Who would have thought that a Crown Sedan style works with a three-row SUV designed over a ladder-frame chassis? Independent digital artist Theottle uniquely envisioned the succeeding generation of Toyota Fortuner.

The Hilux-based three-row SUV gets a new exterior that has taken design cues from the Toyota Crown Sedan. The new one would probably ride on an upgraded version of the existing ladder-frame chassis.

Toyota Fortuner Could Break

Toyota operates a plethora of SUV models across global markets, many of which are tough vehicles built upon a ladder-frame platform. In the States, the 4Runner and Land Cruiser hold the fort, but elsewhere, the rugged Fortuner takes center stage. Think of it as a three-row version of the Hilux pickup, a vehicle Toyota clearly does have a soft spot for.

Despite Toyota’s secrecy on the Fortuner front, artist Theophilus Chin, aka Theottle, has given us a speculative look into what a new generation could look like. With Hilux going through a major overhaul this year, Fortuner ought to follow suit considering the timing seems right for its own update.

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An Adventurous Look Into Toyota’s Rugged SUV

Instead of using the other Toyota SUVs for inspiration, Theottle designed the new Fortuner for styling cues directly from the Crown sedan. It is quite evident how dissimilar the two vehicles may be from one another; however, they are surprisingly complementary. With a few more rugged details, skid plates, and fender flares in particular, the Fortuner would be all the more deserving in its off-road image.

The design is dominated by Toyota’s very own signature hammerhead-style headlights, with a giant front bumper intake giving the SUV a more modern flair. Its sleek side profile is quite simple but neat, while the greenhouse remains unchanged according to the current model. The rear end is probably the most appealing bit of the design – dressed with a very full-width LED taillights and a sleek tailgate with the Fortuner’s name-stamped on.

While Theottle’s images are about the exteriors, the Fortuner interior needs much updating. The interiors are feeling outdated, particularly on the dashboard and digital displays. A refreshed look-in possibly including a new digital cockpit-may serve well in making it comparable with modern Toyota models. Besides, the three-row seating would also benefit from a more contemporary upholstery finish in line with the complete modern redesign theme.

This is in accordance with Theottle, as Toyota would usually give its good-selling models a big facelift rather than complete redesigns. So he produces a set of renderings that sit on the existing infrastructure of the current Fortuner in terms of structure, retaining the greenhouse, the roofline, and the key points.

However, it is astoundingly probable that this SUV will share the same platform with the much-anticipated new Hilux, which is also presumed to be built on a redesigned version of the erstwhile IMV ladder-frame chassis for enhanced comfort.

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Engines and Rivals

With regard to the source of power, the current version of Fortuner has diesel as well as petrol powertrains according to the market. The top-selling option, under the mark of the range GR Sport version, is the 2.8-liter, turbodiesel engine creating as much as 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS) with a torque of up to 550 Nm (406 lb-ft).