In a recent media interaction, Toyota South Africa’s official has confirmed to Car Mag that the next-generation Fortuner will be revealed globally on December 1, 2026. The new-generation Fortuner will also make it to the Middle East and GCC market next year with subtle changes to the design, interior, and drivetrain.

What to expect from the next-generation Toyota Fortuner?

The next-generation Fortuner has been under development for a long time. Multiple test mules have been spied earlier on the global turf, revealing exterior details and expected changes.

The latest spy shots came a few days ago from Thailand, where a test mule was spotted from the front while testing on a highway. As far as changes are concerned, the new-generation Fortuner will feature redesigned styling inspired by the new Toyota cars like the RAV4 Hybrid.

The expected changes to the exterior may include the new fascia with a sharper look, a new front grille, a redesigned front bumper with new foglight housings, and new LED headlights. Meanwhile, dimensionally, it is likely to be more or less the same as the current model.

The rear-end will likely feature the new LED lights, a new rear bumper, and a new roof-mounted spoiler. The side profile will be most unchanged, save for the new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Land Cruiser Prado-inspired cabin design

Another big upgrade that is likely to take place is the new interior design that will be inspired by the Land Cruiser Prado and RAV4 Hybrid. Recently, the new Toyota Hilux was launched in the UAE with a similar upgrade to its interior design.

So, what to expect? First, a new dashboard will be offered with a large central touchscreen, a new digital driver display, a new three-spoke steering wheel with physical button controls for MID and ADAS, new seats, and a fresh interior theme with leather upholstery.

Additional features are likely to include the new cabin ambient LED lights, wireless charging pad, a dual-zone climate control, electronic parking brake, front seats with electric adjustment and ventilation, electric tailgate, and more. Toyota will also introduce the new autonomous safety assist system that will offer adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, and more.

Same reliable engine performance as before

The new-generation Fortuner will retain the current IMV ladder-frame platform, as per online rumours. This platform offers rugged structural strength and reliability along with off-road capabilities.

Powering the new-generation Fortuner are likely to be the same set of engine options as currently available. The petrol iteration will likely be offered with a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 164 bhp and 245 Nm. Meanwhile, the diesel version will get the 2.8-litre turbocharged engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology.

Both engine options are likely to be offered with a six-speed manual and automatic transmission, depending on the market. The lower-spec versions will get the 4x2 drivetrain, while the 4x4 drivetrain will be offered as an option throughout the range.

Interestingly, the Middle East and GCC-spec Fortuner also comes with a 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine that makes 235 bhp. We are not sure whether this engine will be retained on the next-generation Fortuner for the Middle East or not.

When will it launch in the UAE?

With the global reveal scheduled for December 1, 2026, we can safely say that the new-generation Fortuner will be introduced in the Middle East and GCC markets by mid-2027.

The current Fortuner is priced from AED 128,900 for the 2.7-litre petrol engine. We suspect that the new model will be priced slightly above the current model.

With that said, you can search for the best used Toyota Fortuner cars for sale in Dubai with Cars24 UAE.

Also read: Ford Racing Parts launched in the Middle East, Bronco gets upgrades