Toyota slashes Fortuner prices by up to $5500

TOYOTA Australia sharpened its pencil and slashed Fortuner prices by up to $5500 this week, with the HiLux-based SUV line-up also picking up a range-wide increase in specification levels.

The entry-level GX, mid-spec GXL and flagship Crusade grades are now $5400, $5500 and $5000 cheaper respectively.

Six-speed manual gearbox and automatic transmission options remain available, but the Crusade has dropped the three-pedal set-up to become an auto-only proposition.

Upgrades to the GX (from $42,590 before on-road costs) include rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels, which replace steel rims.

Meanwhile, the GXL (from $47,490) adds satellite navigation, Toyota Link connected mobility and digital radio, which are all controlled via a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Furthermore, self-shifting GXL buyers can option a $2500 dark brown leather-accented interior with power front seats, while the automatic transmission with paddle shifters adds a further $2000 to the GX and GXL’s list prices.

Crusade (from $56,990) features now extend to an 11-speaker JBL sound system, eight-way adjustable heated front seats and LED fog lights.

According to Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb, the seven-seat model’s reduced prices and bolstered equipment lists are a direct result of feedback.

“Fortuner’s updates are based on specific feedback from our dealers and our guests, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to continuous improvement,” he said.

“The added features further boost the appeal of Fortuner, which is recognised for offering the space, comfort, convenience and quality of an SUV while delighting owners with its prodigious off-road ability.”

Existing kit found in the GX includes durable fabric seat covers, projector headlights, LED tail-lights, an air-conditioned cool box, Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker sound system, three 12-volt sockets, steering wheel controls, eco and power drive modes, and a multi-information display.

Stepping up the GXL further adds keyless entry and start, roof rails, halogen foglights, colour multi-information display, privacy glass and downhill assist control.

Topping the line-up, Crusade equipment extends to a fawn or dark brown leather-accented interior, power tailgate, climate control, bi-LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare, a 220-volt socket and a power driver’s seat.

Premium exterior paint colours attract a $550 charge on any Fortuner variant.

Motivation is still provided by a 2.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 130kW of power, while its torque output is 420Nm in manual form or 450Nm in automatic guise.

Manual Fortuners claim a fuel consumption figure of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test, while automatic versions are rated at 8.6L/100km.

Braked towing capacity is 3000kg for manual variants, which is 500kg more than automatic Fortuners can manage.

Fortuner sales have slid this year, with 1960 examples sold to the end of September, representing a 40.4 per cent decrease over the 3291 sales the model managed during the same period in 2016.

Comparatively, its direct competitors in the utility-based SUV class surge ahead in 2017, with the Isuzu MU-X (5829), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (5489), Ford Everest (3360) and Holden Trailblazer (2311) bolting past the Fortuner.

2017 Toyota Fortuner pricing*

GX	$42,590
GX (a)	$44,590
GXL	$47,490
GXL (a)	$49,490
Crusade (a)	$56,990

*Excludes on-road costs