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2026 Toyota Fortuner spied – based on new Hilux, heavy facelift with carryover body structure

2026 Toyota Fortuner spied – based on new Hilux, heavy facelift with carryover body structure

Following hot on the heels of the latest ninth-generation Toyota Hilux is its SUV sibling, the new Fortuner. The car was spotted in Thailand, as seen in these spyshots of a camouflaged prototype published on the Instagram page @kurdistan_automotive_blog_.

As you can see, the third-gen model gains a new front end heavily inspired by its pick-up sibling, with slim headlights joined together by a trim strip, sitting above a (likely body-coloured) mesh grille. A unique bumper design should give some differentiation between the two cars, similar to the current Fortuner and Hilux.

2026 Toyota Fortuner spied – based on new Hilux, heavy facelift with carryover body structure

Behind the new face, however, you’ll notice that the rest of the body is pretty much identical to the outgoing model, with the biggest telltale sign being the distinctive rear quarter panel “fin”. The doors, rood and door mirrors also appear to have been carried over. That’s not surprising, given that the new Hilux also retains the use of Toyota’s IMV ladder frame platform and the same body structure as before.

Around the back, you’ll find sharper taillights again joined by a trim strip above the rear number plate recess. Expect the interior to get a complete overhaul with a new dashboard, some switchgear from the Land Cruiser Prado/250 and the brand’s latest technologies, including instrument and infotainment screens measuring up to 12.3-inch across.

2026 Toyota Fortuner render by Theophilus Chin

Under the bonnet, the Fortuner should carry over the 204 PS/500 Nm 1GD-FTV 2.8 litre four-cylinder diesel, plus the same six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Given there will likely be some demand for a petrol engine, we can also expect the 163 PS/246 Nm 2TR-FE 2.7 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, which the current model shares with the new Land Cruiser FJ.

Also almost certain to be lifted from the new Hilux is the Multi-Terrain System (MTS), a rotary dial with selectable Dirt, Sand, Mud, Rock and Snow drive modes that control throttle and gearbox response. Users should also benefit from a Multi-Terrain Monitor with surrounding and underfloor views built into the new 360-degree camera system.

GALLERY: 2026 Toyota Hilux SR5 in Australia


GALLERY: 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 VRZ AT 4×4 in Malaysia

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Jian Ren on Feb 26, 2026 at 8:32 pm

    It appears there is a distinct shift in Toyota’s packaging strategy for different vehicle categories, moving some to modern unibody platforms while keeping others on traditional ladder frames to serve specific needs.

    Innva zenix and Tacoma now on TNGA and more fuel saving.
    Fortuner and cruiser FJ… Even the rangga hilux had to run with classic

    Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • klguy on Feb 26, 2026 at 10:10 pm

    facelift of a facelift of a facelift

    Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • What a Feeling....Toyota! on Feb 27, 2026 at 6:35 am

    get the diesel, the 2.7 petrol is soo underpower and drinks like mad. basically u need to floor the pedal just to get a decent acceleration.

    Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • J7 owner on Mar 01, 2026 at 6:33 pm

      but diesel is too xpensive now after madanon wanna stop diesel smuggling

      diesel rm3 VS petrol rm2

      Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Theophitrash on Feb 27, 2026 at 9:25 am

    he got nothing useful to do in his life izit? can he go and do some community services instead of keep coming out with all these rendering trash? go wash public toilet la mtfk

    Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Annoying on Feb 27, 2026 at 9:25 am

    Non of his rendering were even close. Shock sendiri, and yet paultan allow to post it. WTH?

    Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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