The Toyota Fortuner is the undisputed king of Indian roads—a symbol of power and presence. But then comes the Legender, the “cool sibling” that demands a hefty premium. With the new 2025 “Neo Drive” Mild-Hybrid update, is it finally the perfect SUV, or are you just paying for the swag?
Let’s break it down—looks, mileage, power, and the harsh reality.
1. The Look: “Gazab” Road Presence
If you buy a Legender, you buy it for the looks. While the standard Fortuner is tough, the Legender is stylish.
- The “Lexus” Face: It ditches the standard grille for a sleek, split grille and a bumper that looks decidedly sportier.
- Lights: You get unique split quad-LED headlights with a “waterfall” LED signature and sequential turn indicators (the ones that swipe).
- Dual-Tone Swag: It is the only variant that comes with a standard Pearl White body and a Black roof.
- Wheels: It sits on distinct dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels.
Verdict: It looks more modern and aggressive than the standard version.
2. What is “Neo Drive”? (The 2025 Mild-Hybrid Update)
Toyota has slapped a ‘Neo Drive’ badge on the back, but what does it actually do?
- The Tech: It isn’t a full hybrid like the Hyryder. It uses a 48V mild-hybrid system with a motor generator and a lithium-ion battery under the seats.
- The Benefit: It doesn’t let you drive on pure electric power. Instead, it makes the engine start-stop smoother, assists with torque at low speeds, and improves fuel efficiency marginally.
- The Mileage Reality: In real-world testing of the 4×4 AT Mild-Hybrid, you can expect around 8.4 km/l in the city and 12.5 km/l on the highway. Toyota claims it extends the range by about 43km per tank.
3. Power & Performance: A Locomotive
Under the bonnet, the Legender is a beast.
- The Heart: It uses the proven 2.8-litre diesel engine pushing out 204 BHP and a massive 500 Nm of torque.
- The Drive: It pulls like a locomotive. Overtaking is effortless.
- 4×4 Capability: While the initial Legender was 4×2 only, you can now get it with a robust 4×4 system. The new mild-hybrid tech is also reportedly helpful for off-roading.
The Downside: The steering is heavy in the city, and the ride quality can be stiff and bumpy at slow speeds. It only gets comfortable once you pick up speed on the highway.
4. Interior: Premium but… Lacking?
Step inside, and the difference is clear.
- Theme: You get a dual-tone Black and Maroon interior with contrast stitching, which feels much more premium than the standard black or chamois options.
- Features: It includes a wireless charger, a 360-degree camera (newly added), ambient lighting, and a kick-sensor for the powered tailgate.
- Missing Out: For a car costing ₹50+ lakh, it misses big features: No sunroof, no ventilated seats in some trims, and the infotainment screen (8-inch) feels small and dated compared to rivals.
5. Is it Worth the Extra Cash?
The Legender commands a premium of over ₹2.7 lakh above the standard Fortuner.
Pros (Why you buy it):
- Unmatched road presence and “VIP” status.
- Toyota’s bulletproof reliability and resale value.
- Powerful engine that eats highway miles.
- The 4×4 system is genuinely capable for rough terrain.
Cons (Why you might hesitate):
- Pricey: On-road prices touch ₹60 Lakh in some states.
- Bumpy Ride: You will feel the potholes at low speeds.
- Heavy Steering: Parking and city driving require muscle.
- Tech: Missing ADAS and a sunroof feels like a compromise in 2025.
Final Verdict
If you want a rugged, go-anywhere SUV that turns heads and commands respect on the road, the Fortuner Legender is still the king. The new Mild-Hybrid (Neo Drive) makes it slightly smoother and more efficient, but don’t expect Prius-level mileage.
However, if you want pure luxury, soft ride quality, and high-tech gadgets for city driving, you might find the ride a bit too “tough” for the price.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes