Diesel Meets Discipline: Toyota Fortuner & Legender Get Smarter, Quieter, and Slightly Electrifried with Neo Drive 48V

Bangalore —
Toyota Kirloskar Motor just plugged a bit of extra spark into India’s favourite full-size SUV. And no, it’s not a facelift or yet another “Dark Edition.” Say hello to the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive 48V variants — the newest electrified (mildly, but proudly) beasts that aim to save fuel and your conscience, all while still flexing those rugged muscles on every rocky trail and posh driveway.

Positioned as a segment-first, the new Neo Drive system is Toyota’s way of saying: “We’re not going full EV just yet — but here’s 48 volts of smarter torque and a bit less guilt.” Think of it as Fortuner’s more eco-conscious twin, the one who drinks almond milk and meditates, but can still bench press a house.

What’s New?

The 2.8L turbo-diesel engine remains gloriously intact — because Toyota knows dieselheads don’t switch teams easily — but now it’s married to a 48V mild-hybrid system. This includes a belt-integrated starter generator and a lithium-ion battery, which gives a subtle electric assist, particularly when idling, accelerating from a standstill, or silently judging you in traffic.

Highlights include:

• Smart Idle Start-Stop: Like that friend who always knows when to keep quiet.
• Neo Drive Boost Assist: More torque without the drama.
• 360° Camera: Because scraping pillars is so 2022.
• Multi-Terrain Select: Rock, sand, mud, in-laws — you name it.
• Wireless Charger: For when your phone’s more tired than your fuel tank.

Same Fortuner Strength, Now With Added Zen

Worried it’ll lose its edge? Fret not. It’s still the same 7-seater mountain goat with city manners. You can storm the Himalayas or head to Starbucks — it won’t judge you either way. The Legender, meanwhile, struts in with its dual-tone glamour and sleeker split LED stares that say, “I could climb a hill, but I’d rather park outside an art gallery.”

Safety? Covered.

Toyota continues its “Safety is Sexy” campaign with 7 airbags, Hill Assist, Traction Control, and everything short of launching a parachute. Because even adventure needs to be responsibly thrilling.

Ownership: Like a Spa Day for Your Wallet

Toyota is going all in with tailored finance schemes, balloon EMIs (the good kind), extended warranties, and roadside assistance for half a decade. That’s five years of driving with the confidence of someone who definitely read the fine print.

Whether you’re an off-road aficionado, city slicker, or just someone who likes their diesel with a dash of electrons, the new Neo Drive variants promise to be your mild-hybrid knight in satin armour. Deliveries start from mid-June, and bookings are open now — both online and at your nearest Toyota dealership.

After all, who says saving fuel can’t be fun?