Toyota Kirloskar Motor has stirred the big-SUV pot again, bolting a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the familiar 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel. Peak output stays at a wholesome 201 bhp and 500 Nm, but the belt-integrated starter-generator hands over a discreet torque top-up at low revs, so city getaways now feel less freight-train and more express metro.
Neo Drive in a nutshell
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Smart Idle Start-Stop silently cuts the engine at traffic lights and restarts it without the usual shudder.
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Boost Assist nudges you off the line, smoothing out the turbo-diesel’s early hesitation.
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Regenerative braking skims energy during deceleration to top up the lithium-ion battery.
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Multi-Terrain Select still offers its sand-to-slush presets, now backed by the electric helper for finer throttle control.
New toys inside and out
Both SUVs keep their personalities. A new Neo Drive badge is added to the boot lid, while the cabin features a wireless phone charger and a 360-degree panoramic camera. Seven airbags, traction control, and hill assist continue to tick the safety boxes.
Rupee talk
| Variant | Ex-showroom price |
|---|---|
| Fortuner Neo Drive 48V | ₹ 44.72 lakh |
| Legender Neo Drive 48V | ₹ 50.09 lakh |
Toyota is also dangling eight-year finance plans, balloon schemes and five years of roadside assistance to sweeten the deal. Bookings are now open, with deliveries promised to begin in the third week of June.
Why it matters
The Fortuner has long been the alpha in India’s ladder-frame jungle. By adding a mild-hybrid assist without compromising payload or off-road prowess, Toyota maintains the brawny image while reducing both noise and emissions. Think of it as swapping an iron-cast kettle for one with an induction base: it still boils water, only smarter.
