Ahead of the global reveal of the new Toyota Fortuner, we’ve caught wind of when the next generation will launch in South Africa.
While anticipation builds for the official global reveal of the new Toyota Fortuner, we’ve been reliably informed when the next generation will launch in South Africa. Detailed in the December 2026 issue of CAR magazine (on sale now) — in which we highlight the vehicles you can expect to see on our roads in the coming 12 months — the Fortuner is a key new Toyota product set to be introduced to our market in 2027.
- Also read: New Toyota Hilux GR-Sport confirmed for 2027
2027 Toyota Fortuner South African launch date
It seems likely the new Toyota Fortuner will launch in South Africa as early as April 2027. Yet to be revealed at the time of writing, while details surrounding the third iteration remain thin on the ground, it’s fair to speculate that the next Fortuner will share several of the Hilux’s exterior and interior design cues, as well as powertrain options. Spotted in camouflage in February 2026, the new Fortuner’s headlamps and front grille look to resemble those found on its bakkie sibling. This was also depicted in a render by digital artist Theottle.
As before, and similar to the ninth-generation Hilux, the seven-seater SUV’s powertrain options could (largely) mirror the outgoing current iteration’s. That said, the Fortuner will again be available with the Japanese automaker’s tried-and-trusted 2.8GD-6 powertrain in “standard” and 48 V mild-hybrid formats. As a reminder, the 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel unit produces 150 kW and 500 N.m of torque, the latter available from a low 1 600 r/min. Power is delivered to the road via either a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Also read: Buying Used: Toyota Fortuner (2016-2025)
As we reported in June 2026, Toyota will introduce the 2.4GD-6 engine option to the local Hilux lineup in the first quarter of 2027. From what we understand, the 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit will be exclusively coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.
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