Japanese auto major has just given its much-loved Toyota Fortuner SUV and the premium Fortuner Legender a green makeover. The brand has rolled out mild-hybrid versions of both models in India, called the Fortuner Neo Drive 48V and the Legender Neo Drive 48V. This move marks Toyota’s first step in electrifying its rugged SUV lineup while keeping everything people already love about these vehicles intact.
At first glance, the new hybrids look just like the standard Fortuner and Legender, save for a subtle ‘Neo Drive’ badge on the back. Under the hood, though, there’s something new. The familiar 2.8-litre diesel engine (which still pumps out 204hp and 500Nm of torque) is now paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup includes a belt-driven starter generator and a small lithium-ion battery — no full-electric mode here, but the goal is better fuel efficiency, smoother performance in traffic, and cleaner emissions.
What’s New Under the Hood? Smarter, Cleaner Driving
The hybrid system adds smart features like regenerative braking, which recovers energy when you slow down, and an auto start-stop function that cuts the engine at idle to save fuel. Together, they make the Fortuner feel a bit more refined in everyday driving — quieter, cleaner, and just a touch more efficient. Official mileage figures aren’t out yet, but improvements over the regular diesel are expected.
Toyota hasn’t changed much inside, sticking with the same interiors customers are used to. But a couple of handy upgrades do make their way in — including a 360-degree panoramic camera to help with parking in tight spots and a wireless phone charger for convenience.
Pricing, Launch Timeline, and Toyota’s Hybrid Push
Bookings for both models are now open across India, and deliveries are scheduled to begin from the third week of June. Prices start at ₹44.72 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Fortuner Neo Drive 48V and go up to ₹50.09 lakh for the Legender Neo Drive 48V.
These models join Toyota’s growing list of hybrid vehicles in India — a list that already includes the Glanza and Urban Cruiser Hyryder. By electrifying the Fortuner, Toyota is making a clear statement: hybrids aren’t just for city cars. They can power tough, go-anywhere SUVs too. For buyers looking to enjoy the Fortuner’s legendary reliability with a bit more efficiency and eco-friendliness, the Neo Drive variants offer the perfect balance.
