The popular 7-seater Toyota Fortuner will reportedly gain a mild-hybrid diesel powertrain as of 2023.

Toyota has extensive hybrid experience and the Japanese automotive giant has made a commitment to produce as many as 30 new electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. As the firm moves towards its goal of becoming carbon neutral, we can expect to see more new energy Toyotas coming to market.

In South Africa, Toyota is leading the way in terms of local hybrid vehicle uptake with products such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid and Corolla Hybrid playing a key role in Toyota’s success in the hybrid market.

The latest Toyota hybrid news, however, has come from Thailand. It’s no secret that a new generation Toyota Fortuner SUV is in the works and it will reportedly arrive in 2023 boasting a mild-hybrid powertrain.

The new Fortuner will be based on the Toyota TNGA F platform, the same which underpins the new Land Cruiser 300.

Toyota’s 1GD engine family will be hybridised which means that a mild-hybrid 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine is expected to make its way into the new Fortuner and it will be the first Toyota model to feature this powertrain. This new hybrid diesel powertrain (with an integrated starter generator) will not only improve efficiency but will also offer a performance boost for short periods.

Outputs for this mild-hybrid powertrain remain unknown but considering that the current 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine found in the Hilux, Fortuner and Land Cruiser Prado produces 150 kW and 500 Nm, buyers can expect higher outputs in the next-generation Fortuner.

Toyota is expected to announce official details this year and based on the firm’s recent hybrid success in South Africa, it’s likely that the mild-hybrid diesel Fortuner will be offered locally. We will keep you updated as soon as more details become available.

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