Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid Launched in India at Rs 44.72 Lakh

Toyota has just launched the Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid on June 2, 2025, in India. Toyota has finally rolled out the hybrid version of the Legender, which comes with the brand’s 48V mild-hybrid technology. It’s being marketed under the “Neo Drive” tag, which we’ve already seen on other Toyota models like the Glanza and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

So what’s the big deal? Is it just another badge job, or has Toyota actually made changes that matter? Let’s break it down.

Fortuner Legender Neo Drive Mild Hybrid: Overview

• Toyota calls its new mild hybrid setup “Neo Drive,” and it’s being introduced in both the standard Fortuner and the Legender. 
• This is not a plug-in hybrid, and you don’t need to charge it manually. The system works in the background, gathering power through regenerative braking and supplying it via a 48V battery pack.
• This electric assistance is mated to the tried-and-tested 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which continues to make 204 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. 
• It’s paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, and you only get the mild-hybrid tech with the 4×4 AT variants.
• Now, while Toyota hasn’t officially revealed fuel economy figures, they’re claiming up to 5% better mileage compared to the regular diesel variant.

 In real-world terms, that’s a small bump, but one that still helps, especially in city stop-and-go traffic.

Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid Price In India

• The Toyota Fortuner Legender Neo Drive is priced at ₹50.09 lakh (ex-showroom).
• That makes it the second most expensive Legender variant, just under the top-spec GR-S.
• If you’re looking at the regular Fortuner Neo Drive (without the Legender styling), that one starts at ₹44.72 lakh (ex-showroom).
• So yes, the mild hybrid tag comes with a premium — nearly ₹2 lakh more than the non-hybrid 4×4 AT diesel.

What Does The Mild Hybrid System Add?

So what does that extra ₹2 lakh get you, apart from a fancy new name? Here’s the list:

• A 48V motor/generator
  
• A DC-DC converter
  
• A small battery pack
  

This battery can’t be charged externally — instead, it gathers energy during braking and deceleration. That juice is then used to:

• Support the engine at low speeds
  
• Provide smoother auto start/stop
  
• Offer minor electric boost while accelerating
  

No, it’s not going to drive on battery power alone — this isn’t a full hybrid or an EV. But what it does do is smooth out urban drivability, add some low-end torque, and maybe squeeze out a few more kilometers from every liter of diesel.

Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid Specification

Let’s talk numbers. The base engine and transmission haven’t changed, but here’s a detailed breakdown:

oyota Fortuner Legender Features Update — What’s New?

Here’s the thing — not much has changed on the outside. The Neo Drive badge is probably the only visual cue separating the hybrid variant from the regular one. No new alloys, no new grille, and definitely no sunroof (sigh).

On the inside, things remain mostly the same as well. But Toyota has added one important feature – a 360-degree camera, which really should have been there already, given the price bracket.

Other than that, you’re getting the same Fortuner Legender package:

• Dual-tone exterior
  
• Premium leather seats
  
• Connected car features
  
• Wireless charging
  
• Powered tailgate
  
• Ambient lighting
  

Still no ventilated seats, Level 2 ADAS, or panoramic sunroof, which is a bit of a miss at this price point. Maybe Toyota is saving those for the next-gen Fortuner, expected sometime in 2026.

Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid Mileage

While no ARAI figure is officially out yet, based on Toyota’s global data, we’re expecting a real-world mileage of around 12–13 km/l in mixed driving conditions. The hybrid setup helps most during city traffic with frequent starts and stops, which is where the system’s auto stop-start and electric torque assist kick in.

If you’re doing a lot of highway runs, the mileage gain won’t be as dramatic, but the improved refinement and throttle response still make the update worthwhile.

Should You Buy The Fortuner Mild Hybrid?

So, is it worth it? If you’re already spending upwards of ₹50 lakh for a full-size diesel SUV, the Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid offers a small but meaningful upgrade in refinement and fuel savings. No, it won’t suddenly turn into an EV, but for people who do city driving or want a bit more tech under the hood, it’s a smart choice.

That said, rivals like the MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq, and even the Jeep Meridian are stepping up in terms of interior features and tech. The Fortuner continues to win on reliability, resale, and road presence , but if Toyota wants to stay ahead, they’ll need to do more than just badge updates and minor tech additions in the future.

 Pros

• Improved Fuel Efficiency
• Smoother Low-Speed Driving
• Reduced Emissions
• 360-degree Panoramic Camera (new feature)
• Wireless Smartphone Charger (new feature)
• Retains Fortuner’s reliability, road presence, and off-road capability

Cons 

• Premium Price
• Limited Hybrid Benefits (mild-hybrid only)
• Interior Design Largely Unchanged
• Still Lacks Some Modern Features (e.g., panoramic sunroof, ADAS)
• Ladder-Frame Ride Quality (can be bumpy)

Final Verdict

The Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid is a small but meaningful step toward future-proofing India’s most trusted premium SUV. While not revolutionary, it does just enough to stay relevant, especially in a market slowly warming up to hybrid and EV tech.

Disclaimer:

Prices, features, and specifications mentioned are as per official announcements and media sources as of June 2025. For the most accurate and updated details, please refer to Toyota’s official website or visit a nearby dealership.

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