Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid 2025: The Ultimate Premium SUV Review

Introduction to the 2025 Model Year Update

Toyota has once again raised the bar in the premium SUV segment with the 2025 Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid. Building on the success of its predecessor, this latest iteration combines rugged off-road capability with sophisticated urban styling and enhanced hybrid technology. As Toyota’s flagship SUV in markets like India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, the 2025 model year brings subtle but significant upgrades that make it even more compelling against rivals like the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and MG Gloster.

This comprehensive review covers all aspects of the 2025 Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid, including:

Exterior & interior design changes
Enhanced mild-hybrid powertrain specifications
New tech and safety features
Driving dynamics and real-world performance
Price comparison with competitors

2025 Model Year: What’s New?

Toyota has implemented several key upgrades for the 2025 Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid:

1. Exterior Refinements

New Dark Chrome Grille – More aggressive styling with a bolder front fascia
Revised LED Lighting – Smoother DRL signature and adaptive high beams
Two New Color Options – Premium Matte Gray and Deep Bronze Metallic
Redesigned 19-inch Alloys – Machine-cut dual-tone wheels (up from 18-inch)

2. Interior Upgrades

Larger 10.1-inch Touchscreen (up from 9-inch) with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Digital Instrument Cluster – 12.3-inch TFT display (optional on top variant)
Enhanced NVH Reduction – Additional sound-deadening materials
Ambient Lighting – Now with 64-color customizable options

3. Mechanical Improvements

Optimized Mild-Hybrid System – Better energy regeneration and smoother stop-start
Revised Suspension Tuning – Improved ride comfort on rough roads
New Drive Modes – Additional ‘Eco+’ mode for maximum fuel efficiency

Engine & Performance: 2.8L Diesel Mild-Hybrid

The heart of the 2025 Fortuner Legender remains its proven 2.8L GD-series turbo-diesel engine, now with an improved mild-hybrid system.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Engine	2.8L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid
Power Output	210 PS @ 3,400 rpm (+6 PS over 2024 model)
Torque	520 Nm @ 1,600-2,800 rpm (+20 Nm)
Transmission	6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Drivetrain	Shift-on-the-fly 4WD system
Electric Motor	48V belt-driven starter-generator
Battery	Lithium-ion 48V battery pack
Claimed Mileage	15.2 km/l (up from 14.5 km/l)

Real-World Performance

0-100 km/h Acceleration: ~9.5 seconds
Overtaking Capability: Strong mid-range punch (80-120 km/h in 5.8 sec)
Towing Capacity: 3,100 kg (braked)

The mild-hybrid system provides three key benefits:

Torque Fill – Electric motor assists during initial acceleration
Extended Stop-Start – Engine stays off longer at traffic lights
Energy Recovery – More efficient regenerative braking

Interior & Comfort Features

The 2025 Fortuner Legender’s cabin represents a perfect blend of luxury and practicality:

Premium Amenities

Semi-Aniline Leather Seats – Ventilated and heated front seats
4-Zone Climate Control – Independent rear AC controls
Panoramic Sunroof – Now with anti-pinch and rain-sensing close
Advanced Infotainment:
- 10.1-inch touchscreen with native navigation
- 14-speaker JBL Premium Sound System
- Toyota Connected Services with e-Call

Practical Touches

7-Seat Configuration – 60:40 split second row, 50:50 third row
Cargo Space:
- 296 liters (all seats up)
- 1,080 liters (third row folded)
- 1,840 liters (second and third row folded)
14 Cup/Bottle Holders – Strategically placed throughout cabin

Safety & Driver Assistance

Toyota has enhanced the Safety Sense suite for 2025:

Standard Safety Features

10 Airbags (including front center and rear side airbags)
360-Degree Camera with transparent hood view
Parking Support Brake – Automatic braking to prevent low-speed collisions

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection
Lane Tracing Assist with Road Edge Detection
Adaptive Cruise Control with Curve Speed Reduction
Road Sign Assist – Reads and displays traffic signs

Off-Road Safety

Multi-Terrain Monitor – Shows obstacles in all directions
Crawl Control – Automatic speed management on tough terrain
Downhill Assist Control – Maintains controlled descent

Driving Experience

On-Road Manners

Highway Cruising: Exceptionally stable at speeds up to 180 km/h
City Driving: Light steering in Urban mode makes maneuvering easy
Ride Quality: Improved with new frequency-reactive dampers

Off-Road Capability

Approach/Departure Angles: 30° and 24° respectively
Water Wading Depth: 700mm (with snorkel option)
4WD System:
- High/Low range transfer case
- Rear differential lock (optional)

Fuel Efficiency

Driving Condition	Mileage
City Traffic	11-12 km/l
Highway	15-16 km/l
Combined	13-14 km/l

Price & Variants (India)

The 2025 Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid is available in two variants:

Variant	Ex-Showroom Price
Legender 4×2 AT	₹ 48.5 lakh
Legender 4×4 AT	₹ 52.3 lakh

Competitor Pricing

MG Gloster Savvy 4×4: ₹ 45.5 lakh
Isuzu MU-X 4×4: ₹ 41.2 lakh
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: ₹ 38.7 lakh

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Best-in-class resale value
Unmatched brand trust in SUV segment
Perfect blend of luxury and off-road ability
Improved hybrid efficiency for 2025

Limitations

High maintenance costs
Third row best suited for children
Rivals offer more powerful engines

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid is ideal for:

Premium SUV buyers who value brand prestige
Families needing 7-seater versatility
Adventure seekers wanting genuine off-road capability
Executives desiring a chauffeur-driven luxury SUV

While not the most powerful or cheapest in its class, the Fortuner Legender remains the most complete package with Toyota’s legendary reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the 2025 model worth the premium over 2024?
A: Yes, for the improved hybrid system, digital cockpit, and enhanced safety.

Q: What’s the service interval?
A: 10,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first.

Q: Can it run on biodiesel?
A: Officially approved for B7 (7% biodiesel) blends.

Q: When will deliveries start?
A: Expected from November 2024 in most markets.

Conclusion

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Legender Mild Hybrid successfully evolves an already excellent formula. With its combination of butch styling, premium cabin, capable dynamics, and now even more efficient hybrid powertrain, it continues to set the benchmark in the segment. While rivals may offer more features or lower prices, none can match the Fortuner’s complete package and unmatched resale value.

Would you choose this over the new Ford Everest or wait for the rumored next-gen Fortuner? Let us know in the comments!

Author Profile

Sourashis Chanda

Author (Intern) at Bitlance Tech Hub Private Limited | [email protected]

Sourashis Chanda brings readers their unique perspective on Business, Economy, Health and Fitness. With a background in Health and Physical Fitness of 2years, I am dedicated to exploring [what they aim to achieve with their writing, on the sustainable Economy of the country, various pro tips about business, latest goverment news, with some tips in health are and Fitness.