The sun hadn’t quite broken through the misty Munnar hills when I first eased the 2025 Toyota Fortuner Legender around a tight hairpin bend.
With every twist and turn, the Fortuner reminded me exactly why it’s been the go-to SUV in India’s premium segment for over 15 years.
It’s got the muscle, the manners, and now with this refresh—it’s got the polish.
Table of Content
Design
Toyota has taken the “don’t fix what isn’t broken” approach and blended it with modern touches. The front fascia now features sleek LED headlamps, a larger black mesh grille, and vertically stacked fog lights that make it look wider and more planted.
The new alloy wheels? Stunning. Upgraded to 20 inches, they’re both road-trip ready and boardroom-worthy. At the rear, there are slimmer LED tail lamps and dual exhausts that hint at what’s under the hood.
The “Midnight Blue Mica” paint on my test unit turned heads wherever I went—it shifts beautifully between deep blue and navy under changing light. It’s a handsome brute with attitude.
Interior
Step inside and you’re greeted with a cabin that finally feels as premium as the price tag. Soft-touch leather on the dash, contrast stitching, and open-pore wood accents lift the ambiance. The seats are now more supportive, with 12-way adjustability, cooling vents, and even better padding.
The infotainment screen grows to 12.3 inches and pairs with a digital instrument cluster—slick, responsive, and intuitive. Rear passengers get more legroom, and even third-row comfort sees improvement, thanks to a redesigned floor pan.
Notable Interior Upgrades
| Feature | 2025 Legender | Previous Version |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch touchscreen | 8-inch touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | 10.1-inch digital | Analog-digital hybrid |
| Seat Adjustability | 12-way power seats | 8-way manual |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | None |
Powertrain
The tried-and-tested 2.8L diesel now pumps out 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It feels smoother and more eager, with quicker turbo response and a smart 6-speed auto that knows exactly what you need. Paddle shifters let you take control if you’re feeling frisky.
Fuel efficiency has been bumped to around 12.5 km/l—solid for something this size. Prefer petrol? A 2.7L NA engine is still available, but it lacks the diesel’s grunt, especially when loaded or climbing hills.
Dynamics
This is where Toyota made real magic. The body-on-frame chassis is retained for durability, but ride comfort has taken a giant leap. The new dampers iron out potholes like a luxury SUV, while handling feels tighter and more predictable—especially for something this tall.
It’s planted on highways, and when things get gnarly off-road, it’s still the same rugged warrior. The 4WD system with low-range gearing, diff lock, and multi-terrain modes ensures it’s more than just a city slicker in fancy shoes.
Tech
From wireless Apple CarPlay to a crisp JBL audio system and a 360-degree camera, the 2025 Legender ticks all the boxes. The voice assistant now responds to natural commands, and connected features like remote lock, AC pre-cool, and geofencing elevate the experience.
Safety features include adaptive cruise, lane assist, AEB, and blind-spot monitoring. It’s all tuned for Indian road conditions—smart, not overbearing.
Ownership
Toyota’s backing it with a standard 3-year/1 lakh km warranty, extendable to 5 years. Maintenance is slightly cheaper than before, and with 425+ service centers, support is never far away.
Residual value? Still top-tier. The Fortuner is known to age like wine, and this version’s no different.
Rivals
At ₹42.5–51.8 lakh (ex-showroom), it goes up against the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and even entry-level luxury SUVs. But while others play catch-up in capability or reliability, the Fortuner blends both effortlessly.
So, what’s the final word? Toyota didn’t reinvent the Fortuner—they just polished it into something sharper, smoother, and more sophisticated. If you want a premium SUV that feels at home in both the hills and hotel lobbies, the Legender is still king of the hill.
FAQs
What is the price of Fortuner Legender 2025?
It ranges from ₹42.5 to ₹51.8 lakh ex-showroom.
What mileage does the diesel variant offer?
It delivers around 12.5 km/l in mixed driving.
Is the Fortuner Legender good for off-road?
Yes, it has true 4WD with off-road modes.
Does it come with a sunroof now?
Yes, the 2025 Legender gets a panoramic sunroof.
How powerful is the diesel engine?
It makes 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
