In the ever-competitive world of full-size SUVs in India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has always stood out with its no-nonsense approach to reliability and ruggedness. The Fortuner, in particular, has been a benchmark for ladder-frame SUVs, blending go-anywhere capability with a commanding road presence. Recently, TKM decided to give its popular duo—the Fortuner and the more stylish Legender—a subtle upgrade: a mild-hybrid system dubbed Neo Drive. It’s not a full-blown electrified revolution, but a 48V setup aimed at eking out better efficiency and refinement without overcomplicating things.I had the chance to put the Legender Neo Drive through its paces on the bustling roads around New Delhi and Gurgaon, navigating everything from chaotic city traffic to smoother highways. Priced at Rs 50.09 lakh (ex-showroom), this top-spec 4×4 automatic variant promises a touch more torque assist and fuel savings, all while retaining the Fortuner’s indestructible character. Let’s dive in.
Under the Hood: The Mild-Hybrid Magic
At the heart of the Legender Neo Drive is Toyota’s familiar 2.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, churning out 201bhp at 3,000-3,400rpm and a muscular 500Nm of torque between 1,600-2,800rpm.
Paired with a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, it’s mated to a 48V electrical system that supplements the traditional 12V setup. This isn’t your plug-in hybrid neighbor—it’s a mild-hybrid affair, with a belt-integrated starter generator (ISG) and a compact lithium-ion battery tucked under the floorboard.The 48V system delivers a modest 11.4bhp of electric torque assist, kicking in for smoother low-end acceleration, quicker start-stop functionality, and regenerative braking to recapture energy.
When you’re idling in Delhi’s notorious traffic jams, the engine automatically shuts down (thanks to the start-stop feature) and restarts seamlessly when you lift off the brake. It’s quieter than before, with less of that typical diesel clatter during restarts, and there’s even a button to disable it if you prefer the old-school rumble.On paper, this setup should nudge up fuel efficiency without sacrificing the diesel’s punch. Toyota hasn’t shouted exact ARAI figures from the rooftops yet, but real-world gains are what matter. More on that shortly.
Behind the Wheel: Refined Ruggedness
Sliding into the Legender’s cabin feels like stepping into a familiar, if somewhat dated, sanctuary. The interior is built like a tank—rugged plastics and leatherette that scream durability over luxury. Three rows of seating accommodate seven in relative comfort, though the third row is best for shorter trips. Up front, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and an electrochromic rear-view mirror keep things civilized, while the JBL 11-speaker audio system thumps adequately for highway cruises.Keyless entry with push-button start is standard, and the kick-sensor tailgate makes loading gear a breeze. Wireless phone charging is a welcome addition on the Neo Drive grade, as is the optional 360-degree camera (fitted on my test unit), which helps in tight parking spots despite its somewhat low-res feed.
Safety is Toyota-solid with seven airbags, ABS, vehicle stability control, traction control, and hill-hold assist.Fire up the engine, and the 48V assist makes its presence felt subtly. Off the line, there’s less turbo lag drama—the electric torque fills in the gaps for linear, predictable responses. In Normal mode, the throttle is measured, perfect for city slogs, but switch to Sport, and the gearbox wakes up, holding gears longer for overtaking with paddle shifters adding a layer of engagement.
The ride is quintessentially Fortuner: rugged suspension soaks up potholes on Gurgaon’s broken patches without flinching, but it gets choppy at low speeds with some side-to-side jiggle over undulations. Steering is heavy and vague off-center at parking speeds (3.25 turns lock-to-lock), but it firms up nicely on the highway, offering rock-steady stability. Visibility is excellent from the high perch, though chunky C-pillars demand a glance over your shoulder.Off-road, the Legender shines with terrain modes (Sand, Mud, Rock, Dirt, Snow) and a low-range transfer case for the 4×4 system. It’s not a hardcore crawler like a Land Cruiser, but it’ll tackle monsoon-muddied trails with ease. The mild-hybrid doesn’t interfere here—the system prioritizes power delivery over efficiency when things get gritty.
Fuel Sips and Quirks
Efficiency was the big promise with Neo Drive, but let’s be real: the benefits are marginal. My test car clocked 12.5 km/litre with the start-stop active in mixed city-highway driving, dipping to 13 km/litre when I disabled it for uninterrupted diesel growl. On the 80-litre tank, that’s an extra 40 km of range—substantial for long hauls from Delhi to Jaipur, but not a game-changer.
Expect similar figures in your hands, depending on your lead foot.Pros? The Legender Neo Drive feels indestructible, with Toyota’s bulletproof reliability and a sportier aesthetic (bi-LED headlights, aggressive grille, floating roof) that turns heads.
The mild-hybrid adds a whisper of refinement without bloating the price too much (just Rs 2 lakh over the standard Legender).Cons? The cabin lacks premium touches—no ventilated seats (a deletion on this variant), sunroof, or advanced ADAS like adaptive cruise.
Ride harshness in urban chaos persists, and at this price, rivals like the MG Gloster or even the new Mahindra Scorpio-N offer flashier tech.
Verdict: Evolutionary, Not Revolutionary
The Toyota Legender Neo Drive 48V isn’t out to reinvent the Fortuner wheel—it’s a smart tweak for an SUV that’s already a sales juggernaut. If you’re a current Fortuner loyalist eyeing better city efficiency and a smidge more smoothness, this is your upgrade. For fence-sitters, it reinforces why the Fortuner endures: unshakeable build, proven power, and that intangible Toyota trust.In a market buzzing with full hybrids and EVs, Toyota’s “slight hybrid” approach feels pragmatic. It’s not perfect, but on those Delhi-Gurgaon runs, it reminded me why this beast rules the roads. If reliability is your religion, pray no further.
