Familiar but different: Toyota unveils limited-edition Fortuner Commander for Thai market

MANILA: The Toyota Fortuner Commander was just unveiled in Thailand.

Based on the standard Fortuner, the Commander variant wears the aesthetic pieces and equipment from the Fortuner Legender — which is called the Fortuner LTD where we are. 

So, the Fortuner Commander — a limited-run model of 1,000 units, by the way — is basically the lower- to mid-spec Fortuner (G and V) but with added LTD goodies thrown in.  

For starters, the powertrain combo in the Fortuner Commander — a 2.4-liter liter diesel mill (150ps, 400Nm), six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive — is the same as in the lesser Fortuner variants. 

Meanwhile, the Fortuner Commander's front end naturally comes from the Fortuner G and V.

The Fortuner LTD (above) wears a unique fascia that features a sportier lower grille. The LTD also uses a 2.8-liter diesel engine and four-wheel drive. 

So, what makes the Fortuner Commander an LTD-lite ? 

Like the LTD, the Fortuner Commander sports black finishing on its front grille, bumpers, and skid plates. There is also a black appliqué  connecting the taillights, which is adorned with a "Commander" script confirming the identity of the new trim.

The SUV rolls on larger 20-inch dual-tone alloys as compared to the standard’s 18-inch wheels. The Fortuner Commander is equipped with tweaked suspension for better ride quality. 

For exterior color options are concerned, Thai customers can get the Fortuner Commander either in white/black or red/black dual-tone shades. 

Inside the cabin, the SUV gets a black leather interior complemented by deep red accents. There are some extra features over the regular Fortuner including a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitor, and a rear cross-traffic alert.

There's no word, however, if the Fortuner Commander gets the LTD's JBL sound system. 

With everything said, the Fortuner Commander's features not only makes it an almost-LTD, but it becomes a mini-Fortuner GR-S as well. 

Which will make the Fortuner Commander an odd version, should it join the local Fortuner range. We think that is unlikely to happen, as buyers who want a Fortuner with all the bells and whistles would naturally upgrade to the LTD and GR-S. 

Still, props to Toyota for jazzing up the lower Fortuner variants. 

Photos from Toyota Thailand, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP)  

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