What’s New in the 2022 Toyota Fortuner?

Exterior Refresh – Subtle Yet Noticeable

The 2022 Fortuner arrives with a facelift that isn’t a full redesign but feels more modern. The front grille now sports a thicker mesh pattern, framed by slimmer LED headlamps that give the SUV a sharper look. Rear‑end tweaks include a new LED tail‑lamp cluster and a slightly higher bumper, which not only improves ground clearance but also adds a touch of aggressiveness.

For those who love a bit of flair, Toyota introduced new alloy wheel designs—18‑inch for base trims and 20‑inch for the top‑end variants. They’re not just about looks; the larger wheels help the vehicle nibble through rougher terrain with a bit more confidence.

Powertrain Options – More Choices, Same Reliability

Under the hood, the 2022 Fortuner continues to offer two diesel engines, but there’s a twist. The 2.8‑liter turbo‑diesel now delivers 201 hp, up from the previous 197 hp, while retaining its 500 Nm of torque. That extra punch translates to a smoother pull when you’re overtaking on the highway.

On the gasoline side, a new 2.7‑liter engine makes its debut in markets where petrol is preferred. It’s paired with a six‑speed automatic, offering a refined driving experience without sacrificing the rugged character you expect from a Fortuner.

Transmission Shifts – New Six‑Speed Manual

One of the quiet winners is the addition of a six‑speed manual gearbox for the 2.8‑liter diesel variant. Enthusiasts who miss the engagement of a stick shift will appreciate the extra gear, which improves fuel economy on long hauls and gives a more relaxed cruising RPM range.

Infotainment and Connectivity – Bigger Screens, Smarter Features

The cabin gets a tech boost. Toyota replaces the old 7‑inch touchscreen with an 8‑inch unit that runs on the latest Entune 3.0 platform. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa built‑in, so you can command navigation, music, or smart home devices without fumbling for your phone.

For families, a new rear‑seat USB‑C port replaces the legacy USB‑A, ensuring faster charging for tablets and newer smartphones. A wireless charging pad sits on the centre console, ideal for the driver’s phone.

Safety Suite – Toyota Safety Sense 2.5

Safety is where Toyota truly leans into its “Safer Motoring” mantra. The 2022 Fortuner adopts the latest Safety Sense 2.5 package, which adds:

• Enhanced Pre‑Collision System with pedestrian detection
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that can maintain distance up to 150 km/h
• Lane Tracing Assist for subtle steering corrections on highways
• Road Sign Assist that reads speed limits and warns of hazards

All this sits atop the existing six‑airbag layout, giving occupants a comprehensive shield without inflating the price tag dramatically.

Interior Comfort – A More Refined Cabin

Inside, the Fortuner's layout stays familiar but feels more premium. Soft‑touch materials replace some of the hard plastics on the dashboard, and new colour‑trim options—particularly a matte‑black variant—appear on higher trims.

Seat comfort gets an upgrade too. The driver’s seat now features an adjustable lumbar support, while rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, offering a blend of passenger space and cargo flexibility.

Off‑Road Capability – Retaining the DNA

Even with the facelift, the Fortuner remains a capable off‑roader. The new model retains the robust body‑on‑frame chassis and offers the same 2H, 4H, 4H‑Low, and 4L drive modes. However, Toyota has fine‑tuned the electronic stability control to be less intrusive on loose surfaces, a subtle tweak that off‑road enthusiasts will notice when navigating steep climbs.

Trim Lineup – Choosing the Right Fit

For most markets, the 2022 lineup comprises four main trims:

• Base – 2.8 L diesel, manual, essential tech.
• SR – Adds alloy wheels, upgraded infotainment.
• TRD Sport – Sportier bumper, roof rails, 20‑inch wheels.
• Legends – Top‑end, with leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and the full Safety Sense suite.

The new 2.7 L gasoline engine appears only on the Legends trim in select regions, catering to buyers who prioritise smoothness over diesel torque.

Pricing and Value – What to Expect

Pricing varies by country, but the general trend shows a modest increase of about 3‑4 % over the previous model year, reflecting the added tech and safety gear. Critics have noted that the price jump feels justified, especially given the enhanced infotainment and safety features that were previously optional extras.

First‑Impression Test Drive – What Drivers Say

Early reviewers praise the smoother acceleration of the revised diesel engine and the more responsive steering at low speeds. The upgraded cabin acoustics also reduce road noise, making long journeys feel less tiring.

On the flip side, some purists miss the sharper edges of the old front fascia, calling the new design “a bit too polished.” Yet, most owners seem to welcome the balance between ruggedness and urban refinement.