The Toyota Fortuner has long been a favorite in the mid-size, seven-seat SUV segment. Rugged, dependable, and family-friendly, it has built a reputation for handling rough roads, heavy loads, and tough conditions. The 2025 Fortuner takes the trusted formula and adds modern touches such as the Neo Drive 48V mild-hybrid system, refreshed styling, and updated tech, ensuring it remains competitive in a crowded SUV market.
Quick Snapshot: What the 2025 Fortuner Brings
The 2025 Fortuner is more of an evolution than a revolution. The highlights include mild-hybrid variants in select markets, refreshed exterior styling, and subtle interior upgrades. Toyota has refined its engine options, offering a mix of diesel and petrol engines depending on the market. The 2025 Fortuner continues to be a solid choice for families, off-road enthusiasts, and SUV lovers who value reliability.
Design & Styling
Exterior – Rugged and Refined
The Fortuner 2025 maintains its bold, muscular stance. Key updates include a larger grille with chrome accents, sleek LED daytime running lights, and a redesigned bumper that gives it a more aggressive look. Higher trims, such as Legender or GR-Sport, offer sportier designs and unique wheels for buyers seeking a more premium appearance.
Interior – Durable Comfort
Inside, the cabin emphasizes practicality and comfort. Soft-touch materials, ventilated front seats, and leather options make long drives more pleasant. The 7-seat layout is flexible, with 60:40 split seats and one-touch tumble for easy third-row access. Storage spaces are thoughtfully placed, making it family-friendly and functional.
Engines, Power & Drivetrain
Diesel Engines
The 2.8-litre turbo diesel is the highlight, producing around 204 PS and up to 500 Nm of torque. This engine excels in towing and off-road scenarios. Lower trims feature a 2.4-litre diesel for better fuel economy at the cost of less power.
Petrol Engines
In certain markets, petrol options like the 2.7-litre four-cylinder or 4.0-litre V6 are available. These engines provide smoother, quieter performance ideal for city driving or buyers who prefer petrol over diesel.
Transmissions & 4×4 Options
Transmission options include a 6-speed automatic and, in some markets, a manual. Select variants offer 4×4 with low-range gearing, making the Fortuner a capable off-road vehicle.
Neo Drive 48V Mild-Hybrid System
The Neo Drive 48V system is a mild-hybrid setup available in certain markets. It uses a small lithium-ion battery and belt-integrated starter generator to smooth start-stop operation, recover braking energy, and improve low-speed drivability. While not a full hybrid, it offers modest fuel efficiency improvements and quieter engine restarts.
Performance & Fuel Economy
The 2.8-litre diesel provides strong low-end torque, making overtaking effortless and towing simple. Fuel economy varies by driving conditions but typically falls in the mid-to-high single digits litres per 100 km. Towing capacity for braked trailers is around 3,100 kg, making it suitable for caravans, boats, or heavy loads.
Interior Comfort & Practicality
The Fortuner is spacious and functional. Second-row seats offer good legroom, while the third row is suitable for children or occasional adult passengers. Cargo space is flexible, expanding significantly when the third and second rows are folded. Higher trims include features like ventilated seats, JBL premium audio, wireless phone charging, and power tailgate for enhanced convenience.
Infotainment & Technology
The 2025 Fortuner comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims add 360° cameras and telematics features for added convenience. The system is functional and user-friendly, though slightly less responsive compared to newer rivals’ interfaces.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety remains a strong suit. Standard features include up to seven airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Higher trims offer advanced systems like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and pre-collision detection, providing additional peace of mind.
Off-Road Capability
Thanks to a robust ladder-frame chassis, selectable 4H/4L modes, downhill assist, and electronic diff locks on some variants, the Fortuner is highly capable off-road. It handles rough terrain, deep ruts, and water crossings better than many unibody SUVs, making it ideal for adventure seekers.
Trims, Pricing & Market Availability
India
Neo Drive 48V mild-hybrid variants start around ₹44.72 lakh for the Fortuner and ₹50.09 lakh for the Legender variant.
Middle East
Petrol variants start at approximately AED 128,900 for the 2.7L engine, with higher trims commanding more.
Southeast Asia
Prices range from ₱1.775M to ₱2.656M depending on trim and engine choice.
Pricing can vary due to taxes, duties, and dealer packages, so it is best to check with local Toyota dealers for precise figures.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rugged and durable, ideal for rough roads
- Strong diesel torque for towing and hauling
- Reliable with strong resale value
- Practical 7-seat interior and flexible cargo
Cons
- Aging platform compared to newer rivals
- Infotainment and driver-assist tech not class-leading
- Fuel economy is modest for a heavy SUV
Alternatives and Competitors
Key competitors include the Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero Sport, Ford Everest, Isuzu mu-X, and newer offerings from MG. While rivals may offer better on-road comfort or tech, the Fortuner’s reliability, resale value, and off-road capability remain its strongest points.
Ownership, Warranty & Running Costs
Toyota provides multi-year warranties and capped-price servicing in many regions. While maintenance costs are higher than crossovers due to the ladder-frame architecture, strong resale values help offset running costs. Planning for diesel maintenance and regular service ensures longevity.
Final Verdict & Buying Tips
The 2025 Toyota Fortuner is ideal for buyers who need a reliable, off-road capable seven-seat SUV with strong resale value. The mild-hybrid Neo Drive variants offer small efficiency gains in city traffic. Top trims provide advanced features for comfort and convenience. Buyers should select the 2.8-litre diesel for heavy-duty use or the petrol variants for smoother city driving. Test both 2WD and 4WD to find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota Fortuner blends rugged capability with family practicality and modern features. The mild-hybrid addition enhances efficiency, while interior and exterior updates keep it contemporary. It continues to be a go-to choice for buyers seeking reliability, off-road capability, and strong long-term value, making it one of the most dependable mid-size SUVs on the market.
FAQs
Q1: What is the best engine for the 2025 Fortuner?
A: The 2.8-litre diesel is ideal for towing and off-road use, while petrol variants are better for smooth city driving.
Q2: Does the Fortuner have a hybrid version?
A: Yes, the Neo Drive 48V mild-hybrid is available in certain markets, offering modest fuel efficiency gains.
Q3: What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Fortuner?
A: Diesel variants generally achieve mid-to-high single-digit litres per 100 km, depending on driving conditions.
Q4: Is the Fortuner suitable for off-road driving?
A: Absolutely. It has a ladder-frame chassis, low-range gearing, hill descent control, and electronic diff locks in select trims.
Q5: How does the Fortuner compare with Everest or Montero Sport?
A: The Fortuner excels in reliability, torque, and resale value. Rivals may offer better interior tech or softer on-road ride quality.
