1. Launch & Pricing
Toyota Kirloskar Motor officially introduced the Fortuner Neo Drive 48V (mild‑hybrid) variants in India on June 2, 2025, marking the model’s first venture into hybrid technology in the segment.
There are two main variants:
Fortuner Neo Drive 48V (standard): ₹44.72 lakh (ex‑showroom)
Legender Neo Drive 48V (premium): ₹50.09 lakh (ex‑showroom)
Bookings have opened nationwide, with deliveries beginning in the third week of June 2025
2. Powertrain & Performance
Engine Configuration
Engine: 2.8‑litre, 4‑cylinder turbo‑diesel same as the existing Fortuner diesel
Hybrid System: 48‑V mild‑hybrid setup with belt‑integrated starter generator (BISG), lithium‑ion battery, DC‑DC converter
Output & Efficiency
Power and Torque: 204 hp (~201 PS) and 500 Nm torque
Hybrid Boost: Adds around +16 PS and +65 Nm depending on regenerative braking input
Transmission: 6‑speed torque‑converter automatic only (manual dropped in hybrid)
Drive options: Rear‑wheel (2WD) and part‑time 4×4 available
Fuel Efficiency & Driving Experience
Toyota claims up to 5–10 % improved fuel economy over standard diesel, especially in city conditions, thanks to regenerative braking and smart idle start‑stop
Throttle response and low‑end torque feel sharper with hybrid assistance
Off‑road capability remains intact: water wading up to ~700 mm, hill ascent/descent control, terrain select modes
3. Styling & Exterior
The overall design of the Fortuner remains largely unchanged, preserving its muscular ladder‑frame SUV identity. But look closer for Neo Drive badging, subtle styling tweaks, and slightly redesigned alloy wheels (~20″) that set the hybrid apart.
Key updates:
Hybrid-specific ‘Neo Drive 48V’ logos on fenders and tailgate
Sharper LED DRLs and headlamps with sequential turn indicators
Dual‑tone finishes especially on Legender and GR‑S trims
New 20-inch diamond‑cut alloy wheels or updated 18″ options
Aerodynamic tweaks and hybrid branding on grille and bumpers
4. Interior & Comfort
The cabin retains its spacious 7‑seater layout but gets notable upgrades in materials, tech, and convenience features.
Layout & Seats
Premium dual‑tone leather upholstery
Powered driver seat adjustment
Ventilated front seats removed in Neo Drive variants (likely due to battery placement)
Tech & Infotainment
8‑inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
11‑speaker JBL sound system (Legender) and premium audio experience
Wireless phone charger and ambient interior lighting
Features & Comfort
360° surround‑view camera system (dealer‑fit) for easier maneuvering
Multi‑terrain select system for adaptive traction in different conditions
Smart idle start‑stop and regenerative braking support
Additional comforts: dual‑zone auto AC, rear AC vents, cruise control, gesture‑controlled tailgate, auto‑dimming IRVM, ISOFIX mounts, hill assist controls.
5. Safety & ADAS
The Neo Drive trims reinforce Toyota’s reputation for high safety standards.
Standard provisions across the mild‑hybrid models include:
7 airbags
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / VSC
ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child anchors
Hill-start and Hill-descent control, traction control
Dealer-fitted 360° camera, rear parking sensors
Expected ADAS package (Toyota Safety Sense) available on higher trims (Legender/GR‑S):
Adaptive Cruise Control
Pre‑Collision System / Automatic Emergency Braking
Lane Departure Alert
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Forward Collision Warning
6. Off‑Road & Capability
Despite the inclusion of hybrid tech, Fortuner’s off-road DNA remains untouched:
Ground clearance ~225 mm
Four‑wheel drive available on Neo Drive 4×4 AT variants
Multi‑terrain drive modes, hill‑descent and hill‑start controls included
Water wading capability roughly 700 mm
Rugged ladder‑frame chassis maintained for towing and load utility
7. Pricing & Variants Overview
| Variant | Ex‑Showroom Price (₹ lakh) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fortuner Neo Drive 4×4 AT | 44.72 | Mild‑hybrid diesel + 48 V, 360° camera, wireless charging, Terrain select |
| Legender Neo Drive 4×4 AT | 50.09 | Premium styling, JBL audio, more ADAS features |
| GR‑S Variant (Neo Drive) | ~51.94 | Sportier trims, darkened exterior, added hybrid posture |
Standard (non-hybrid) diesel and petrol Fortuner variants continue from ₹33.78 lakh to ₹51.94 lakh, depending on drivetrain and trim level.
8. Comparison with Rivals
Against segment competitors like MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Skoda Kodiaq:
Fuel efficiency advantage through hybrid assist
Full-size off-road capability vs Meridian/Kodiaq limited in rugged terrain
Toyota’s strong service network and high resale value
Mild Premium tech package (ADAS, JBL audio, 360° camera) included in neo drive variants
Price parity or slight premium vs similarly equipped rivals
9. Final Thoughts
The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive 48V brings a timely mid‑life evolution: retaining the SUV’s core strength while addressing shifting market demands. It offers:
Proven powertrain with incremental hybrid gains
Technological upgrades like 360° camera, wireless charging, ADAS
Premium comfort enhancements in Legender trim
Strong residual value thanks to Toyota’s reliability and wide support footprint
Though not a strong hybrid or electrified SUV, it presents a practical, fuel-efficient upgrade for buyers wanting hybrid-like improvements without losing the Fortuner’s rugged charm.
If you’d like comparisons with fully electric SUVs or Hyundai’s hybrid portfolio, feel free to ask!
