HILUX AND FORTUNER GET MORE POWER
MID-LIFE UPDATE SEES BIG HIKE IN POWER AND IMPROVED TOWING CAPACITY.
THE covers have been lifted on Toyota’s Ranger-fighting Hilux and seven-seat Fortuner, with the upgraded models benefiting from a significant hike in power and improved towing capacity. The venerable 2.8-litre engine that powers both the best-selling 4x4 (year-to-date) and the Fortuner has been beefed up to deliver 150kw and 500Nm (with the six-speed auto transmission), up from the outgoing model’s 130kw and 450Nm. Toyota Australia puts this growth down to “multiple new components and enhanced cooling”.
For comparison’s sake, the Hilux’s natural rival, the Ford Ranger, delivers 147kw and 470Nm in 3.2-litre guise and 157kw and 500Nm from its 2.0-litre mill.
In addition to more power, automatic Hilux variants boast an increased towing capacity, now matching the manual variants with a maximum rating of 3500kg (up 500kg). The Fortuner adds
300kg to its maximum towing capacity, now
3100kg.
Toyota has also added an additional traction control feature to Hilux 4x4 models equipped with downhill-assist control, which reroutes torque in 2WD mode to provide more grip. While updates to the Hilux’s suspension componentry includes revised shockabsorber tuning, new bushings and an improved leaf-spring design.
On the multimedia front, both the Hilux and Fortuner now have eight-inch display screens with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
The updated Hilux range retains three body styles (single, extra and double cab), two configurations (pickup and cab-chassis) and five equipment levels (Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged-x). The Fortuner range comprises the GX, GXL and Crusade.
Expect pricing to be announced closer to vehicles’ local launch in August.