Toyota has pioneered mild‑hybrid technology in India’s premium SUV segment with the Neo Drive 48V variants of the Fortuner and the upscale Fortuner Legender. Launched on June 2, 2025, these variants blend robust off‑road prowess with improved fuel efficiency and greater refinement.
What’s Under the Hood: 48V Mild‑Hybrid Tech
- Engine & Electric Assist: Both SUVs leverage Toyota’s proven 2.8‑litre turbo‑diesel engine, producing 204 hp and 500 Nm torque, now accompanied by a 48V belt‑integrated starter‑generator and lithium‑ion battery.
- How It Works:
- Smart Idle Start‑Stop shuts the engine during stops, reducing fuel usage in traffic.
- Regenerative braking captures energy under deceleration, boosting efficiency and brake performance.
- Neo Drive Boost Assist provides smoother, torquey acceleration at low speeds.
- The result: quieter starts, better low‑end response, and slightly improved mileage—especially in city driving.
Pricing & Availability
- Fortuner Neo Drive 48V: ₹44.72 lakh (ex‑showroom)
- Legender Neo Drive 48V: ₹50.09 lakh (ex‑showroom).
- These versions carry a ₹2 lakh premium over their respective diesel‑only 4×4 AT trims.
- Bookings opened in early June 2025, with deliveries expected from the third week of June.
What’s New Beyond the Powertrain
Although the mechanical design remains largely unchanged, the new trims offer notable upgrades:
- Neo Drive badge on the tailgate signifies the hybrid system.
- 360‑degree (panoramic) camera for enhanced parking confidence.
- Wireless smartphone charging included for both variants.
- Legacy premium features: dual‑tone leather, JBL audio, ventilated seats, Multi‑Terrain Select, hill‑start assist, and 7 airbags remain intact—underscoring Toyota’s commitment to comfort and safety.
Why It Matters
1. Sustainability with Strength
This mild‑hybrid step aligns with Toyota’s broader push toward carbon neutrality and more eco‑friendly mobility—without sacrificing the rugged DNA or towing capability these vehicles are famed for.
2. Premium Refinement at an Accessible Price
Rather than jumping to full hybrids, Toyota offers a cost‑effective 48V system with a modest ₹2 lakh premium—balancing efficiency gains, driving refinement, and clarity in the brand’s electrification roadmap.
3. Segment-Leading Features
The inclusion of smart features such as a 360‑degree camera and wireless charging elevate the Neo Drive trims within the SUV landscape, even as some competitors still lack these amenities in this segment level.
The Consumer Perspective
On enthusiast platforms like Team‑BHP, users praise the system’s smoother low‑end delivery and smarter idle‑stop behavior—highlighting enhanced braking feel via regen and quiet restarts. Though fuel‑efficiency gains are modest, most owners appreciate the added refinement and convenience.
Bay forum reviewers echo that despite a lack of full electrification, the Neo Drive range strikes a practical equilibrium—reducing noise and boosting efficiency over traditional diesel variants, while maintaining the Fortuner’s legendary durability.
Challenges & Considerations
- Hybrid Benefits vs Full Hybrids: Mild‑hybrids offer incremental improvements; they don’t deliver the step‑level fuel savings or EV‑mode capabilities found in strong or plug‑in hybrids.
- Taxation & Cost: These SUVs fall in the >4 m length and >1.2 litre (petrol)/1.5 litre (diesel) hybrid segment, meaning no GST concession applies—unlike smaller hybrid vehicles.
- Competitive Landscape: Rivals such as the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus, and KIA Sonet offer strong features and hybrid options, but none match the Fortuner’s combination of ruggedness and brand reliability. Even so, debate persists: “Is it worth paying extra for mild‑hybrid if full‑hybrid rivals exist?”
Final Thoughts
The Neo‑Drive 48V variants represent Toyota India’s practical foray into hybrid midsize SUVs—melding efficient tech with proven off‑road credentials. Here’s a quick summary:
| Aspect | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Diesel + 48V assist = smoother, quieter starts |
| Fuel Efficiency | Slight improvement in city mileage |
| Premium Additions | 360° camera, wireless charging, Neo Drive badging |
| Price Premium | ₹2 lakh over diesel equivalent; accessible upgrade |
| Brand Strength | Ruggedness, resale value, robust Toyota servicing |
For buyers seeking a rugged SUV with enhanced refinement and smart features, without committing to a full hybrid or EV, the Neo‑Drive trims present a compelling option: a step toward greener mobility, while keeping Toyota’s hallmark reliability and resale strength intact.
Looking Ahead
Expect Toyota’s electrification strategy in India to deepen—more strong hybrids across models like the Glanza and Innova HyCross are already here. Whether a full‑hybrid Fortuner is on the roadmap remains unconfirmed—but for now, the Neo‑Drive steps up the game in diesel SUVs.
Hello, my name is Muskan Kumari and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 3 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
