Toyota has finally introduced electric powertrains to India’s preferred full-size SUV with the June 2, 2025, debut of the Fortuner and Legender “Neo Drive” 48 V mild-hybrid models. The Legender version, which retails for ₹50.09 lakh (ex-showroom), combines a 48-V mild hybrid system with a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine that has been shown to work. The crucial query is if this modification has made the Fortuner the most fuel-efficient car in its family.
What’s New?
The only visual difference between the 2025 Legender Mild-Hybrid and its predecessor is a tiny “Neo Drive” sticker on the tailgate. Upholstery, steering wheel design, and interior appearance are all almost unchanged.
However, underneath is Toyota’s 48 V belt-driven starter generator, which is linked to a small lithium-ion battery beneath the back seat. In addition to providing torque assistance, regenerative braking, and an improved idle stop-start experience, this system takes the place of the alternator.
Driving Feel & Performance
The car still produces 204 horsepower and 500 Nm when the hybrid system is in use, but the smoothness is noticeably better. Cluster noise surrounding restarts is noticeably reduced, low-speed drivability is improved, and acceleration from idle seems faster.
Compared with the standard diesel Fortuner, Toyota claims a 5% increase in fuel efficiency. That may not seem like much, but it’s significant for a large SUV.
The off-road features, such as the L4, H4, and H2 drive settings’ multi-terrain choose modes, are unchanged, but the Neo Drive version now has a clever idle start-stop toggle and better throttle transitions in Eco mode.
Actual Fuel Efficiency
Real-world testing supports a greater gain, despite Toyota’s claim of a 5% boost. In mixed city-highway circumstances, the hybrid version achieves roughly 13–14 km/l, while the conventional version achieves 12–13 km/l.
Prior to cruise control, the majority of owners recorded city mileage of about 11–12 km/l, while highways regularly delivered 13–14 km/l. That increases with the mild hybrid, perhaps making it the most efficient Fortuner to date.
Comfort & New Features
The Neo Drive version offers minor but practical improvements:
- Wireless charger for smartphones
- 360-degree surround-view camera installed by a dealer
- Off-road conditions with multi-terrain pickers
- Intelligent start-stop switch
- Gesture control, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, dual-zone temperature control, 11-speaker JBL audio, and a motorized tailgate.
Interestingly, the ventilated front seats are removed, probably to create space for the installation of the hybrid battery.
Seven airbags, ESC, traction control, hill start assistance, rear sensors, and a camera all contribute to the same level of safety.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
The Legender Mild Hybrid, which costs about ₹2 lakh more than the 4×4 AT version, delivers considerable improvements for consumers who seek fuel economy, refinement, and low-end torque without substantially increasing the buying price.
The Fortuner’s rough appearance, imposing presence, and off-road capability are all still present, but it gently boosts efficiency and convenience. Although the body roll and weight are still present, the drive quality has improved.
The hybrid assistance offers noticeable advantages to people who frequently drive in cities or engage in heavy local driving. Additionally, there is no inconvenience because everything operates in the background and no plug-in charging is necessary.
With improved driving refinement and moderate fuel savings, the 2025 Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild-Hybrid strikes a good balance by bringing eco-conscious technology to India’s favorite full-size SUV while maintaining its cherished road manners and go-anywhere DNA.