Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid Launched in India: A New Era of Performance and Efficiency
Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid Launched in India: A New Era of Performance and Efficiency
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has officially launched the much-anticipated mild-hybrid variants of its flagship SUVs — the Toyota Fortuner and Fortuner Legender — in India. These new models, branded under the “Neo Drive 48V” series, mark a major step toward electrification in Toyota’s popular SUV lineup.
Powertrain and Performance
The Fortuner and Fortuner Legender Neo Drive 48V variants are powered by the same 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, now paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This configuration continues to deliver 204 PS of power and 500 Nm of peak torque, but with added benefits such as improved fuel efficiency and enhanced low-end torque.
The mild-hybrid system includes regenerative braking, a start/stop feature, and assists the engine during acceleration, resulting in smoother performance and lower emissions.
Key Highlights of Fortuner Legender
- It uses the 2.8-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
- The mild-hybrid system helps in delivering better fuel efficiency and offers torque boost.
- New features for the Fortuner mild-hybrid include a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charger, multi-terrain selector and smart idle start/stop switch.
- The Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid is priced at Rs 44.72 lakh.
- The Toyota Fortuner Legender mild-hybrid is priced at Rs 50.09 lakh.
New and Enhanced Features
- 360-Degree Camera: Offers a bird’s-eye view of the SUV, simplifying parking and tight-space navigation.
- Wireless Phone Charger: Adds convenience for charging compatible smartphones without cables.
- Multi-Terrain Selector: Customizes drive settings based on different surfaces for better off-road control.
- Smart Idle Start/Stop: Helps improve fuel efficiency by turning off the engine during long idles.
Pricing and Availability
- Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive 48V: ₹44.72 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Toyota Fortuner Legender Neo Drive 48V: ₹50.09 lakh (ex-showroom)
Bookings are now open, with deliveries expected to begin from the third week of June 2025.
What Is New In These Variants?
The introduction of the Neo Drive 48V variants highlights Toyota’s strategic move toward cleaner mobility solutions without compromising performance. With this update, the Fortuner range stays competitive in a segment where electrified options are becoming the new standard.
Do note that the power output remains unchanged in the Fortuner mild-hybrid. It relies on a small battery pack and electric motor to help the engine achieve a short boost in its output by 16 PS and 65 Nm. This should result in a much more effortless drive.
Additionally, it also helps in achieving improved fuel economy with the inclusion of idle start/ stop. The battery pack also gets replenished while deceleration, ensuring it has enough charge.
Apart from that, the only visible change in terms of design in these new variants is the ‘Neo Drive’ badge on the body. There are no other changes in terms of overall design.
In terms of features, both the Fortuner and Legender now come with a 360-degree camera, offered as a dealership-level fitment. Additionally, the Fortuner gets a wireless phone charger, also available as a dealership fitment. Other added features include a multi-terrain select.
Other features include leather upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen system, powered front seats, dual-zone auto AC with rear AC vents, cruise control, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror (IRVM) and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. It also gets a gesture-controlled powered tailgate and a multi-information display (MID) in the instrument cluster.
However, the ventilated front seats have been removed from these mild-hybrid variants. While the exact reason is yet to be known, we guess it could be due to the placement of the smaller battery for the mild-hybrid tech underneath the seat.
Safety features include 7 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill start assist, a rear parking camera as well as front and rear parking sensors.
Why It Matters
The most significant update in these variants of the Fortuner and Legender is in their powertrain. The detailed specifications of the new setup are detailed below along with the existing powertrain options.
Conclusion
The new Fortuner and Fortuner Legender mild-hybrid models blend the toughness of a full-size SUV with the intelligence of hybrid technology. With premium features, improved drivability, and a greener outlook, Toyota reinforces its leadership in the SUV segment in India.
For more information, visit the official Toyota India website: toyotabharat.com
About The Author
