Toyota Fortuner Gets Pricier Again: What Buyers Should Know

Toyota has revised the pricing of its popular SUV, the Fortuner, once more. This update affects several key variants and comes on the heels of the recent introduction of the mild-hybrid diesel version. With this latest increase, the Fortuner continues to inch higher up the price ladder, making it one of the most premium ladder-frame SUVs in the country.

Prices Go Up Across the Board

The most significant price increase has been applied to the petrol automatic variant, which has now gone up by ₹68,000. This brings its starting ex-showroom price to ₹36.05 lakh. Other variants, including the diesel manual and automatic in both two-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations, have seen a uniform hike of ₹40,000.

The Legender variants, which are positioned as more stylish and feature-rich alternatives within the Fortuner lineup, have also been affected. Both the manual and automatic diesel versions of the Legender have received a ₹40,000 bump in pricing. Even the GR-S, which represents the most performance-focused and expensive version of the Fortuner, has not been spared.

With these revisions, the Fortuner now starts at ₹36.05 lakh for the base petrol automatic and stretches up to ₹52.34 lakh for the top-end GR-S variant.

What’s Driving the Price Hike?

Toyota has not released an official statement detailing the reasons behind this specific hike. However, the timing suggests a few possible explanations. One is the addition of the mild-hybrid variants, which were launched recently with a new 48-volt system. These new Neo Drive diesel variants come with enhanced tech, including a belt-integrated starter generator, regenerative braking, and an idle start-stop system.

These upgrades are not just mechanical. They also bring added convenience features like a 360-degree camera and wireless charging. The inclusion of such features often results in increased manufacturing and component costs, which are likely being passed on to the buyer.

Another contributing factor could be the broader inflationary pressures and rising input costs that have been affecting the automotive sector. Periodic price revisions are not uncommon in this context, especially for models that continue to sell in high numbers despite increasing competition.

Mild-Hybrid Option Brings New Appeal

The recently introduced Neo Drive variants mark an important shift in the Fortuner’s positioning. With growing emphasis on fuel efficiency and emissions, these mild-hybrid options are designed to offer better real-world performance, especially in stop-and-go traffic conditions.

While the core engine remains the 2.8-litre diesel, the addition of the 48V system helps with smoother restarts and marginally improved efficiency. These variants are priced from ₹44.72 lakh, with the Legender Neo Drive model starting at ₹50.09 lakh. This positions them between the standard diesel trims and the top-end GR-S variant.

Should You Still Buy the Fortuner?

If you’re in the market for a premium SUV with rugged underpinnings and a reputation for reliability, the Fortuner continues to be a strong contender. However, the rising prices now place it well into luxury SUV territory, especially when you consider that alternatives in the monocoque SUV space offer more features at a lower price point.

For those specifically eyeing the new Neo Drive variants, the additional tech and hybrid system may justify the premium, especially if fuel efficiency and urban usability are high on your list. On the other hand, if you're looking at older, non-hybrid variants, you’ll now have to shell out more for essentially the same package that was more affordable just a few months ago.