Toyota Fortuner & Legender: Why Top Models Lost Ventilated Seats
Toyota adds mild-hybrid tech to Fortuner 4x4 models, boosts mileage, but removes ventilated seats. Prices hiked by up to ₹68,000.
The biggest news is the arrival of a new mild-hybrid system. This clever technology is now part of the Fortuner and Legender 4x4 automatic models. It essentially replaces the older, non-hybrid 4x4 automatic versions (though the sporty GR-S model keeps its original setup). This mild-hybrid system pairs Toyota's strong 2.8-litre diesel engine with a special generator and a small battery. The idea? To make the SUVs sip less fuel and feel smoother, especially when you're stuck in city traffic, constantly stopping and starting.
Toyota says this new mild-hybrid diesel engine is a bit more fuel-efficient, claiming about 14.55 kilometers per liter, a small bump up from the previous 14.01 kmpl. There's also a smart engine start-stop feature that helps save fuel by turning off the engine when you're idling. Every little bit helps, right?
Now, about those missing ventilated seats. They've vanished from the 4x4 versions. What's puzzling is that you can still find these comfy, cooling seats in the 4x2 variants of both the Fortuner and Legender. It's a strange decision, given how much people in India appreciate features that beat the heat.
On the brighter side, Toyota has made some other features standard across these new mild-hybrid versions. Things like the Multi-Terrain Select system (for better off-road control), a 360-degree camera (super handy for parking), and wireless smartphone charging are now included. So, while you might miss the cool breeze on your back, you get some other tech goodies.
The Price Tag: Expect a Little More
All these changes, especially the new hybrid tech, come with a slightly higher price. Toyota has bumped up the ex-showroom prices by up to ₹68,000 for some models, like the Fortuner 4x2 Petrol Automatic. Most diesel versions, including the 4x2 Manual, 4x2 Automatic, and 4x4 Manual, have seen a ₹40,000 increase. Even the top-of-the-line Fortuner GR-S and Legender's 4x4 Diesel MT and AT models are subject to this ₹40,000 hike.
A Journalist's Take:
Removing ventilated seats from the top-end 4x4 models is a head-scratcher. In India, where the mercury often soars, ventilated seats aren't just a fancy extra; they're a practical necessity for many. Buyers, especially those shelling out big money for a premium SUV, often see them as essential. Our research shows that these cooling seats are increasingly a must-have feature in the Indian car market, particularly for SUVs that are often used for long journeys. So, their absence in the 4x4 trims, while still available in the 4x2, could be a sore point for some customers who expect all the bells and whistles in their top-tier vehicle.
One might wonder if this removal is a cost-cutting move, especially since prices are going up and new hybrid tech is being added. Car makers often juggle features to balance production costs and what they can charge. It's also possible that fitting the new mild-hybrid parts meant some changes to the interior layout, leading to these features being temporarily or permanently removed. But without an official word from Toyota, these are just educated guesses.
This decision by Toyota is particularly interesting when you look at what their rivals are doing. Competitors in the premium SUV space often highlight comfort and convenience features. The Fortuner and Legender have always been praised for their toughness, reliability, and ability to go off-road. But in a market where luxury and comfort are becoming more and more important, even for SUVs, taking away a popular feature like ventilated seats might be a misstep.
Toyota's main goal here seems to be making their vehicles more fuel-efficient and less polluting with the new mild-hybrid technology. This aligns with bigger trends in the car industry and government rules. The slightly better fuel economy, even if it's not a huge jump, could be a big selling point for many Indian buyers, especially with fuel prices always on the rise. The smoother acceleration and the start-stop function also make for a more refined driving experience, particularly in busy city conditions.
However, the big question is whether the benefits of this new mild-hybrid system and the small gain in fuel efficiency will be enough to make up for the loss of a comfort feature that buyers of the higher-end 4x4 models truly value. For customers investing in a premium SUV like the Fortuner or Legender, comfort during long drives or in hot weather is often a top priority. The 4x4 versions are usually picked by those who want both great capability and a full set of features.
This situation perfectly shows the tricky balance car manufacturers have to strike: bringing in new tech, keeping costs in check, and meeting what customers expect. Toyota's decision will be closely watched to see how it affects sales and how customers feel about their brand in India's fiercely competitive SUV market.
