new Hilux, first impressions from the photographs are positive. The retains a rugged and utilitarian ambience, without feeling cold and soulless. A digital instrument cluster and widescreen infotainment screen, as well as plenty of connectivity options should keep the tech-obsessed generation happy.
When will the next-generation Toyota Fortuner go on sale in South Africa?
We’re yet to hear from Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) or Toyota global when it comes to official Fortuner timelines but based on the current spy shots, we estimate a global reveal will happen soon, with some publications suggesting the middle of 2026.
As far as a South Africa debut is concerned, there was no mention of Fortuner at TSAM’s State of the Motoring event held in February 2026 so we’re penciling this into our diary for the first quarter of 2027.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Toyota Fortuner cost in South Africa?
What are the engine and hybrid options for the Toyota Fortuner?
- 2.4 GD-6: Turbo-diesel producing 110 kW and 400 Nm.
- 2.8 GD-6: Turbo-diesel producing 150 kW and 500 Nm (standard in VX models).
- 2.8 GD-6 48V (Mild-Hybrid): Features a 48V system for improved stop-start smoothness and fuel efficiency.
- 2.8 GD-6 GR-Sport: A high-output version delivering 165 kW and 550 Nm.
What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota Fortuner?
- 2.4 GD-6: Approximately 6.8 to 7.2 L/100 km.
- 2.8 GD-6 48V (Mild-Hybrid): Approximately 7.3 to 7.6 L/100 km.
- 2.8 GD-6 standard: Approximately 7.6 to 7.9 L/100 km.
- 2.8 GD-6 GR-Sport: Approximately 8.4 L/100 km.
