Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid debuts in South Africa

Toyota has officially debuted the Fortuner 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) model in South Africa in two variants - a 4x2 and a 4x4 version. It is still based on the current second-generation AN160 model but its 2.8-liter turbodiesel mill is now paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid for the South African market

In total, this new Fortuner MHEV for the South African market still outputs 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. But Toyota claims that it is 10 percent more fuel efficient compared to the non-hybrid version. For context, the brand says that the VX 4x4 mild-hybrid trim, in particular, can return up to 13.15 km/l on average. 

Like the regular non-hybrid Fortuner, the new Fortuner MHEV uses a six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. It also features a 4x2 (rear-wheel-drive) drivetrain or a part-time 4x4 drivetrain with a locking differential. 

Appearance-wise, there isn’t much on the Fortuner MHEV that sets it apart from the locally Available Fortuner LTD. It still gets LED exterior lighting, blacked-out exterior pieces, and the same eye-catching front fascia. 

Inside the Fortuner mild-hybrid

The interior likewise remains unchanged and is filled with a wealth of comfort features. Like the locally available top-spec Fortuner trims, it likewise boasts the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) comprising of adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning, among others. 

Of note, the Toyota Fortuner MHEV features the same powertrain as the Toyota Hilux mild-hybrid. The latter debuted in Australia back in February 2024 after a rigorous demo run at the 2023 World Rally Championship in Kenya. 

This new electrified version of the Fortuner sounds promising, so we’re hoping that it’ll reach our shores soon. We’re quite optimistic about this since it is apparent that Toyota’s global push for hybridization is going strong. This is shown by the recent launch of the refreshed Toyota Corolla Cross which came into the market with an all-hybrid variant lineup. 

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