Hey friends, if you watch automobile news daily, then you must know that Toyota has recently surprised its Indian fans by launching the Fortuner mild hybrid version of its flagship SUV.
Toyota has introduced this variant with the ‘Neo Drive’ badge. This is not the first time; before this also the company has used it in the mild-hybrid versions of Hyryder and Glanza.
Not only in the Fortuner, but its upgraded hybrid tech has also been given in the Legender variant. We have learned a little, and let's see what is left. So let's start.
Table of Contents
Fortuner Mild Hybrid Engine & System: Power Combination.
Toyota has used the same powerful 2.8-litre diesel engine in this new Fortuner mild hybrid version that generates 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. But now this engine is also getting the support of a 48V hybrid system. In this system, we get a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery.
The biggest advantage of this hybrid assist is that it provides an auto start-stop function to the SUV, which increases fuel efficiency. It is found that its low-end acceleration has also become smoother than before, and the drive also feels comparatively quiet.
Fortuner Mild Hybrid Features & Safety: What’s New in Neo Drive?
Now we are talking about the most important thing which attracts us the most. If we talk about its exterior and interior design, then no major changes are visible in it; only a new Neo Drive badge has been added. No changes have been made in the existing premium touches like dual-tone leather upholstery, all these are just for the base.
But some upgrades are definitely visible in the features list.
- 360 degree camera
- 7 airbags
- Hill ascent & descent assist
- Traction control system
- ISOFIX mounts for child seats
All these features together make the Fortuner mild hybrid even safer and feature-rich, and are increasing its popularity.
Fortuner Mild Hybrid Launch Date in India & Bookings: When will You Get the Car?
Toyota India has confirmed that bookings for the Neo Drive Fortuner mild hybrid variants and Legender are open from today. Customers who are interested can make bookings at their nearest dealership.
The company has also confirmed that deliveries of the car will begin from the third week of June, which has excited interested buyers even more.
Fortuner Mild Hybrid Price in India: How Much is This Cost to You?
The starting price of the Fortuner Neo Drive variant is around ₹ 44.72 lakh (ex-showroom). On the other hand, if we talk about the pricing of the Legender variant with upgraded features, it goes up to ₹ 50.09 lakh.
In this price bracket, Toyota is offering the buyer a tremendous combination of hybrid fuel efficiency along with its trusted diesel performance, making this car beneficial for both long-term running costs and a smooth driving experience.
Conclusion: Is this Variant Worth it?
The Toyota Fortuner mild hybrid Neo Drive variant can be the perfect choice for those who want a powerful yet efficient diesel SUV. The addition of hybrid tech makes this variant more fuel-efficient, silent, and environment-friendly, without compromising its original rugged character.
Yes, if you are planning to buy a premium SUV that is trusted and loaded with the latest tech, then the Fortuner hybrid Neo Drive is a car worth considering.
Aashrit Tiwari is an experienced automobile content creator with over 2 years of dedicated writing in the cars niche. His passion for cars stems from early exposure to high-end vehicles at home, translating into deep hands-on knowledge and real-world insight. At Accelon Motors, he shares automobile & cars news, expert reviews, latest updates, and analysis trusted by readers across India. His consistent research and on-ground experience make him a credible voice in the automotive blogging space.