[2] For the medium body-on-frame SUV segment, Toyota offers the Hilux Surf / 4Runner (Japan/North America) and the Land Cruiser Prado (Europe and Australasia).

However, in some Central and South American countries and New Zealand, Toyota offers the Fortuner alongside the 4Runner and/or Prado, like in Peru, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, El Salvador and Guatemala.

Specialised variants with a naturally-aspirated 5L-E diesel engine is offered to governments, organisations and the UN alongside other utility vehicles such as the Prado, Hilux, HiAce, and the 70 and 200 series Land Cruisers.

[3][4] The first generation Fortuner was unveiled in December 2004 at the Thailand International Motor Expo and was available for sale in early 2005.

[7] It was launched to commemorate Pertamina's successful expedition from Jakarta, Indonesia to Rome, Italy (a distance of roughly 20,000 km; 12,000 miles) using a group of Fortuners.

Changes included smoked head and tail lamps, bumper-mounted LED DRLs, different TRD Sportivo decals.

The top-of-the-line 4x4 model was equipped with the 1KD-FTV engine with D-4D technology and came with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a low range transfer case.

In October 2011, the Fortuner received a new front fascia, headlights and tail lights alongside the facelifted Innova and Hilux.

According to Toyota Motor Philippines, the engine would have improved fuel efficiency and produce additional power by 40% and increase torque by 30%.

In February 2009, Toyota Motor Vietnam (TMV) started to produce Fortuner – SUV of IMV series.

It features new projector headlamps and grille, new rear lights, Bluetooth connectivity, new light sand interior, electronic adjustable driver's seat in 4×4 V model, rear air conditioning from ceiling for second, and third row which was originally located on the sides.

The front fascia was completely revised with a new fender, hood, grille, headlamps, tail lamps, bumper and fog light housing, similar to the J200 Land Cruiser.

[49] Despite sharing the hood panels, front pillar area, windscreen glass and front doors as the Hilux, the exterior of the Fortuner has been described as more slim-looking, featuring slim headlights with bi-beam LED projector as an option and blacked-out D-pillars for a "floating roof" look.

[50] As the result, the interior took an upwards step in perceived quality with an upright dashboard design with synthetic leather trims with stitching, a three-spoke steering wheel shared with the Hilux and a modern instrument cluster with a large colour TFT LCD multi-info display.

All variants are equipped with ABS, EBD, dual airbags plus knee airbag, "follow me home" light function, all around sensor, glove box with chiller function, digital automatic climate control, all auto power windows along with tilt and telescopic steering wheel as standard.

The two GD series engines are newly developed for this generation, which feature common-rail direct-injection and variable nozzle turbocharging; the 2.8-litre also gets auto start-stop in some markets.

[63][64] The second generation of the Toyota Fortuner made its debut in Egypt in 2018[citation needed], with the top trim receiving a facelift for the 2024 model year.

[38] The second generation Fortuner was launched in November 2016 with two engine options, 2.8-litre diesel and 2.7-litre petrol with either manual or automatic transmission, 4×2 or 4×4.

[66] In early 2020, the Indian market Fortuner was upgraded to meet the Bharat Stage 6 emissions standards, which necessitate the addition of diesel particulate filter (DPF).

[73] In January 2022, the 2.4-litre diesel engine option for VRZ grade and its GR Sport variant was replaced with the 2.8-litre unit.

GR Parts aero package and Toyota Safety Sense are offered as options for the 4×2 VRZ grade.

[75] The second generation Fortuner was launched in March 2016 with one model grade, V 4×4 with 3.0-litre diesel engine and 5-speed automatic transmission.

[76] The second generation Fortuner was launched in May 2016 and was offered in 2.4 VRZ 4×4 turbodiesel and 2.7 SRZ 4×4 petrol variants with automatic transmissions.

[77] In January 2017, both variants obtained "Energy Efficient Vehicle" (EEV) status from the government, which reduced its price.

[80] In November 2021, the Fortuner SRZ and VRZ models was updated with dual-zone automatic climate control as standard along with other upgrades.

[83][84] The facelifted Fortuner was launched in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and UAE in August 2021, the TRD Sportivo grade is not offered in the GCC countries.

In late 2017, Toyota Indus introduced the Sigma 4 variant of the Fortuner, powered by the 2.8 litre diesel engine.

The Fortuner sold in Russia was only available in 4×4 with 2.8-litre turbo-diesel and 2.7-litre petrol engines, with either five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.

[106] The Legender flagship sub-model (known as VRZ in Malaysia, LTD in the Philippines, Diamond in South America, and Black Onyx in Russia) was introduced to replace the Thai market TRD Sportivo model.

[108] The Legender-based GR Sport variant was launched in Thailand on 26 August 2021, in the Philippines on 23 October 2021, in Brazil on 8 December 2021, in India on 12 May 2022, in Pakistan on 18 March 2023 and in Indonesia on 6 September 2024.