2025 Toyota Fortuner GR Facelift First Look: Big SUV Goes Sporty?

The Toyota Fortuner needs no introduction, especially in 2025. The iconic SUV has been the definitive vehicle for transporting the VVIPs of the state, politicians, film stars and wealthy businesspersons. It’s got a lot of road presence and the natural capability to traverse all sorts of terrain that a developing nation like India has to throw at it (provided you opt for the four-wheel drive model). It’s not laden with luxury like its sedan sibling – the Camry – but there’s ample equipment and good road-holding manners to woo wealthy customers. 

Now, the Fortuner is getting another facelift. Not a generational update -- just another facelift. 

Showcased at the Bangkok Motor Show 2025 was an updated version of the 2025 Toyota Fortuner GR and there’s something we’d love to add – it looks spectacular. With a shade of sport red and the subtle GR badges, the Fortuner GR commands even more road presence than its outgoing models. Sadly, there are no mechanical changes under the hood despite wearing the GR badges. 

Nonetheless, our on-ground auto expert Bhavna was on the showfloors inspecting the updated versions of the Fortuner GR and sent us some close-up photos of the vehicle along with some key information. 

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2025 Toyota Fortuner GR facelift: What’s new?

In essence, there are not a lot of new bits on the updated Fortuner. From a distance, the facelifted Fortuner continues to look like the Fortuner most of us see plying on the roads. The version for the Thailand market is essentially the Legender that’s sold in India, and hence, there are larger similarities with that SUV. 

Up close, though, there are minor yet noticeable changes, the biggest one being the colour itself. The Fortuner in Thailand comes in a shade of sporty red and coupled with the black roof, this version of the SUV looks a lot more desirable. There are minor tweaks to the rear bumper but the front unit gets restyled air scoops and a bigger Toyota badge on the radiator grille. The headlights are lifted straight from the Legender and the same can be said for the tailamps.

Look around the rest of the exterior and you are likely to see darker shades of the existing allow rims. Since a 360-degree camera system is now part of the standard equipment list, there are camera sensors placed underneath the rear view mirrors (ORVMs), the front bumper and the rear bumper too. Step inside the SUV and you will be greeted with an all-dark interior scheme with red stitching inserts. Sadly, there’s no ambient lighting to spruce up the mood, and the sunroof is still missing from the feature list!

That said, the infotainment system now seems to be using a different head unit from Toyota, featuring fewer buttons and no physical rotary dials. 

In essence, Toyota has done the bare minimum in cosmetic changes to the SUV. 

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Are there any mechanical changes?

Sadly, no. The Fortuner continues to rely on the tried and tested 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that makes 201 bhp of peak power and 500 Nm of peak torque. Despite the GR badges, this Fortuner doesn’t get any performance boost to its engine or the suspension setup. For those expecting a 2JZ motor under the bonnet, you will be disappointed! The Fortuner is never gonna go "Vraatutututututu...".

Hence, for fans of the Fortuner brand, this 2025 GR variant is essentially a facelift with certain tweaks and a new infotainment system. Toyota hasn’t hinted at bringing this to India anytime soon but for those who are impatient, the Karol Bagh modification shops are always eager to pamper the passionate owners of this SUV.

With Toyota not interested in overhauling the Fortuner, the midsize premium SUV segment leaves the door open for Ford to bring this SUV's natural competitor -- the Ford Everest. The MG Gloster, which is presently the closest thing to the Fortuner, doesn't have the same sort of appeal as the Fortuner. The Volkswagen Tiguan is a great choice on paper but barely on the consideration list of many. 

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