Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive 48V Mild Hybrid Review: Familiar Performance, Minor Gains

The Toyota Fortuner is one of those rare models that have built lasting loyalty among SUV buyers in India. It’s a name that has outgrown its brand and continues to set the benchmark in the segment. So, when Toyota introduces something new with the Fortuner, it naturally draws attention. This time, it’s the addition of a mild-hybrid variant. Yes, the Fortuner and Fortuner Legender are now available with 48-Volt mild-hybrid tech, branded as Neo Drive.

The Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive now get Toyota's 48V mild-hybrid tech

Toyota announced the Neo Drive lineup over a month ago, but we only recently got behind its wheel. So, has the 48V system made a meaningful difference? Should you consider adding one to your garage, or ignore the hype and explore entry-level luxury cars instead? Let’s find out.

Performance: Any Better?

No change in power figures from the 2.8-litre diesel engine - 201 bhp & 500 Nm

Toyota says the Neo Drive system brings three main benefits: smoother acceleration, better fuel efficiency, and a more refined drive experience. Under the hood, the Fortuner still uses the same 2.8-litre diesel engine with 201 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. There’s no change in peak output. However, it replaces the traditional alternator with a belt-integrated starter generator powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery.

Mild-hybrid system smoothens out the initial turbo lag, adds 16-17 bhp worth of assist at low revs

This system delivers a temporary boost of about 16–17 bhp, not added to the total output but used to smooth out initial turbo lag. As a result, acceleration feels cleaner and quicker, especially at lower revs. In our short test, the Fortuner hit 100 kmph in about 11 seconds, reasonable for a 2.8-tonne SUV. Overall, it still feels as punchy, but now with a marginally smoother power delivery.

Also Read: Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive Mild-Hybrid Launched In India At Rs 44.72 Lakh

Efficiency: Any Gains?

Toyota claims a range bump of up to 43 km on a full tank

The Neo Drive system adds idle start-stop and assists during cruising, which helps reduce engine load and thus helps it run efficiently. In fact, Toyota claims the 48V mild hybrid setup extends the SUV’s total range by 43 km on a full tank. Toyota hasn’t released a certified fuel efficiency figure, and our brief drive showed around 7.5 kmpl on the display. With an 80-litre tank, that works out to 600 km. 

On-road performance remains largely familiar, but feels slightly better

Now, typically, the Fortuner delivers 10–14 kmpl, translating to 800–1000 km range under ideal conditions. However, we’ll need more time and proper conditions to confirm real-world gains, but the tech does bring marginal improvements, at least on paper.

What’s New In Features? 

On the outside, the only visual change is the Neo Drive badge on the tailgate

Now, the model I got to test was the Toyota Fortuner Legender Neo Drive, which is the sportier and more premium variant of the SUV. However, except for the addition of the Neo Drive badge on the tailgate, visually, nothing has changed. 

Dual-tone cabin continues in the Legender variant, but ventilated front seats are no longer on offer

Inside, the cabin remains largely the same. The Legender continues with dual-tone black and maroon upholstery, while the Fortuner Neo Drive gets an all-black theme. 

Familiar dashboard layout with no visual changes

One notable downgrade: ventilated front seats have been removed. Toyota says this is mainly due to the placement of the DC-DC converter module, which is underneath the front passenger seat. Could the company have found a better solution to this? Well, I surely think so! However, the good thing is, other variants of the SUV, without the mild-hybrid tech, will continue to offer cooled seats. 

Also Read: Toyota Fortuner, Legender Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 68,000

New 360-degree camera added to the feature list, but camera clarity could have been better

That said, a few useful upgrades have arrived. A 360-degree camera is now part of the package—a long-pending addition. The camera quality isn’t exceptional, likely due to the dated infotainment screen, but it works well. 

No wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but Fortuner gets a wireless charger

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are still missing, requiring a USB Type-A cable. On the plus side, the standard Fortuner Neo Drive now gets a wireless charger; earlier, only the Legender got it. The JBL sound system continues to perform well.

Terrain Tech: Added Confidence Off-Road

Multi-Terrain System adds five off-road modes

As part of the feature upgrades, the Neo Drive variants now also come with a Multi-Terrain System (MTS), which is another welcome addition in my books. You get up to 5 different terrain modes – Mud, Sand, Rock, Dirt, and Deep Snow. The system complements the Fortuner’s capable 4x4 system and gives you measured power delivery depending on the terrain. 

Neo Drive replaces standard 4x4 automatic variants

However, as mentioned, I had very limited time with the SUV, so we couldn’t test the new MTS properly. So, please wait for our proper road test for a more detailed report on the terrain management system. 

Price & Verdict

Fortuner Neo Drive starts at Rs 44.72 lakh ex-showroom, and Platinum White Pearl colour costs an additional Rs 15,000

The Neo Drive variants replace the standard 4x4 diesel automatic trims. Prices start at Rs. 44.72 lakh for the Fortuner and Rs. 50.09 lakh for the Legender (ex-showroom). That’s around Rs. 2 lakh more than the trims they replace. And if you want the Platinum White Pearl shade, you’ll have to pay another Rs. 15,000. So, is the price hike justified? If we go purely by logic, probably not. The features list needs a proper overhaul to keep up with what buyers expect at this price.

For loyalists, the Neo Drive adds a new badge and some tech, but keeps the old-school Fortuner spirit intact

But logic doesn’t always apply to the Fortuner. This is a model that continues to sell around 3,000 units every month, despite its age and premium pricing. And it likely will until Toyota brings in an all-new generation. It might not make sense on paper, but these small yet meaningful updates do make the Fortuner slightly better to live with, without taking away what fans love most about it. In a nutshell, if you want a diesel automatic 4x4 Fortuner or Legender, the Neo Drive variant is now your only choice, and it’s not a bad one.

Photos: Vaibhav Dhanawade