How on Earth did they do that?
Toyota Australia has released prices and specifications for its successful Fortuner SUV for the 2018 model year, and has dropped prices across the range by $5000 or more despite adding a shedload of kit to every variant available. All cars now benefit from a raft of features and specifications that were either unavailable to the variant or unavailable at all, and ups the Fortuners’ value proposition further, undoubtedly resulting in a headache for its Japanese and Korean rivals.
What hasn’t changed is the motivation for the Fortuner, with MY2018 models soldiering on with the excellent 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, also employed in the immensely-popular Hilux ute that the Fortuner shares its underpinnings with. The oiler puts out a healthy 130kW and 450Nm, and is capable of towing 3000kg with the six-speed manual transmission and 2800kg with the six-speed automatic. Despite the grunt, the Fortuner is miserly with fuel, with the DIY-transmission returning 7.8L/100km while automatic models use 8.6L/100km in official tests.
The Fortuner is described by Toyota as a Kluger-alternative and an ‘aspiring Land Cruiser,’ which likely explains the bump in kit. The entry-level manual GX is now available for $42,590 (before ORCs) despite adding 17-inch alloys (replacing hideous steelies) and reverse parking sensors, representing a significant $5400 reduction in its asking price.
Step up to the now $5500-cheaper GXL model ($47,490 before ORCs, $500 less than the base GX used to be) sees the model updated with GPS satellite navigation, Toyota Link connectivity, and digital radio. The rest of the GXLs kit remains though, making it a very tempting proposition indeed.
Flagship Fortuner Crusade models bag the biggest improvement in kit, despite now enjoying a $5000 price reduction to retail at $56,990 (before ORCs). The Crusade’s standard kit of ‘fawn’ leather, bi-LED headlights, 18-inch alloys and climate control is joined by new kit like heated and eight-way power-adjustable front seats, LED foglights, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. It does drop the option of a manual transmission, but at this price point, it didn't need it anyway.
As it stands, the MY2018 Toyota Fortuner will be priced:
- Fortuner GX — $42,590 manual, $44,590 automatic (down $5400)
- Fortuner GXL — $47,590 manual, $49,490 automatic (down $5500)
- Fortuner Crusade — automatic only, $56,990 (down $5000)
The 2018 Fortuner will be offered with the option of premium paint for an additional $550 across all model variants, while a premium interior is offered for the GXL for a $2500 premium. You can read our review of the 2017 Toyota Fortuner here, and see why it's a firm favourite on our market.
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