Powerful New Toyota Fortuner GR-S Coming to South Africa

Toyota fans in South Africa can look forward to a powerful new Toyota Fortuner GR-S model in 2025, promising a “performance-orientated” version of one of the country’s most popular passenger vehicles.

The twelfth derivative in the current Fortuner lineup will feature increased power output and the sporty styling we’ve come to expect from Toyota GR models. So far, South Africa has seen the launch of the Yaris GR-S, GR Supra, Land Cruiser 300 GR-S, GR86, GR Corolla, Corolla Cross GR, and Hilux GR-S. GR-S stands for “GR Sport”, referencing Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance division and racing team.

With genuine Dakar Rally pedigree, the new Fortuner GR-S is set to turn heads and sit pretty at the top of the Fortuner lineup. Let’s take a closer look at what Toyota South Africa has revealed about the seven-seater SUV.

GR-S Styling

Front View of Fortuner GR-S

While Toyota South Africa has confirmed that the Fortuner GR-S will come to local shores, the company is yet to release any specific details. It claims that the new model will “come with more power and style to complement its exceptional off-road capabilities and versatility”, and looking back at previous GR-S launches, here’s what we can anticipate.

According to Cars.co.za, the “sport-inspired features and aesthetics” might include red brake callipers, black alloy wheels, and “subtle exterior styling revisions and the requisite smattering of ‘GR’ badges”. Inside, it will be a similar story with plenty of red stitching, GR branding, and performance settings on the digital instruments.

The current Hilux GR-S model also boasts special edition wheels and tyres, aggressive trimmings all-round, and a silver front bashplate. We might see something similar with the Fortuner GR-S.

GR-S Performance

The current Toyota Fortuner lineup makes use of two turbodiesel engines: the 2.4 GD-6 and 2.8 GD-6. Four also add a mild hybrid setup in the form of a 48 V lithium battery system, but Toyota is likely to outfit the Fortuner GR-S with the same setup found in the Hilux GR-S.

So, instead of the 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque provided by the standard 2.8 GD-6 engine, the Fortuner GR-S will probably be tuned to produce a whopping 165 kW and 550 Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Toyota’s iconic bundu-ready 4×4 system.

Based on international versions of the Fortuner GR-S, the suspension might also receive an upgrade in the form of uprated shock absorbers. Meanwhile, Toyota SA has confirmed that the vehicle will have “an aggressive stance” and “performance-focused upgrades” that will “take the legendary Fortuner to new heights”.

How Much Will the Fortuner GR-S Cost in South Africa?

Interior view of Front View of Fortuner GR-S

We’ll have to wait for an official announcement from Toyota South Africa, but in the meantime, you can compare current Fortuner models to get an idea of what the Fortuner GR-S might cost.

2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT Standard – R679,100
2.4 GD-6 RB 6AT Standard – R705,800
2.4 GD-6 4×4 6AT Standard – R739,100
2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT Standard – R826,400
2.8 GD-6 4×4 6AT Standard – R907,700
2.8 GD-6 RB VX AT – R870,800
2.8 GD-6 4×4 VX AT – R950,900
2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT 48 V – R834,800
2.8 GD-6 RB VX AT 48 V – R879,300
2.8 GD-6 4×4 6AT 48V – R918,600
2.8 GD-6 4×4 AT 48V BT – R929,100
2.8 GD-6 4×4 VX AT 48 V (Current Flagship) – R961,800

Based on these prices, the Fortuner GR-S could break the R1,000,000 mark, making it the first Fortuner model in South Africa to do so. Despite the hefty price tag, it’s almost certain to be a success in the local market after Toyota reported that it sold 9,323 Fortuners in 2024 alone.

Toyota Fortuner GR-S Launch Date

Interior view of Front View of Fortuner GR-S Start Button

Toyota SA has confirmed that the launch of the Fortuner GR-S will coincide with the start of the next edition of the annual Toyota Fortuner Challenge. Final dates have not been confirmed, but it’s likely to happen in Q1 2025.

“The local introduction of the Fortuner GR-S is also set to coincide with the ninth edition of the long running Fortuner Challenge – a contest that sees participants going through a number of grueling physical and mental challenges in order to win a brand-new Toyota Fortuner,” says Toyota SA.

“In the contest, four participants – representing four media partners of the Fortuner Challenge – are paired with a local sporting hero to participate in a series of 4×4 obstacles, speed and endurance tests as well as brainteasers.”

Until then, we’ll have to make do with rumours and early reports. Keep your eyes peeled on the Drive South Africa blog for more updates and, in the meantime, spend time in a Toyota Fortuner rental and explore the countryside before summer ends. For some road trip inspiration, check out our handy Road Trip Explorer tool and visit our blog.