Toyota Fortuner & Legender Get 48V Hybrid Upgrade

Bangalore- Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM)., has unveiled new Neo Drive variants of the Fortuner and Legender, featuring an advanced 48-Volt mild-hybrid system. The upgrade enhances fuel efficiency, driving performance, and overall comfort, offering a more refined experience across both urban and off-road terrains.

Since its launch in 2009, the Fortuner has remained a benchmark in the premium SUV segment, known for its bold styling, robust performance, and exceptional all-terrain capabilities. Alongside the feature-rich Legender, the SUV lineup reflects Toyota’s commitment to Quality, Durability, Reliability, and continuous customer-focused innovation—earning a loyal following among both city drivers and off-road enthusiasts.

Mr. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, said, “As the SUV market in India grows steadily, customers are seeking advanced features and differentiated styling, both the Fortuner and Legender rise to meet these expectations with their bold design, powerful performance and comprehensive features, catering seamlessly to the needs of diverse users.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor marks a new milestone with the launch of the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive 48V variants, reinforcing its commitment to customer-centric innovation and sustainable mobility. As a segment-first, these advanced models reflect Toyota’s multi-pathway approach toward carbon neutrality delivering better performance while aligning with evolving lifestyle and environmental needs.

Neo Drive variants is Toyota’s robust 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, now paired with a 48-Volt mild-hybrid system featuring a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. This setup boosts fuel efficiency, lowers emissions, and provides smoother acceleration and quieter engine operation. Energy is regenerated during deceleration, improving braking performance while the Smart Idle Start-Stop function conserves fuel by switching off the engine when idle.

Importantly, these efficiency gains come without compromising the SUVs’ hallmark capabilities—payload strength, off-road prowess, and rugged durability. The Multi-Terrain Select system further enhances drivability by adjusting throttle, traction, and braking to suit various surfaces.

The Fortuner retains its bold, rugged charm, ideal for off-road adventures, while the Legender adds a more refined, premium look with dual-tone body colors, sleek LED split headlamps, and an aggressive front fascia. Inside, both models offer premium comfort with dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and ergonomically designed seating.

True to Toyota’s safety-first DNA, the Neo Drive variants are equipped with a comprehensive suite of features, including seven airbags, ABS with Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Assist Control, Traction Control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and more—ensuring maximum protection for all occupants.

Toyota offers flexible finance options including up to 8-year loans, low EMI plans, Smart Balloon Finance, and pre-approved bundles for extended warranty and accessories. Owners also benefit from five years of free roadside assistance and a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable to 5 years/220,000 km, supported by the customizable Toyota Smiles Plus service package.

With the Neo Drive 48V variants, Toyota delivers a future-ready upgrade to the Fortuner and Legender—balancing performance, comfort, and sustainability for the modern Indian SUV buyer.