The same punch from the diesel engine, now with mild-hybrid tech. But does Toyota’s 48V system actually make the Fortuner and Legender better?
Toyota’s Neo Drive system improves acceleration, fuel efficiency, and refinement, while the Fortuner retains its diesel engine. The key change is a 48V belt-integrated starter generator replacing the traditional alternator.
It delivers a temporary boost of about 16–17 bhp, which is used to smooth out initial turbo lag. Acceleration thus feels cleaner and quicker, especially at lower revs. It still feels aspunchy, but now with a marginally smoother power delivery.
The Neo Drive system adds idle start-stop & cruise assist, improving efficiency and extending range by 43 km per tank. Though no certified mileage is out yet, a brief drive showed 7.5 kmpl, translating to around 600 kms from the 80L tank
Ventilated front seats are no longer offered on the Legender. The Fortuner Neo Drive gets a 360-degree camera, while the standard Fortuner Neo Drive now comes with a wireless charger. The Neo Drive variants now also get a Multi-Terrain System (MTS).
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).