Toyota Fortuner Leader: In a bid to further consolidate its leadership of the premium SUV segment, Toyota is proud to introduce the Fortuner Leader Edition- a pinnacle of performance and luxury featuring cutting-edge technology that arrives and makes its presence felt in the flagship nameplate.
With the new special edition now available there is a full set of appealing features that separate it from its competitors, as well as a clear look into Toyota’s design vision for the future of luxury off-road sport utility vehicle options.
Toyota Fortuner Leader Evolution of an Icon
For decades, the Fortuner has reigned supreme in the Indian premium SUV market and no other car manages to engender the same level of brand loyalty, without any compromise on imposing road presence, genuine off-road prowess and bomb-proof reliability.
In the case of the Leader Edition, Toyota is redressing the one criticism occasionally levelled at the regular Fortuner – that it’s a bit on the conservative side when it comes to in-cabin tech and driver assistance gizmos.
“The Fortuner Leader Edition shows our understanding and commitment towards how today’s premium SUV buyers are seeking more technology in their machines and requiring the same on their machines as they navigate through different terrains,” Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, explained.
“Now in its second generation, we have a product that is world renowned and not only does it have the latest tech inside, but it comes with the peace of mind that Fortuner has built a rock solid reputation on.
External: With Darkness There Comes the Light.
In terms of looks, the Leader Edition isn’t marked by any ostentatious design flair, but a host of thoughtful design refinements. Up front, the dominant grille receives the dark chrome treatment, along with new matrix headlamps with dynamic turn signals, the latter being a first for the Fortuner range.
These innovative lighting systems offer high-quality illumination with performance-based beam pattern features and automatic high beams.
The profile concept continues to carry the Fortuner’s muscular demeanor and herald’s new 20” machine cut alloy rims, while driving through a part time 4WD transfer case for everyday comfort with improved aero dynamics without losing its 4WD roots.
There are no changes in the approach and departure angles to maintain the vehicles off-road prowess due to the increase in wheel size.
At the back, meanwhile, there are sequential LED taillights that help to give the car a unique light signature, and about the only real visual clue as to the special nature of this car is a discrete “Leader Edition” badge.
There are five special colors to choose from, and a particular eye-catching variant called “Phantom Brown,” that changes its hue according to the lighting of the day.
Cabin Makeover: Where Technology Meets Luxury
The interior is where Toyota has made the most significant changes, having done a complete redesign of the Fortuner’s interior to be thoroughly tech-heavy and up-to-date with what luxury-European vehicles are doing in their passenger compartments.
Key feature at the centerpiece i a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that runs Toyota’s latest interface featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This system is teamed with a fully digital 10.1-inch instrument cluster with various display profiles available.
Leader Edition adopts Toyota’s Advanced Drive Connect, which provides a range of connectivity features activated through smartphone integration; such functions include remote engine start, pre-conditioning of the climate control, geofencing for added security, plus vehicle tracking and digital key functionality that enables the car to be unlocked and started via the smartphone itself.
Interior materials are greatly improved, with top-quality leather upholstery that boasts hexagonal quilting and contrast stitching. Up front, 10-way power-adjustable chairs with memory, ventilation and massage help push that quality feeling departed several segments up.
Other upscale touches are as follows:
An audiophile-focused 14-speaker JBL sound system with active noise cancelation
Air purifying multi zone climate control
Panoramic sunroof having an electrochromic dimming technology
A 64-Color ambient lighting choice of any varying color%Built in Xbox Wireless functionality.
Augmented-reality heads-up navigation display.overlay.
Front and rear from wireless smartphone charging pads
Automatic tailgate with feet for free opening (With programmable opening height)
ADAS: Safety Re-Defined
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 also makes its debut in the Fortuner range with the Leader Edition – the most advanced piece of technology to be installed across the Fortuner range yet. This bundle is:
ACC stop and go, active cruise control with stop & goEMPLARY FOR MICRO HYBRID USES.
Lane keeping assist with lane centering
AEB with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
Back-up warning system with rear cross-traffic warning
3D view 360 camera system
Driver attention monitoring
Traffic sign recognition
Evasive steering assist
These systems complement each other to substantially boost safety and alleviate driver fatigue on long hauls. Crucially, Toyota engineers have tuned these systems to work just as well in Indian driving conditions – a common complaint for driver aid systems that do not cope well in dealing with Indian road conditions.
Powertrain Improvement: Smooth Power and Torque
The Leader Edition still has the 2.8L diesel motor that we’ve gotten used to from the Fortuner, but Toyota’s boffins have gone and given it some tweaks for better performance and fuel-efficiency both.
The power output of 201 bhp has been retained, however torque is up to 520 Nm from the standard model’s 500 Nm.
The transmission also gets major attention, with the 6-speed automatic now utilizing more sophisticated shift logic that takes driving style and road conditions directly into account.
The Leader Edition also includes a new ‘Intelligent Drive Mode,’ which offers six profiles – Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport+, Custom, and Off-road – each of which will adjust the car’s throttle response, transmission maps, steering weight, and suspension.
Fuel economy is slightly improved with the introduction of a 48V mild-hybrid system that recovers energy when the vehicle is slowing and adds torque when it accelerates. This set-up is said to add 8 per cent to the fuel economy without emitting more.
Capacity for the Trail: Smart and Tough
The Fortuner’s longstanding off-roading capability is enhanced by all-new Multi-Terrain Select 2.0, which uses machine learning to read surface conditions based on wheel slip feedback and driver input. This system complements the vehicle’s existing four-wheel drive system to maximize traction when it’s most needed.
An available off-road monitor system uses exterior cameras to show the terrain directly ahead and slso the tire placement that will be coming in contact with it, among other things. This is an essential function during off-road manoeuvres when visibility from the driver’s seat is compromised.
Connectivity At Your Fingertip: Always ON
Recognising that the modern luxury automotive buyer demands flawless digital integration, Leader Edition features an embedded eSIM allowing over-the-air updates of vehicle systems and constant connectivity for cloud-based services.
That connectivity also includes a new Toyota Concierge service that’s there to help 24/7 with everything from restaurant reservations to emergency assistance.
The infotainment of the vehicle also features a natural language voice control for a range of functions without having to use a specific voice command.
This system can comprehend contextual queries in various Indian languages, the company says, underlining the commitment to localization Toyota is making.
Toyota Fortuner Leader Market Positioning and Price Setting
The Fortuner Leader Edition will be at the top of the premium SUV segment with a price range of about ₹50-55 lakh (ex-showroom). Though a hefty premium over the regular Fortuner, Toyota says it’s worth it, given the extensive tech and special features that enhance the on-road ownership experience.
“The Leader Edition is an effort not just to add features but to raise the bar on what customers can expect from a luxury SUV in this segment,” emphasises Kirloskar.
We believe we’ve delivered a package that offers real value through innovation and more usable and emotional features to everyday vehicle operation, From the chassis to exterior and interior features no detail was too small to be passionate about as we developed this all-new SUV.
“Fortuner has been dominating the SUV segment for years now, and is among our top three best-selling vehicles in the country,” said Vikramaditya Singh, Brand Manager of Fortuner at Toyota South Africa Motors.
“For customers who refuse to compromise and seek the purest expression of the Fortuner’s DNA, the Leader Edition offers a unique proposition that combines smart technology with the unadulterated toughness that has made the Fortuner a legend across the globe.