2025 Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive: The Hybrid SUV That Delivers More
The Toyota Fortuner has long been the undisputed king of SUVs, celebrated for its rugged durability and commanding presence. In 2025, Toyota is taking this legacy to the next level with a significant upgrade: the new mild-hybrid version. Known as the Neo Drive in some markets, this isn’t just a facelift; it’s a smart evolution that blends the Fortuner’s legendary power with modern efficiency.
This mild-hybrid system, a first in its class, promises to make the Fortuner even more appealing to those who want the best of both worlds: a powerful off-roader that’s also more fuel-efficient and refined for daily city driving.
What’s New: Subtle Design Upgrades
The 2025 Fortuner keeps its iconic muscular look but adds a few key design changes to stand out. You’ll notice a new, blacked-out grille paired with sharper LED headlamps and modern DRLs. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned for a more aggressive stance, and the SUV rides on new 18-inch alloy wheels. The ‘Neo Drive’ badge on the tailgate is the only subtle hint that you’re looking at the new mild-hybrid model. Inside, the cabin gets a premium touch with dual-tone leather seats and soft-touch materials, creating a more luxurious feel.
Power and Performance: A Smarter Diesel Engine
The heart of the new Fortuner is its 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine, now assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This combination delivers the same impressive 204 horsepower and a robust 500 Nm of torque, ensuring the Fortuner’s powerful acceleration and strong towing capabilities remain intact.
The 48-volt system, which includes a belt-integrated starter generator, provides a subtle electric boost, making for smoother starts and more refined acceleration. It also features regenerative braking, which captures energy that would otherwise be lost and uses it to charge the battery, further improving efficiency. This means you get a more responsive and eco-friendly drive without sacrificing power.
Big News on Mileage: Go Further on a Single Tank
Fuel efficiency is where the 2025 Fortuner truly shines. The mild-hybrid system, with features like auto start-stop and regenerative braking, significantly improves the SUV’s fuel economy. While official figures are still being finalized for all markets, early tests show a 10-15% improvement over the standard diesel model. This translates to an expected mileage of 15-16 kmpl in mixed driving conditions, a notable jump from the previous 13-14 kmpl. On highways, you could even achieve up to 18 kmpl with a gentle foot. This makes the 2025 Fortuner a smarter and more cost-effective choice for both daily commutes and long road trips.
High-Tech Features for a Modern Drive
The new Fortuner is packed with technology and safety features. The centerpiece is a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Top variants also get a premium JBL sound system.
For comfort, there are ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and electric adjustments for the driver’s seat. Safety is a top priority with seven airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, and hill assist as standard. Higher variants come equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitorig.
Pricing: Is the Hybrid Worth the Premium?
The 2025 Toyota Fortuner hybrid models, known as the Neo Drive, are priced at a premium over the standard diesel variants. While the base Fortuner starts around Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom), the mild-hybrid versions begin at approximately Rs 44.72 lakh for the 4×4 AT Neo Drive. The top-of-the-line Legender and GR-S variants go up to Rs 50.09 lakh and Rs 51.94 lakh, respectively. The roughly Rs 2 lakh price difference for the hybrid model is justified by the long-term fuel savings and the added high-tech features and safety equipment.