The Toyota Fortuner has long been a stalwart in the SUV segment, known for its robust build, commanding presence, and off-road capabilities.
However, with the introduction of the Fortuner Legender, Toyota has elevated this already popular vehicle to new heights of luxury and sophistication.
Let’s delve into what makes the Fortuner Legender a standout offering in the premium SUV market.
Design and Exterior
The Fortuner Legender immediately sets itself apart from its standard counterpart with a striking exterior design.
The front fascia features a redesigned grille that exudes a more premium and aggressive look. Sharp, sleek LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights flank the grille, giving the Legender a distinctive and modern appearance.
One of the most eye-catching elements of the Legender is its dual-tone color scheme.
The Platinum White Pearl body paired with a contrasting black roof creates a sophisticated and sporty aesthetic that turns heads on the road.
This unique color combination is currently the only option available for the Legender variant, further emphasizing its exclusive status within the Fortuner lineup.
The side profile retains the muscular wheel arches and strong character lines of the standard Fortuner, but with added chrome accents and stylish alloy wheels that enhance its premium appeal.
At the rear, split LED taillamps and a redesigned bumper complete the Legender’s distinctive look.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Fortuner Legender, and you’re greeted by a cabin that blends luxury with practicality. The interior features high-quality materials and a thoughtful design that caters to both driver and passengers.
The spacious cabin comfortably accommodates seven occupants, making it ideal for family outings or long road trips.
The Legender boasts comfortable second-row seats that offer ample knee room and headroom. However, it’s worth noting that the third-row seats are best suited for teenagers and children, as is common in many three-row SUVs.
One of the standout features of the Legender’s interior is the ambient lighting, which adds a touch of sophistication and allows occupants to customize the cabin’s atmosphere.
The dual-zone automatic climate control ensures that everyone remains comfortable, regardless of outside temperatures.
Technology and Infotainment
Toyota has equipped the Fortuner Legender with an impressive array of technology features.
At the heart of the infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen display that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
The system also includes connected car features, allowing owners to stay connected with their vehicle and access various functions remotely.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the 6-speaker sound system, which delivers clear and immersive sound throughout the cabin.
For added convenience, the Legender includes a wireless charger, eliminating the need for messy cables and ensuring your devices stay powered up on long journeys.
Other notable tech features include:
Cruise control for comfortable highway driving
A kick-to-open powered tailgate for easy access when your hands are full
A multi-information display in the instrument cluster for easy access to vital vehicle information
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the Fortuner Legender packs a punch with its 2.8-liter diesel engine. This powerplant delivers an impressive 201 bhp at 3000 rpm and a substantial 500 Nm of torque at 1600 rpm.
These figures translate to robust performance both on and off the road, ensuring the Legender can handle a variety of driving conditions with ease.
The engine is paired exclusively with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and responsive gear changes. This combination provides a balance of performance and efficiency, with the Legender achieving a respectable fuel economy of 14.2 kmpl in the 4×4 variant.
One of the key advantages of the Fortuner Legender is its availability in both 4×2 (two-wheel drive) and 4×4 (four-wheel drive) configurations.
This allows buyers to choose between enhanced fuel efficiency in the 4×2 model or superior off-road capability in the 4×4 variant, depending on their specific needs and preferences.
Safety Features
Toyota has always prioritized safety, and the Fortuner Legender is no exception. The SUV comes equipped with an impressive array of safety features designed to protect occupants and provide peace of mind on every journey.
Key safety features include:
Seven airbags (driver, passenger, two curtain, driver knee, driver side, and front passenger side)
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
Traction Control
Hill Assist Control
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Reverse camera for easy parking and maneuvering
These comprehensive safety features have contributed to the Fortuner Legender achieving a 5-star safety rating from ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program), underscoring its commitment to occupant protection.
Variants and Pricing
The Toyota Fortuner Legender is offered in two variants:
Fortuner Legender 4×2 AT: Priced at Rs. 44.11 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Fortuner Legender 4×4 AT: Priced at Rs. 48.09 Lakh (ex-showroom)
While the price point is certainly premium, it reflects the Legender’s positioning as a top-tier SUV offering. The pricing strategy places it in competition with other luxury SUVs in the market, appealing to buyers who seek a blend of ruggedness, comfort, and prestige.
Driving Experience
The Fortuner Legender offers a commanding driving position that provides excellent visibility, a hallmark of SUVs in this class. The powerful engine ensures brisk acceleration, making highway merging and overtaking maneuvers a breeze.
In urban environments, the Legender’s size can be felt, but features like the reverse camera and parking sensors help mitigate any challenges in tight spaces. The ride quality is generally comfortable, though it can be a bit firm on rough roads – a characteristic that’s common among ladder-frame SUVs.
Where the Legender truly shines is on the open road and in off-road conditions. The 4×4 variant, in particular, is well-equipped to handle challenging terrains, making it an excellent choice for adventure enthusiasts who want to venture off the beaten path without compromising on luxury.
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
Despite its size and power, the Fortuner Legender manages to deliver respectable fuel efficiency. The official ARAI-certified mileage figures stand at:
4×2 AT variant: 14.4 kmpl
4×4 AT variant: 14.2 kmpl
These figures are competitive within the large SUV segment, especially considering the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
The 80-liter fuel tank ensures a generous range, making the Legender well-suited for long road trips with fewer fuel stops.
In terms of practicality, the Fortuner Legender offers a boot space of 296 liters with all seats up, which expands significantly when the third row is folded.
This versatility allows the Legender to adapt to various cargo-carrying needs, from weekly grocery runs to luggage-heavy family vacations.
Competitor Landscape
The Toyota Fortuner Legender competes in a segment that includes other premium SUVs such as the MG Gloster, Ford Endeavour, and higher variants of the Mahindra XUV700.
While each of these vehicles has its strengths, the Fortuner Legender stands out with its combination of Toyota’s legendary reliability, premium features, and strong brand value in the Indian market.
Toyota Fortuner Legender : Is the Fortuner Legender Worth It?
The Toyota Fortuner Legender represents a significant step up from the standard Fortuner, offering a more luxurious and feature-rich experience. Its striking design, powerful performance, and comprehensive safety features make it an attractive option for those seeking a premium SUV experience.
However, the higher price point compared to the standard Fortuner means that potential buyers should carefully consider their needs and budget. For those who value the latest features, enhanced styling, and the prestige associated with a top-tier variant, the Legender makes a compelling case.
Ultimately, the Fortuner Legender is more than just a mode of transportation – it’s a statement. It offers the ruggedness and capability that the Fortuner name is known for, wrapped in a more luxurious and technologically advanced package.
For buyers who want to stand out from the crowd and enjoy the best that Toyota has to offer in the SUV segment, the Fortuner Legender is certainly worth considering.
Whether you’re navigating city streets, cruising on highways, or exploring off-road trails, the Toyota Fortuner Legender promises to deliver a premium driving experience that lives up to its name.
It’s a testament to Toyota’s commitment to evolving and refining its offerings to meet the ever-increasing expectations of discerning SUV buyers in the competitive Indian automotive market.