TOYOTA FORTUNER AND LEGENDER LAUNCH 48V HYBRID TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA: A MAJOR UPGRADE
Toyota has officially launched the much-anticipated Fortuner and Fortuner Legender Neo Drive variants in India, equipped with a cutting-edge 48V mild-hybrid system. This launch marks a significant milestone for Toyota’s flagship SUVs, combining enhanced fuel efficiency, improved driving dynamics, and advanced features tailored for Indian customers. Priced at Rs. 44.77 lakh for the Fortuner Neo Drive and Rs. 50.09 lakh for the Legender Neo Drive (ex-showroom), these models offer a compelling package for SUV enthusiasts seeking power, luxury, and sustainability.
The new Neo Drive variants are powered by Toyota’s robust 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48-Volt mild-hybrid system, which includes a belt-integrated starter generator and a lithium-ion battery. This mild-hybrid setup delivers smoother low-end acceleration, quieter operation, and improved fuel efficiency, making it the first-ever mild-hybrid technology in the Fortuner family. Toyota claims a 5% improvement in mileage, thanks to energy recovery during braking and a Smart Idle Start-Stop function that switches off the engine when stationary, reducing emissions.
The launch of the Toyota Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants with 48V mild-hybrid technology marks a pivotal moment in India’s automotive landscape, especially in the premium SUV segment. This move reflects Toyota’s commitment to blending performance with sustainability, catering to a growing base of environmentally conscious consumers without compromising on the power and ruggedness that the Fortuner is known for.
One of the standout advantages of the 48V mild-hybrid system is its ability to improve fuel efficiency without the complexity and cost associated with full hybrid or electric vehicles. By recovering energy during braking and assisting the engine during acceleration, the system reduces fuel consumption and emissions, making these SUVs more economical to run in daily urban traffic and long highway drives alike.
ADVANCED FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY ENHANCE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Beyond the hybrid powertrain, Toyota has equipped the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants with a host of new features to elevate comfort, convenience, and safety. Both models now come with a 360-degree camera system, providing drivers with a comprehensive view of their surroundings for safer maneuvering. Wireless phone charging adds to the convenience of a clutter-free cabin, while the Neo Drive badging on the rear signifies the new hybrid identity.
The SUVs retain their acclaimed Multi-Terrain Select system, which intelligently adjusts throttle response, braking, and traction control to optimize performance across diverse terrains—be it city roads, highways, or off-road trails. Inside, customers enjoy ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, ambient lighting, cruise control, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, ensuring a premium in-cabin experience.
Toyota’s decision to integrate this technology into its flagship SUVs rather than just smaller cars signals confidence in the Indian market’s readiness for advanced powertrains. It also sets a precedent for other manufacturers, potentially accelerating the adoption of hybrid technologies across various vehicle segments in India.
The Neo Drive variants’ enhanced features, such as the 360-degree camera and wireless charging, demonstrate Toyota’s focus on delivering a premium ownership experience. These additions cater to tech-savvy consumers who expect modern conveniences alongside robust performance, further elevating the Fortuner and Legender’s appeal.
TOYOTA’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND CUSTOMER VALUE
Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President of Sales, Service, and Used Car Business at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, described the launch as a “segment-first” that aligns with evolving customer lifestyles and Toyota’s multi-pathway approach toward carbon neutrality. He emphasized that the Neo Drive 48V variants represent Toyota’s commitment to practical, future-ready mobility solutions that enhance customer value while contributing meaningfully to a sustainable tomorrow.
The introduction of this mild-hybrid technology is a strategic move by Toyota to address the growing demand for fuel-efficient, eco-friendly vehicles in India’s competitive SUV market. It also positions the Fortuner and Legender as leaders in their segment, combining power and luxury with responsible engineering.
From a design perspective, the Neo Drive badge adds a subtle yet distinctive identity to these models, signaling their advanced hybrid capabilities. The SUVs maintain their muscular and commanding presence on the road, ensuring that the introduction of hybrid technology does not dilute their iconic styling or road dominance.
Toyota’s multi-terrain select system remains a key selling point, especially for buyers who value off-road capabilities. The integration of mild-hybrid technology enhances this system by providing smoother torque delivery and better control, making the Fortuner and Legender even more versatile across diverse driving conditions.
MARKET IMPACT AND CUSTOMER RECEPTION IN INDIA
The Fortuner has long been one of India’s most popular premium SUVs, known for its rugged build, commanding road presence, and reliable performance. The addition of the 48V mild-hybrid system is expected to strengthen its appeal among environmentally conscious buyers and those looking for improved fuel economy without compromising on power.
Early customer reviews praise the Fortuner’s smooth acceleration, comfortable interiors, and advanced features. The Legender variant, with its flagship status and additional luxury touches, continues to attract buyers seeking a blend of style and substance. The Neo Drive variants, priced competitively, offer an attractive upgrade path for existing Toyota fans and new customers alike.
Bookings for the new Neo Drive variants opened on June 2, 2025, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the third week of June, signaling Toyota’s readiness to capture market interest quickly. Industry analysts predict that this launch will intensify competition in the premium SUV segment, pushing other manufacturers to accelerate their electrification efforts.
The introduction of the 48V mild-hybrid system also aligns with India’s evolving regulatory landscape, which increasingly favors fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles. Toyota’s proactive approach positions it well to meet future emission norms and government incentives aimed at promoting greener vehicles.
Customer response to the Neo Drive variants has been overwhelmingly positive, with early adopters praising the improved drivability and fuel savings. Toyota dealerships report strong interest, indicating that the market is receptive to hybrid SUVs that combine luxury, power, and eco-friendliness.
TECHNICAL INSIGHTS: HOW THE 48V MILD-HYBRID SYSTEM WORKS
The 48V mild-hybrid system in the Fortuner and Legender combines a belt-driven starter generator and a lithium-ion battery pack to assist the diesel engine. This system recovers energy during braking and deceleration, storing it in the battery for use during acceleration. The result is a smoother throttle response and reduced engine load, which translates to better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
The Smart Idle Start-Stop feature further enhances efficiency by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights, and restarting it seamlessly when the driver presses the accelerator. This reduces unnecessary fuel consumption and contributes to a quieter, more refined driving experience.
Toyota’s engineering ensures that these benefits come without sacrificing the SUVs’ hallmark power and off-road capabilities. The Multi-Terrain Select system remains intact, allowing drivers to confidently tackle various driving conditions with optimized traction and control.
Toyota’s after-sales service network is gearing up to support the new technology, with training programs for technicians and the availability of specialized parts. This ensures that customers receive reliable maintenance and support, fostering confidence in the longevity and performance of the hybrid system.
Looking ahead, Toyota’s launch of the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants is expected to influence competitors to accelerate their hybrid offerings. As consumer preferences shift towards sustainable mobility, Toyota’s innovation sets a benchmark for the Indian automotive industry’s transition towards a greener future.
Toyota’s introduction of the 48V mild-hybrid system in the Fortuner and Legender models also reflects a broader global trend toward electrification that is now firmly taking root in India. This technology serves as an accessible entry point for customers hesitant to switch to full electric vehicles, offering tangible benefits in fuel economy and emissions without requiring significant changes in driving habits or infrastructure.
The enhanced torque and smoother acceleration provided by the mild-hybrid system improve overall driving comfort, especially in stop-and-go traffic conditions common in Indian cities. Drivers can expect a more responsive throttle and reduced engine noise, contributing to a refined and enjoyable driving experience that complements the SUVs’ rugged capabilities.
LOOKING AHEAD: TOYOTA’S FUTURE IN INDIA’S ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE MARKET
The launch of the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive 48V variants underscores Toyota’s strategic focus on hybrid and electrified technologies in India. Following the success of models like the Hyryder and Glanza with Neo Drive badges, Toyota is steadily expanding its portfolio of eco-friendly vehicles.
With increasing government emphasis on reducing vehicular emissions and rising consumer awareness about environmental impact, Toyota’s mild-hybrid technology offers a practical and affordable pathway toward greener mobility. The company’s multi-pathway approach—embracing hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles—positions it well to meet diverse customer needs and regulatory requirements.
As the Indian automotive market evolves, Toyota’s blend of innovation, reliability, and customer-centric features in the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants is expected to set new benchmarks. This launch not only enhances Toyota’s competitive edge but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable transportation in India.
Toyota’s commitment to sustainability through the Neo Drive variants complements its corporate vision of carbon neutrality by 2050. By gradually introducing hybrid technology across its product lineup, Toyota is helping reduce the environmental impact of personal transportation while maintaining the brand’s reputation for reliability and performance.
Finally, the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive launch is a strategic move that strengthens Toyota’s foothold in India’s fiercely competitive SUV market. By offering advanced technology, premium features, and proven durability, Toyota is well-positioned to attract discerning buyers seeking a blend of innovation and tradition in their next vehicle purchase.
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