Knowing the fierce competition in the mid-sized SUV segment, Toyota has decided to give its Fortuner a nip-and-tuck for the 2023 model year.
First unveiled for the Thai market, the 2023 Fortuner drops the approach of offering two different facias for its entry-level and top-trim models. Instead, the Legender [Philippine market LTD] face is now standard even on the entry-level model. In Thailand, it also gains a new variant name: Fortuner Leader.
The Fortuner Leader 2.4 G and Fortuner 2.4 V gets features that used to be exclusive to the Legender/LTD such as the LED headlights, unique grille, bumpers, and two-tone 18-inch wheels. Inside, it also adds an auto-dimming rear view mirror, dual climate control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a powered driver’s seat, and leather upholstery.
The safety system has also been upgraded thanks to the addition of blind spot indicators with rear cross traffic alert, stability control, traction control, and hill start assist.
Meanwhile, the Legender/LTD continues unchanged for 2023. This variant, along with the sportier GR Sport gets a unique headlight treatment, sequential turn signal indicators, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it has a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging, and ambient interior lighting. It also adds the rest of the Toyota Safety Sense [TSS] system adding pre-collision braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control to its list of safety features.
Still no word at this point if Toyota Indonesia [where the Philippines sources its Fortuner SUVs] will follow suit, but at this point,
it’s very likely. Expect it to make an appearance likely towards the end of the year, or early next year if ever.
Just as Toyota Motor Philippines updated the specs of the Hilux pickup truck, they’ve done the same for the Fortuner as well.
Let’s get one thing out of the way first: if you’re hoping that the Philippines will get the LTD [aka Legender] face as standard like it did in Thailand, sorry, no such luck. In terms of styling, the G, V, and Q still get the very same face as they did before. The same goes for the LTD and the top-trim GR Sport.
So, what has changed? Well, compared to its 2021 update, that’s down to better equipment across the line. For example, bi-beam LED headlights with LED daytime running lights are now standard across the line-up, as are LED front fog lights and LED rear combination lamps. Moreover, all but the base G get 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60R18 tires [the LTD and GR Sport alloys do get a Machine Cut finish].
Inside, all variants from the V upward now get paddle shifters, a push-start system with smart keyless entry, rear USB chargers, and a wireless device charger. Meanwhile, the Q upward adds an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, auto-dimming rear view mirror, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. The Q, LTD, and GR Sport still are the only variants to get leather seating [leather/suede for the GR Sport].
Aside from the aforementioned blind spot indicators and rear cross traffic alert, more safety gear finds its way into the Fortuner. Front and rear sensors, vehicle stability control, and hill start assist are standard. Meanwhile, the V upward now adds a standard 360-degree camera. The Q, LTD, and GR Sport, on the other hand, get the Toyota Safety Sense [TSS] suite with pre-collision assist, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Take note though that while slew of new features were added quietly, they do carry a price increase which have been effective since last September 7:
- Fortuner 2.4 G MT – P 1,671,000
- Fortuner 2.4 G AT – P 1,762,000
- Fortuner 2.4 V AT – P 1,879,000
- Fortuner 2.8 Q AT – P 2,043,000
- Fortuner 2.8 LTD 4x2 AT – P 2,305,000
- Fortuner 2.8 LTD 4x4 AT – P 2,465,000
- Fortuner GR Sport 4x4 AT – P 2,514,000
You can check out the revised spec sheet below as well.