2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift launched in Malaysia – three variants, new 2.8L diesel, TSS & AEB; fr RM172k

2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift launched in Malaysia – three variants, new 2.8L diesel, TSS & AEB; fr RM172k

Nearly a month after the order books opened, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has finally launched the 2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift. The range includes the petrol-powered 2.7 SRZ AT 4×4 that is priced at RM172,244, while the diesel-powered 2.8 VRZ AT 4×4 goes for RM203,183.

Both prices include the sales tax exemption that will remain in effect until June 30 this year, and each purchase comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard. There is also a 2.4 AT 4×4 variant that’s priced at RM167,357, but this will be offered strictly in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

Now, onto the refreshed SUVs. In terms of styling changes, they are pretty much the same as the Thai-spec Fortuner. The 2.7 SRZ gets a new wavy radiator grille with a strip of chrome that connects the revised bi-LED headlamps. The LED daytime running lights are positioned low, and it gets LED fog lamps and new LED combination tail lights as standard too.


From left: Fortuner 2.7 SRZ, Fortuner 2.8 VRZ

The 2.8 VRZ model you see here is the only one that gets the sportier Legender face. It has a more fetching pair of LED headlights with segmented DRL arrangement, a slimmer upper grille and an angry-looking lower intake (both featuring a mesh-style insert), sleeker LED fog lamp housing, and grey painted diffuser for some tastefully added contrast.

At the back, the VRZ gets an exclusive bumper design with L-shaped design motifs at the edges, which blend into the fog lamp assembly. Other distinctive design elements include blacked out roof, A-pillars, wing mirrors, and roof spoiler. All variants get a new set of 18-inch wheels as standard, but the VRZ gets a nicer dual-tone design.

Colour options for the SUV include Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, Phantom Brown Metallic and Attitude Black Mica. The monotone colours of Bronze Mica Metallic and Super White II are available for the non-diesel variants, but with the 2.8 VRZ, these can only be ordered with an accompanying black roof – the VRZ comes exclusively with a two-tone theme.

2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift launched in Malaysia – three variants, new 2.8L diesel, TSS & AEB; fr RM172k

Inside, the enhancements are pretty subtle. While the dashboard remains largely unchanged from before, the seat upholstery (with red accents) and trimmings are new. The multi-info display in the instrument cluster as well as the touchscreen head unit also get a new look. There’s even Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support this time, too.

Equipment includes automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, LED interior lamps, an ambient lighting system, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, UMWT’s Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) and side controls for the front passenger seat.

For the powertrain, the 2.7 SRZ continues to be powered by the 2TR-FE 2.7 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol mill. It produces 166 PS and 245 Nm, all of which are channeled to the part-time four-wheel drive system via a six-speed automatic transmission. A 4WD transfer dial allows convenient transitions from 2WD to 4WD on the fly at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift launched in Malaysia – three variants, new 2.8L diesel, TSS & AEB; fr RM172k

The 2.8 VRZ, on the other hand, gets the larger-capacity 1GD-FTV 2.8 litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine – it’s the same engine that is offered with the latest Hilux Rogue. With an output of 204 PS at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm, the new mill is quite the upgrade over the older 2GD-FTV 2.4 litre unit with 150 PS and 400 Nm. This 2.4L mill continues propulsion duties in the 2.4 AT 4×4 that is bound for East Malaysia. Both the 2.7 SRZ and 2.8 VRZ get a rear limited-slip differential as standard.

Now, Toyota said the new 2.8L engine features an optimised cylinder block and head gasket design, complete with a balance shaft for better NVH. The oil pump can also operate in two stages for optimal pressure delivery, while a water-cooled double-pipe-type pre-EGR cooler helps to ensure optimum recirculated exhaust gas temperatures.

The 2.8 VRZ also comes with variable flow control (VFC) power steering, which helps to improve fuel economy by reducing the power steering pump’s torque usage, switching to a standby mode when the vehicle is not being steered. Steering responsiveness can be adjusted via the car’s dedicated sport mode.


Click to enlarge

Another big addition is the availability of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). It now includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). However, this is only offered with the 2.8 VRZ, along with Yaw Assist Function (YAF).

PCS here is essentially autonomous emergency braking, which operates from 10 km/h to 180 km/h. It works in tandem with DRCC (adaptive cruise control), but this can only be activated upwards of 30 km/h. YAF, on the other hand, is a form of lane keeping assist, which applies braking force to the inner wheel to steer the car back into lane. Sure, it’s less sophisticated, but it works, so long as the road markings are legible.

For accessories, UMWT is also offering a range of optional Tech-Up accessories, including a rear digital video recorder (RM350), a wireless charger in the front armrest storage cubby (RM490), a kick sensor for the powered tailgate (RM750) and a ceiling-mounted monitor (RM2,990). So, what do you think?

GALLERY: 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4

GALLERY: 2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift official product photos

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • M & B on Feb 02, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    Nice

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • So sporty

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Jin Yang on Feb 02, 2021 at 8:36 pm

    2.8 engine power. Vroom

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Green Dog on Feb 02, 2021 at 8:42 pm

    Finally, UMW is willing to bring 2.8 turbo engine to here.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • RM172k dem affordable. Lexus level,

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
    • Jeeper SUV on Feb 02, 2021 at 9:33 pm

      https://paultan.org/2020/06/04/2020-toyota-fortuner-facelift-revealed-2-8l-with-204-ps-500-nm-thailand-gets-legender-with-sporty-face/

      The Fortuner Legender is available in four variants – 2.4 2WD, 2.4 4WD, 2.8 2WD and 2.8 4WD – priced from 1.577 million baht (RM213,465) to 1.852 million baht (RM250,689).

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • The Rock on Feb 02, 2021 at 8:48 pm

    Let’s Rock

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Dayum on Feb 02, 2021 at 9:10 pm

    Good looking car with well-equipped specs

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
  • LandRover Jeep SUV on Feb 02, 2021 at 9:19 pm

    Mica Bronze, Dual Tone

    Variable Flow Steering
    Auto-Limited Slip Differential 4WD
    TSS 2.0
    500Nm

    RM 172k 2.7V spec also fine
    Big upgrade from previous too, yet 4WD.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • powerbank on Feb 02, 2021 at 9:44 pm

    Toyota all the way

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • stick on Feb 02, 2021 at 10:16 pm

    so the best looking variant is only on obsolete diesel….sigh

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 10
    • Dog Hook on Feb 03, 2021 at 10:12 am

      Both variant petrol and diesel have better looking variants

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
      • stick on Feb 03, 2021 at 2:25 pm

        “The 2.8 VRZ model you see here is the only one that gets the sportier Legender face”

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • But Fortuner 2.7 SRZ gasoline version also have better looking

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Frozen on Feb 02, 2021 at 11:11 pm

    172k and not even TSS2.0? You disappoint me Toyota. As like the other car, too expensive for what little it gives.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
  • TopMark on Feb 03, 2021 at 12:34 am

    Very practical

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Blind Spot King on Feb 03, 2021 at 1:39 am

    Why BSM is absent? Its even available as standard for Vios.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 10
    • Did you read at spec. This comes with BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) for all variants.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
  • Honda on Feb 03, 2021 at 7:50 am

    Rav4 or fortuner?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • You can’t compare between 7 seater Fortuner and 5 seater RAV4

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
      • but if we insist to compare at all angles (price, spaciousness, usability, comfort, maintenance, etc).
        fortuner sure wins.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • The Pirates on Feb 03, 2021 at 8:29 am

    It used to be worst design last time but getting better this time

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 1
  • Ming Hoe on Feb 03, 2021 at 9:12 am

    Matt, how about Lane Centering in the TSS? If no Lane Centering, I believe this is not TSS2.0 (it could be TSS-P or TSS-C). It is not clear whether the DRCC is until stop or not.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 50 Thumb down 24
    • Tok Kok on Feb 04, 2021 at 3:34 am

      Sooo truueee. RM 172k, no TSS2.0. Ha ha. Even cheaper Corolla G-spec got TSS2.0. Hahaha.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 16
  • Avid PT on Feb 03, 2021 at 1:41 pm

    My 2 cents…will be great if future articles about facelift can include pre-facelift images to be compared side by side for better clarity…pictures speak 1000 words…many international websites do and some website even use sliders to show diff of pre and post changes…tq…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • any user here driving 2.4 diesel? please share experience. thanks

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • AlwaysWantAToyota on Feb 03, 2021 at 3:16 pm

    A few more comfort features then its an good daily car. Such as 2 profile memory seats for both front seats, active ventilated seats, remote start, remote boot, auto brake hold would be most welcomed.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • 200k but with no 360 deg camera…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 7
    • Green Dog on Feb 03, 2021 at 7:49 pm

      Bro, got! Fortuner comes with 360 deg camera for RM200K and petrol too

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Ben Yap on Feb 03, 2021 at 10:36 pm

    a CRV 1.5 turbo with 1200cc less but develop more horses. buyers pay a lower road tax and enjoy better performance.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 20
  • Nobel on Feb 04, 2021 at 12:48 am

    Very worthy

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Aiman Azri on Feb 04, 2021 at 9:59 am

    Good job toyota for bringing 2.8 diesel for fortuner. Although some say the roadtax is expensive, I see a lot new Hilux Rogue on the road, I think people don’t mind paying 1k+ for roadtax.

    However, there some bit of Cons for this fortuner. I do wish that our 2.8 vrz fortuner will follow the Philippine’s 2.8 4×4 LTD that they have it.

    I mean come on toyota malaysia, why they get a proper Head unit original toyota global which look nicer than our aftermarket look head unit. If it’s about 360 camera support, they also got 360 camera. Also our wireless charger also look aftermarket unlike other countries that located behind the cupholder instead of under center armrest. 1 feature that really useful in Malaysia but not available for us is ventilation for both front seats which pinoy country got but we don’t. For 200k suv it’s such a shame for not include this feature.

    And I wonder why now days toyota(also some manufacter) did not have panic button on their key fob while other countries have it. Is it about our country’s regulation? But wait a minute, perodua have it!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
    • Bro, here in Malaysia also comes 3D degree camera. Wireless charger doesn’t look like aftermarket. And our headunit is absolutely fine. So why complain?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • What is the point of big cars when the new normal for foreseeable future is 2 pax per car?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kinte on Aug 09, 2021 at 7:35 pm

    Patut kita dapat Toyota Highlander drpd Toyota Fortuner ni. Dah la bukan TSS 2.0.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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