Toyota NZ has announced a well-foreseen death in its SUV family.

CONFIRMATION has at last come from Toyota New Zealand that the Fortuner has ceased national representation.

Conjecture that the ladder chassis seven-seater sports utility wagon version of the Hilux one-tonne utility has been swirling for much of this year, but until today the Palmerston North headquartered brand has consistently rebuffed questions.

On June 7 this publication sought an update on Fortuner’s status, given it appeared to have been dropped from the make’s website and price list. 

TNZ simply did not reply to that inquiry.

Today the motoring section of the Stuff website said it had been told by brand spokesperson that Fortuner stock was now exhausted and the model was no longer available for sale.

In reported comment today, the make suggested the type had no ongoing role because TNT has focused on electrified drivetrains.

That’s a technology the 2.8-litre turbodiesel Fortuner does not have but might have been expected to pick up, with Hilux now availing with a mild hybrid set up. The two products share common mechanicals.

What would have also been evident to TNZ is that Fortuner has achieved dwindling consumer interest in a sector that has become a niche, but is easily dominated by the Ford Everest.

The latter is a newer design with more modern technology and two diesel engine choices, the smaller of which - the 2.0-litre biturbo - is not only more powerful than the Hilux mild hybrid, but also more fuel efficient and cleaner.

The most recent Fortuner released here in 2016, as the sixth SUV choice alongside the RAV4, Highlander, Land Cruiser FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 200 series.

FJ Cruiser soon departed, Land Cruiser has moved into a 300 Series guise and later this year Prado will avail in a new generation line with some hybrid involvement, though as with Hilux it is mild.

On release Fortuner was expected to gather up to 700 registrations annually, and it provisioned in GX, GXL and Limited trims, from $70,990 up to $87,990.