2026 Toyota Fortuner: What We Know

A decade after the Fortuner was launched in Australia, Toyota is gearing up for the next iteration of the seven-seater off-road SUV.

As reported exclusively by CarSauce last month, production of the current-generation Toyota HiLux is set to end in the coming weeks, as the Japanese car giant prepares its Thai production facilities for the new-generation model.

Following the launch of the 2026 Toyota HiLux – expected to be unveiled in late 2025 – will be the next Fortuner, the off-road SUV based on the popular ute.

While little information has leaked about the Fortuner, more is known about the HiLux on which it’s based, with the SUV almost certainly adopting many of its features. Here’s what we know.

What are the styling changes for the new Toyota Fortuner?

Prototypes of the next-generation Fortuner have yet to be caught in the wild, however, spy photos of a camuflaged HiLux were published in recent months by Headlight Magazine.

CarSauce’s expert digital artist Theottle has digitally peeled back the camouflage – as seen here – to provide an early look at what the new HiLux could look like.

Now, Theottle has imagined what the new Fortuner will look like, using the current model as a base, while adopting Toyota’s current design language with elements from the HiLux.

All of which translates to slimline LED headlights, a large radiator grille, and a smaller ‘shark-nose’ grille which marries with the bonnet with chrome trim.

What engines will the next Toyota Fortuner come with?

As with the HiLux, the Fortuner is expected to adopt updated versions of its current powertrain – a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.

However, as with selected models of the current-generation HiLux, it’s believed the new Fortuner will also gain 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.

Unlike traditional hybrids – like the Prius and Camry – the mild-hybrid system uses the torque from a small electric motor to help get the vehicle to speed, while also recuperating energy during braking to help run auxiliary electrical systems.

Performance is likely to be turned up, with Toyota expected to close the gap to the Ford Everest, which puts out 184kW and 600Nm from its turbo-diesel V6.

Overseas markets are also expected to continue with Toyota’s 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine for entry-level variants, though it’s unlikely to be offered to Australian buyers.

What platform will the new Toyota Fortuner be based on?

Large car manufacturers have been adopting the mantra of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ in regards to new models – and it appears the new Fortuner and its HiLux sibling are no different.

Rather than being an all-new chassis, the Fortuner is expected to be based on an updated version of the IMV platform – the same underpinning the current Fortuner and HiLux.

Earlier reports did suggest Toyota could adopt the same TNGA-F architecture found on its larger pick-ups and four-wheel-drives, however it appears that plan has been abandoned.

Spy photos of the related HiLux suggest Toyota will continue with the same cabin dimensions as the current model, with major updates being applied to both the exterior styling and the interior design.

When is the 2026 Toyota Fortuner launching in Australia?

While the new-generation Toyota HiLux is expected to be unveiled globally in late 2025 – with showroom arrivals in the first half of 2026 – there’s no word yet on when we can expect the new Fortuner.

However, if history is a guide, the Fortuner is likely to arrive within a few months of the HiLux.

Local pricing and specification is likely to be announced by Toyota in the first half of 2026, with a price increase likely to be applied to the model compared with the current Fortuner.

Stay tuned to CarSauce to get the latest information on the 2026 Toyota Fortuner as it becomes available.