The Toyota Fortuner is not merely an SUV; it is a cultural phenomenon in the Indian automotive landscape. It is the unchallenged sovereign of the full-size, body-on-frame SUV segment, commanding a road presence and reputation for durability that rivals struggle to match. Its popularity stems from an unparalleled blend of brute-force performance, undeniable reliability, and surprisingly luxurious appointments, especially in its top-tier variants like the Fortuner Legender and the performance-focused GR-S.
As we look at the 2025 model year, the Fortuner continues its legacy with powertrain refinements, subtle styling updates, and a feature set designed to maintain its premium status. This long-form review will meticulously dissect every aspect of the Fortuner: from its updated pricing and versatile engine options to its real-world mileage, interior experience, and legendary off-road prowess.
Latest Price in India and Variant Strategy
The Toyota Fortuner’s pricing reflects its premium positioning, segment dominance, and bulletproof reliability. It is offered in a wide array of configurations, catering to both urban drivers and hardcore off-road enthusiasts.
Ex-Showroom Price Range (India, December 2025)
The price ladder climbs based on the engine (Petrol vs. Diesel), transmission (Manual vs. Automatic), and the drivetrain (4×2 vs. 4×4).
| Variant Series | Configuration | Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.) | Key Highlights |
| Base Petrol | $4\times2 \text{ MT/AT, 2.7L}$ | ₹33.65 Lakh – ₹35.02 Lakh | Entry-level segment access; smooth petrol engine. |
| Standard Diesel | $4\times2 \text{ MT/AT, 2.8L}$ | ₹34.28 Lakh – ₹38.21 Lakh | Core diesel power, high torque. |
| $4\times4 \text{ Diesel}$ | $4\times4 \text{ MT/AT, 2.8L}$ | ₹38.11 Lakh – ₹42.32 Lakh | True off-road capability with proper 4×4 system. |
| Legender | $4\times2 \text{ AT, 2.8L}$ | ₹41.54 Lakh onwards | Premium looks, dual-tone paint, distinct front fascia. |
| GR-S (Top End) | $4\times4 \text{ AT, 2.8L}$ | ₹48.85 Lakh | Gazoo Racing styling, dedicated suspension tuning. |
On-Road Price Note: Given the high ex-showroom price, the final on-road price (including RTO, Insurance, and taxes) for the top-end Diesel $4\times4$ and GR-S variants can easily cross the ₹50 Lakh mark, placing it firmly in the luxury SUV territory.
Engine Options and Performance Dynamics
The Fortuner’s heart lies in its robust, dependable powertrain. Toyota offers two engine options, but the diesel unit is the real star, especially in its updated state of tune.
1. The Powerful 2.8L Turbo Diesel (1GD-FTV)
This is the engine Fortuner loyalists choose, known for its massive torque and pulling power.
| Specification | Value |
| Engine Type | $2.8 \text{ Litre}$ Turbocharged D-4D I4 Diesel |
| Max Power | $204 \text{ PS (201.15 bhp)} \text{ @ } 3000-3400 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Max Torque (MT) | $420 \text{ Nm} \text{ @ } 1400-3400 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Max Torque (AT) | $\mathbf{500 \text{ Nm}} \text{ @ } 1600-2800 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic |
The $500 \text{ Nm}$ of torque in the automatic diesel variant is a game-changer, providing effortless cruising on highways and instant acceleration for overtaking. This engine also supports the advanced $4\times4$ system with low-range transfer case and an electronic differential lock, underscoring its off-road pedigree.
2. The Refined 2.7L Petrol (2TR-FE)
A more subdued option, the petrol engine caters to those with lower running and maintenance needs or those operating primarily in city environments.
| Specification | Value |
| Engine Type | $2.7 \text{ Litre}$ Naturally Aspirated I4 Petrol |
| Max Power | $166 \text{ PS (163.6 bhp)} \text{ @ } 5200 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Max Torque | $245 \text{ Nm} \text{ @ } 4000 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual or 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic |
Crucially, the petrol version is offered only in a $4\times2$ configuration.
Mileage Test and Fuel Efficiency
Given its body-on-frame construction (IMV platform), hefty kerb weight (up to $2180 \text{ kg}$), and large engines, the Fortuner is not a fuel efficiency champion, but it delivers respectable figures for its class.
| Variant | ARAI Claimed Mileage | Real-World City/Highway Average |
| 2.7L Petrol AT (4×2) | $10.3 \text{ kmpl}$ | $7 \text{ to } 9 \text{ kmpl}$ |
| 2.8L Diesel MT (4×2) | $14.6 \text{ kmpl}$ | $11 \text{ to } 13 \text{ kmpl}$ |
| 2.8L Diesel AT (4×4) | $14.2 \text{ kmpl}$ | $10 \text{ to } 12 \text{ kmpl}$ |
- Real-World Insight: The diesel engine is undeniably the more practical choice, offering a better balance of performance and efficiency. The $80 \text{ Litre}$ fuel tank ensures a massive touring range despite the moderate mileage.
Interior, Comfort, and Features
The Fortuner’s interior is a point of debate: functional and durable, but perhaps not as feature-rich as some modern monocoque rivals (like the Skoda Kodiaq or MG Gloster).
Interior Design and Quality
The cabin layout is straightforward and robust, prioritizing longevity over opulence.
- Aesthetics: Dark upholstery (often black or chamois leather in the Legender) with wood-like trim accents (in standard models) or sporty red stitching (in GR-S).
- Build Quality: Exceptional. The switches, buttons, and panels are built to withstand abuse, reflecting Toyota’s “built to last” philosophy.
- Seating: The front seats are large, power-adjustable, and ventilated (a much-needed feature for India). The second row offers generous space and recline functionality.
Seating Comfort and Space
- First and Second Row: Excellent for long journeys, offering commanding visibility.
- Third Row: This is the Fortuner’s weakest point. While usable for short city hops, the third row is cramped for adults on long journeys due to the body-on-frame structure necessitating a high floor. The third-row seats fold up to the side, rather than flat into the floor, which affects practical boot space.
Key Features
The Fortuner now includes several crucial modern amenities:
- Infotainment: $8.0 \text{ inch}$ Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (though the interface itself is still simpler than rivals).
- Audio System: 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio System (in top variants).
- Convenience: Ventilated front seats, powered tailgate with memory function, steering-mounted paddle shifters (on AT), and auto-dimming IRVM.
- Connected Tech: Basic connected car features are available, primarily for vehicle tracking and service alerts.
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Safety Rating and Core Safety Features
Toyota’s commitment to safety is evident in the Fortuner’s strong foundation and feature list.
Safety Rating
The Fortuner’s platform (shared with the Hilux) has received excellent international crash test scores, underscoring its structural integrity:
- ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program): 5-Star Safety Rating.
Key Safety Features
The feature list is extensive across the range:
- Airbags: 7 SRS Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, and Curtain Shield).
- Braking & Stability: ABS with EBD and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Traction Control (TC).
- Off-Road Aids: Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) (4×4 variants).
- Parking: Rear Parking Sensors and Rear Camera (higher trims feature a 360-degree camera).
- Structure: Body-on-Frame construction, which provides immense rigidity and protection in severe collisions.
Performance, Handling, and Off-Road Capability
The Fortuner’s driving dynamics are defined by its heritage: powerful and rugged.
On-Road Performance
- Power Mode: Activating the ‘Power’ drive mode transforms the diesel Fortuner, especially the AT, making the throttle response sharper and exploiting the full $500 \text{ Nm}$ of torque. Overtaking is effortless, and the acceleration feels potent for such a large vehicle.
- Ride Quality: The suspension setup (double wishbone front, multi-link rear) is tuned for robustness and load-carrying, not plush comfort. The ride can be bouncy or firm over small, consecutive bumps at low city speeds due to the body-on-frame design. However, it feels incredibly stable and composed at high highway speeds.
- Handling: There is noticeable body roll around sharp corners—a natural consequence of its tall stance and body-on-frame build. The steering, being hydraulically assisted, is heavy at low speeds, demanding effort in city parking, but provides excellent feedback and stability on the highway.
Off-Road Capability: The Fortuner USP
This is where the Fortuner justifies its premium. It is a genuine $4\times4$ machine, not just an AWD crossover.
- Chassis: The tough body-on-frame architecture is inherently durable and flexible for articulation.
- Drivetrain: Proper $4\times4$ system with high and low range gears ($4\text{H}$ and $4\text{L}$), Active Traction Control (A-TRC), and a Lockable Rear Differential.
- Ground Clearance: Generous $225 \text{ mm}$ ground clearance.
In $4\text{L}$ mode with the differential locked, the Fortuner can tackle severe slopes, deep mud, and rocky terrain that would halt most soft-roaders. Its legendary reliability means it’s built to survive extreme conditions for decades.
Complete Specifications Summary (2.8L Diesel AT $4\times4$)
| Category | Specification | Value |
| Engine | Displacement | $2755 \text{ cc}$ |
| Max Power | $204 \text{ PS}$ | |
| Max Torque | $500 \text{ Nm}$ | |
| Transmission | 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter) | |
| Dimensions | Length / Width / Height | $4795 \text{ mm} / 1855 \text{ mm} / 1835 \text{ mm}$ |
| Wheelbase | $2745 \text{ mm}$ | |
| Ground Clearance | $225 \text{ mm}$ | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | $80 \text{ Litres}$ | |
| Chassis | Frame Type | Body-on-Frame (IMV Platform) |
| Suspension (Front) | Double Wishbone | |
| Suspension (Rear) | 4-Link with Coil Spring | |
| Brakes | Front / Rear | Ventilated Disc / Ventilated Disc |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star ANCAP |
Final Verdict: The King of Reliability and Presence
The Toyota Fortuner (2025) remains the undisputed leader in its segment for one simple reason: its core attributes of power, ruggedness, and peerless reliability are exactly what its target buyer demands.
While it is the most expensive offering and lacks some of the flashy technology and soft-touch plastics of its monocoque European and Korean rivals, the Fortuner offers a peace of mind that no other SUV can. It’s the vehicle you buy not just for $5$ years, but for $15$ years, confident that it will conquer any road, maintain the highest resale value, and require minimal upkeep.
The $2.8 \text{ Litre}$ Diesel Automatic, especially in $4\times4$ form, is the definitive choice. The Legender variant is perfect for the urbanite who wants the dominant stance with a touch of modern sophistication, while the standard $4\times4$ is the weapon of choice for the true adventurer. The Toyota Fortuner is not a fleeting trend; it is a long-term investment in motoring toughness.
