After all the leaks, rumors, and renderings, Toyota has finally unveiled the refreshed 2021 Fortuner. Launching in Thailand and going on sale there this month (August for the new top-trim Legender), Toyota’s best-selling 7-seater SUV gets a massive dose of improvement, including one of the most powerful engines in its class.

The 2021 Fortuner receives an updated front-end with a larger grille and silver bumper strips giving it a stronger sense of luxury and masculinity. New “light guiding” headlights and taillights, and 18-inch alloy wheels complete the transformation.



While the changes to the regular Fortuner mild, the bigger news though is that for 2021, Toyota is adding an upscale variant dubbed, “Legender.” Slotting above the V, it has a vastly different front grille, front and rear bumpers, bi-beam LED headlights, sequential signal lights, a two-tone roof, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Under the hood, there are two engines, the headline of which belongs to the 4x4’s improved 2.8-liter GD engine. It now makes 204 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600-2,000 rpm making it one of the most powerful in its class. Furthermore, Toyota says its quieter and more refined thanks to an added balance shaft.



4x2 variants continue with the 2.4-liter GD engine. Outputs remain the same at 150 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm of toque from 1,600 to 2,000 rpm, though Toyota says revisions were made to improve the fuel efficiency.

The transmission across the line-up remains a 6-speed automatic, but with the added convenience of paddle shifters and cruise control.



According to Toyota, engineers paid close attention to improve the 2021 Fortuner’s off-road capability. Not only does the Sigma 4 four-wheel drive system integrate A-Trac (Active Traction Control) and DAC (Downhill Assist Control), but a wheel position sensor has been integrated into the multi-information display as well. The new Variable Flow Control (VFC) in the power steering system also adjusts steering wheel stiffness depending on the speed.

Inside, the 2021 Fortuner revamps the gauge cluster and climate control system while adding an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. Other available features include an auto-dimming rear view mirror, and 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat.



Meanwhile, the Legender adds even more goodies. It gets two-tone seats, a larger infotainment screen (9-inches), Qi wireless charger, and a hands-free tailgate with kick sensor.

In terms of safety, the Fortuner Legender egender is the first Toyota pickup-based passenger vehicle (PPV) to receive Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). With that, it gets Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert among other safety features.