Toyota Fortuner Mild-Hybrid Launched: Petrol & Electric Combo, 360° Camera, and Start-Stop Tech Spark Leader Excint
Below is an 800‑word article written in a simple, natural style—table at top, clear subheadings, and easy to read—on the “Toyota Fortuner Mild‑Hybrid” launch.
Better Latest Content: Toyota Fortuner Mild‑Hybrid Launched
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | June 2025 (deliveries begin mid‑June) |
| Models Available | Standard Fortuner Neo Drive 48V; Fortuner Legender Neo Drive 48V |
| Prices (ex‑showroom) | ₹44.72 Lakh (Fortuner), ₹50.09 Lakh (Legender) |
| Engine & Hybrid System | 2.8 L turbo‑diesel + 48 V belt‑integrated starter-generator + Li-ion battery |
| Power / Torque | ~204 PS and 500 Nm (with mild electric boost) |
| Key Upgrades | 360° camera, smart idle start-stop, wireless charger, multi-terrain select |
| Fuel Efficiency Claim | ~5 % improved over regular diesel; ~13.15 kmpl claimed |
Design & Style
The new mild‑hybrid Fortuner looks almost identical to its regular counterpart. The only visual change is a discreet ‘Neo Drive’ badge on the body . Front grille, LED headlights, alloy wheels, chrome accents, and muscular SUV stance are unchanged. Inside, dual‑tone leather seats, ambient lighting, and a properly appointed cabin continue from the standard model. Ventilated seats were removed to make space for the hybrid battery—meaning no breezy seats this time.
Engine & Performance
Powered by the familiar 2.8‑litre turbo‑diesel producing around 204 PS and 500 Nm, the addition of a 48‑volt mild‑hybrid system adds a modest 16 PS and 65 Nm boost during acceleration . A belt‑integrated starter generator, lithium‑ion battery, and DC‑DC converter work together to support the engine at low revs, helping it feel smoother off the line. Toyota also added auto start-stop tech for fuel savings and quieter idling.
This system doesn’t change the top power figures but makes low-end throttle response more immediate, and noise levels inside slightly lower—supporting a relaxed driving feel
Ride & Handling
The mild‑hybrid setup retains the rugged suspension and high ride height Fortuner is known for. Off-roading gear like multi-terrain select, hill‑descent control, traction control, and 4×4 automatic remain standard. Reviewers praise the hydraulic steering feel and planted ride despite some firmness on city roads—the same feedback that made the standard Fortuner a driver favorite .
Features & Tech
The Neo Drive variants bring a good set of updates:
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360° camera (dealer-fitment) for easier parking and safety
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Wireless phone charger (dealer fit)
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Smart Idle Start-Stop to shut off the engine at stops
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Multi-terrain selector, ambient lighting, 8‑inch touchscreen, cruise control, gesture tailgate, auto-dimming IRVM
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Standard safety kit: 7 airbags, ESC, hill assist, front & rear parking sensors
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Premium audio: 11‑speaker JBL system
One small loss: ventilated seats were removed to fit hybrid gear, and ADAS is still missing
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
Toyota hasn’t shared official mileage figures. But the 48‑V system is expected to deliver around 5 % more fuel efficiency over non-hybrid models . One media report estimates 13.15 kmpl for the mild-hybrid, up from about 12.66 kmpl . Owners might see better urban efficiency due to auto start-stop and torque assistance.
Price & Variants
The Fortuner Neo Drive 48V (diesel 4×4 AT) kicks off at ₹44.72 Lakh ex‑showroom, while the Legender Neo Drive sits at ₹50.09 Lakh ex‑showroom, both priced about ₹2 Lakh higher than their non-hybrid equivalents . These are currently the top trims after the GR‑S, which costs ~₹51.94 Lakh
FAQs
Q: Is petrol hybrid available?
No. The mild-hybrid tech is only with the 2.8 L diesel automatic (4×4). Petrol (2.7 L) and manual options remain non-hybrid
Q: How much extra will I save?
Toyota claims ~5 % fuel saving. On a 10,000 km yearly run (12 kmpl baseline), you might save ~85 L of diesel—worth ₹8,500–₹10,000 annually.
Q: Are ventilated seats dropped?
Yes, they are removed to accommodate the hybrid battery under the seat .
Q: Does it get ADAS?
No. Despite the new tech, safety and ADAS suite is identical to petrol/diesel non-hybrid trims.
Q: When will deliveries start?
Bookings began early June and deliveries start third week of June 2025
Final Verdict
The Fortuner Neo Drive brings just enough hybrid tech to make a difference—smoother take‑off, quieter idling, a small mileage boost, plus practical add-ons like a 360° camera and wireless charging. It reinforces Fortuner’s dominance, especially for buyers wanting modern convenience without sacrificing SUV ruggedness.
The ₹2 L premium might feel steep, but for those covering long distances or living in stop‑start traffic, the mild‑hybrid benefits and new features add genuine value. If you’re a traditional diesel lover who wants better everyday comfort and tech, this is a smart upgrade.