If you ask any SUV lover in India about a rugged and reliable full-size 7-seater SUV, the Toyota Fortuner is likely one of the first names to pop up. And now, this legendary SUV has achieved a massive milestone — crossing 3 lakh units sold in India since its launch back in 2009! This includes sales of both the standard Fortuner and the premium Toyota Fortuner Legender.
This clearly shows how much Indian buyers trust Toyota’s quality, performance, and durability — especially in SUVs like the Fortuner, which dominate both city roads and off-road terrains.
Why Is the Toyota Fortuner So Popular in India?
The Fortuner has become the go-to premium SUV in its segment for many reasons:
- Commanding road presence with bold, muscular design
- Strong brand trust — thanks to Toyota’s global reputation
- Available with powerful 2.8L turbo diesel engine (201 bhp & 500 Nm)
- 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrain options with high ground clearance
- Excellent long-distance travel comfort with spacious interiors
- Top resale value among full-size SUVs
If you’re a buyer looking for a reliable family SUV or something for highway trips and off-road adventures, the Fortuner is hard to beat.
Visit Toyota India Official Website
Toyota Fortuner Legender: More Premium, More Tech
In 2021, Toyota added a more stylish and feature-packed variant — Fortuner Legender — which added to the SUV’s premium appeal.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Dual-tone exterior styling for a sporty, upscale look
- Sequential LED turn indicators
- Wireless phone charging
- 11-speaker JBL audio system
- Leather seats, connected car features & advanced MID display
While it’s priced slightly higher than the standard Fortuner, the Legender is ideal for those who want both ruggedness and luxury in one car.
Toyota Fortuner Hybrid MHEV Coming Soon!
Here’s the big news: Toyota is now preparing to launch the Fortuner Hybrid in India. This will be a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) version of the regular Fortuner diesel.
What is a Fortuner Hybrid MHEV?
- It uses the same 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine as the regular model.
- Adds a 48V mild hybrid system with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).
- Total output remains at 201 bhp and 500 Nm.
- But hybrid assist adds +16 bhp and +42 Nm during acceleration.
- Smoother gearshifts, better throttle response, and start-stop system.
Toyota claims that this setup delivers 5% better mileage compared to the regular diesel version — a huge plus for Indian buyers who are conscious about fuel economy in big SUVs.
Toyota has already unveiled this Fortuner Hybrid in South Africa. The Indian launch is expected in late 2024 or early 2025, though Toyota India has not officially confirmed the timeline yet.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Electric SUV (e-Vitara) Also Launching in 2025
And there’s more for EV lovers! Toyota is planning to enter the Indian electric SUV segment by the end of 2025 with the Urban Cruiser EV — a rebadged version of the Maruti e-Vitara.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Based on the Maruti-Toyota shared EV platform
- Will offer two battery pack options
- Expected driving range of over 500 km in higher variants
- Positioned below ₹25–28 lakhs (estimated)
- Will rival Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV, and Hyundai Creta EV
This could become a solid option for buyers looking to shift to electric without compromising on brand value or SUV practicality.
Should You Wait for the Toyota Fortuner Hybrid or Buy Now?
If you’re planning to buy the Fortuner soon and are okay with diesel, the current model is still a fantastic choice. It’s a proven SUV, has great resale value, and is perfect for Indian conditions. However, if you’re looking for:
- Better fuel economy
- Slightly lower emissions
- Smoother performance
- Future-ready SUV
…then it may be worth waiting a few more months for the Fortuner Hybrid (MHEV).
Also, if you want a Toyota EV for city commutes and weekend trips, keep your eyes on the Urban Cruiser Electric SUV coming in 2025.
Toyota Fortuner Price (as of 2024):
| Variant | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|
| Fortuner Diesel 4×2 | ₹33.43 Lakh |
| Fortuner Diesel 4×4 | ₹36.99 Lakh |
| Fortuner Legender 4×2 | ₹37.28 Lakh |
| Fortuner Legender 4×4 | ₹39.83 Lakh |
Expected price of Fortuner Hybrid MHEV: ₹36 – ₹40 Lakh
Final Thoughts: Is Toyota Fortuner Still Worth It?
Absolutely. The Toyota Fortuner continues to be one of the most dependable SUVs in India. With the hybrid version coming soon, and an electric Urban Cruiser also lined up for 2025, Toyota is clearly stepping into the future — while keeping Indian buyers’ trust and preferences at the centre.
So, whether you want diesel, hybrid, or electric — Toyota has an SUV for every need. Just make sure to test drive before buying and pick the right variant based on your daily usage, travel style, and budget.
