The early morning mist still clung to the winding mountain roads of Munnar as I guided the 2025 Toyota Fortuner Legender around yet another hairpin bend. The precision of the steering, the composed body control, and the reassuring surge of torque from the refined diesel powerplant collectively reinforced why this vehicle has maintained its position as the undisputed king of the premium SUV segment in India for over 15 years—a remarkable achievement in a market known for its fickle preferences and rapidly shifting trends.
The Fortuner nameplate first appeared in India in 2009, quickly establishing itself as the aspirational choice for buyers seeking a blend of urban sophistication and genuine off-road capability. The Legender variant, introduced as a more upscale, road-focused interpretation in 2021, further cemented Toyota’s understanding of evolving customer expectations. Now, with this comprehensive 2025 update, Toyota has addressed specific criticisms of previous iterations while doubling down on the fundamental qualities that have made the Fortuner an enduring success in a fiercely competitive segment.
After spending ten days with the refreshed Fortuner Legender across varied conditions—from Mumbai’s congested urban sprawl to the challenging terrain of the Western Ghats—I’ve gained insights into how successfully Toyota has refined their flagship SUV for an increasingly sophisticated market while maintaining the go-anywhere capability and bulletproof reliability that define the Fortuner experience.
Design Evolution: Authoritative Elegance
The 2025 Fortuner Legender’s exterior design builds upon the distinctive aesthetic established by the previous generation while introducing more contemporary elements that enhance both visual presence and aerodynamic efficiency. The front fascia features a completely redesigned LED headlamp assembly with sequential turn indicators and a more intricate daytime running light signature that creates instant recognition even at a distance.
The imposing grille grows slightly larger, now featuring a complex mesh pattern in gloss black rather than the horizontal slats of the standard Fortuner. This is flanked by redesigned air intakes housing vertically stacked fog lamps with chrome surrounds that add visual width to the already substantial frontal aspect. The lower bumper incorporates a more pronounced silver skid plate element that hints at the vehicle’s off-road capabilities while adding a premium design flourish.
In profile, the Fortuner Legender maintains its characteristic high beltline and muscular wheel arches, though subtle changes to the character lines create more sophisticated surfacing that plays better with light. New 20-inch alloy wheels (up from 18 inches) feature a two-tone diamond-cut finish with geometric detailing that communicates urban sophistication without compromising off-road durability—a thoughtful balance that aligns with the Legender’s positioning.
The rear design sees the introduction of slimmer LED taillights connected by a gloss black trim element embossed with the Fortuner name. The tailgate itself has been redesigned with a more sculpted appearance, while the rear bumper incorporates dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers—a subtle indication of the performance potential lurking beneath the sophisticated exterior.
Color options expand to include several new choices, with my test unit finished in a particularly striking “Midnight Blue Mica” that shifts between deep navy and royal blue depending on lighting conditions. This joins existing options including “Pearl White,” “Silver Metallic,” and “Attitude Black,” all available with the Legender’s contrasting black roof treatment that enhances the vehicle’s visual presence.
Interior materials and design receive substantial updates that address one of the few criticisms consistently leveled at previous generations. The dashboard architecture maintains a horizontal emphasis for improved visual width, but now features softer, more premium materials throughout the upper sections. Genuine leather with contrast stitching covers the instrument panel and door cards, while open-pore wood trim elements add warmth and sophistication to the cabin ambience.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring crisp graphics and responsive behavior. This is complemented by a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster that offers multiple display configurations, including a dedicated off-road mode that provides essential information during challenging terrain navigation.
Seating comfort benefits from completely redesigned front chairs featuring 12-way power adjustment, three-stage ventilation, and enhanced bolstering that provides better support during spirited driving without compromising long-distance comfort. The second row gains reclining and sliding functionality with improved cushioning, while the third row now benefits from additional legroom thanks to a modified floor pan that allows a slightly lower seating position.
Overall, the interior design and material quality now align much more closely with the Fortuner Legender’s premium price positioning—a meaningful improvement that addresses perhaps the only significant shortcoming of previous generations while maintaining the practical durability that remains essential for a vehicle that often ventures beyond polished urban environments.
Powertrain: Refined Power Meets Enhanced Efficiency
The 2025 Fortuner Legender offers a choice of two updated powertrains, both receiving significant refinements to improve performance, efficiency, and NVH characteristics. The diesel option remains the more popular choice in the Indian market, and Toyota has invested considerably in enhancing this offering despite increasingly stringent emission regulations.
The familiar 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel receives revised injection technology and an updated variable geometry turbocharger to produce 204 horsepower (up from 201) and an impressive 500 Nm of torque available from just 1,600 rpm. These modest power increases belie more significant improvements in refinement and response, with noticeably reduced turbo lag and a more linear power delivery that enhances both on-road drivability and off-road control.
Transmission options include a revised 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual, though the Legender variant comes exclusively with the automatic. This unit features more intelligent shift mapping that better anticipates driver inputs and road conditions, holding gears appropriately during hill climbs and downshifting proactively when braking for corners. Paddle shifters allow manual intervention when desired, though the standard programming proves so intuitive that I rarely found myself reaching for them during normal driving.
Fuel efficiency improves despite the performance enhancements, with the diesel automatic returning approximately 12.5 km/l in mixed driving conditions during testing—impressive figures for a vehicle of this size and capability. A new Eco drive mode optimizes shift patterns and throttle response for maximum efficiency during relaxed driving, while the enhanced start-stop system operates more seamlessly than in previous generations.
The petrol alternative comes in the form of a 2.7-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 166 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque. While less potent than the diesel, this refined unit offers quieter operation and smoother power delivery that some urban-focused buyers may prefer. During limited testing, this engine demonstrated adequate performance for everyday driving, though it lacks the effortless torque that makes the diesel so well-suited to both highway cruising and off-road challenges.
Both engines now comply with BS6 Phase 2 emission standards through enhanced after-treatment systems, ensuring the Fortuner Legender remains viable in an increasingly regulated market without compromising the legendary reliability that remains a core Toyota value. The diesel, in particular, demonstrates remarkable refinement for its type, with minimal clatter at idle and well-suppressed noise under load—qualities that enhance the premium experience the Legender variant aims to deliver.
Chassis and Dynamics: Balancing Opposites
The Fortuner has always faced the challenging task of delivering both genuine off-road capability and composed on-road manners—a difficult balance that becomes even more critical in the road-focused Legender variant. The 2025 update brings significant chassis refinements that enhance both aspects of this dual personality.
The fundamental architecture remains a body-on-frame construction with double-wishbone front suspension and a four-link rear setup with coil springs—a proven configuration that prioritizes durability and off-road articulation. However, Toyota’s engineers have implemented more sophisticated damper technology with frequency-selective valving that provides more compliant response to small road imperfections while maintaining control during more challenging conditions.
Steering response sees meaningful improvement through a revised rack with a slightly quicker ratio and more sophisticated electronic assistance that varies effort more naturally based on speed and driving conditions. The system now provides better feedback when pushing harder on winding roads while maintaining light effort during low-speed maneuvering—a thoughtful calibration that enhances both everyday usability and driver engagement.
Brake performance benefits from larger front discs and an updated booster calibration that provides more progressive pedal feel. The electronic stability control system receives updated programming that allows more driver expression while maintaining an effective safety net, intervening more smoothly when needed without the abrupt corrections sometimes exhibited by the previous generation.
The Fortuner Legender’s on-road behavior demonstrates significant improvement, with reduced body roll during cornering and better absorption of road imperfections without compromising the fundamental stability that has always characterized the platform. The vehicle feels more planted at highway speeds, tracking confidently even on uneven surfaces while isolating occupants from both road and wind noise more effectively than previous iterations.
Yet these on-road improvements come without compromising the Fortuner’s legendary off-road capability. The four-wheel-drive system maintains low-range gearing and a lockable rear differential, now complemented by an enhanced suite of electronic aids including Multi-Terrain Select with specific calibrations for different surfaces and an improved downhill assist control system that operates more smoothly. Ground clearance remains generous at 225mm, while approach and departure angles ensure the vehicle can negotiate challenging obstacles with confidence.
During testing on the demanding off-road trails outside Munnar, the Fortuner Legender demonstrated impressive capability, negotiating steep, rutted climbs and water crossings with minimal drama. The intelligent electronic systems provide genuine assistance without feeling intrusive, while the robust mechanical package inspires confidence in situations that would leave many competitors stranded. This authentic capability remains a core Fortuner strength, even in the more urban-focused Legender variant—a recognition that many buyers value the potential for adventure even if they rarely exploit it fully.
Technology and Convenience: Meaningful Integration
The 2025 Fortuner Legender makes significant strides in technology integration, addressing an area where previous generations could feel somewhat behind the curve compared to similarly priced competitors. The aforementioned 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system serves as the centerpiece, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility alongside integrated navigation with online services.
This system operates through an updated interface that proves both visually appealing and intuitive to navigate, with minimal lag when switching between functions. Voice recognition capabilities have been substantially enhanced, now offering natural language processing that can understand conversational commands without requiring specific phraseology—a meaningful improvement that reduces driver distraction.
The premium JBL audio system features 11 speakers strategically positioned throughout the cabin, delivering impressive sound quality with well-defined bass response and clear high frequencies even at higher volumes. The system includes active noise cancellation that works in conjunction with increased sound insulation to create a remarkably quiet cabin environment even at highway speeds.
Connectivity expands through the Toyota Connected Services platform, enabling remote vehicle monitoring, geofencing, and service scheduling through a dedicated smartphone application. The system can also provide over-the-air updates for both infotainment and vehicle systems, ensuring the Fortuner Legender remains current throughout its lifecycle—an important consideration for buyers investing in a premium vehicle.
Convenience features abound, from the hands-free power tailgate with adjustable height settings to the wireless charging pad positioned thoughtfully in the center console. Ambient lighting with customizable colors enhances the cabin atmosphere during night driving, while a new panoramic sunroof—a first for the Fortuner—floods the interior with natural light when desired.
Climate control now features a three-zone system with dedicated rear controls, ensuring all passengers remain comfortable regardless of external conditions. The system includes an air purification function with PM2.5 filter—a particularly valuable feature given India’s urban air quality challenges—and can be pre-conditioned through the smartphone application before entering the vehicle.
Safety technology receives comprehensive updates, with the Toyota Safety Sense suite now including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot monitoring. These systems operate with appropriate sensitivity for Indian driving conditions, providing genuine safety benefits without becoming intrusive or generating false alarms in the sometimes chaotic traffic scenarios common in urban centers.
A new 360-degree camera system with dynamic guidelines and multiple view options proves invaluable during both urban parking maneuvers and off-road navigation, providing clear visualization of obstacles from various angles. This system is complemented by front and rear parking sensors with cross-traffic alert functionality—thoughtful inclusions that enhance everyday usability despite the vehicle’s substantial dimensions.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Product
Toyota has complemented the Fortuner Legender’s physical attributes with an enhanced ownership program that acknowledges the premium positioning and customer expectations. Warranty coverage extends to 3 years/100,000 kilometers as standard, with the option to extend to 5 years/220,000 kilometers at additional cost—comprehensive protection that reinforces Toyota’s confidence in the product’s durability.
Service intervals remain at 10,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first, with Toyota claiming a 15% reduction in routine maintenance costs despite the enhanced technology and performance. The company’s service network continues to expand, now encompassing over 425 outlets across 273 cities—ensuring owners are never far from authorized support regardless of their location or travel plans.
The Toyota Ownership Experience program includes 24/7 roadside assistance, complimentary periodic maintenance inspections between scheduled services, and priority treatment at dealerships—thoughtful touches that enhance the premium ownership journey. The dedicated Fortuner customer relations team provides personalized assistance with vehicle-related queries and maintenance scheduling, creating a more bespoke experience that aligns with the vehicle’s upmarket positioning.
Residual values have traditionally represented a significant Fortuner strength, with the model maintaining exceptional resale value compared to competitors. This characteristic appears likely to continue with the enhanced 2025 model, creating favorable total cost of ownership calculations despite the relatively high initial purchase price—a consideration that many financially astute buyers factor into their decision-making process.
Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape
Priced between ₹42.50 lakh and ₹51.80 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on specification, the 2025 Fortuner Legender positions itself firmly in the premium SUV segment. This pricing structure places it above mainstream offerings like the MG Gloster and Jeep Meridian but below luxury-branded models such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC—an increasingly competitive middle ground that demands genuine substance beyond mere badge value.
Primary competition comes from the Ford Endeavour, MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and increasingly from the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace—all capable vehicles with their own distinct strengths. The Fortuner differentiates itself through its balanced blend of on-road refinement and authentic off-road capability, coupled with Toyota’s unmatched reputation for reliability and comprehensive service network—attributes that continue to resonate strongly with Indian buyers seeking both status and substance.
The Legender variant specifically targets buyers who prioritize visual presence and on-road manners without sacrificing the fundamental capability that defines the Fortuner identity. This positioning acknowledges the reality that many premium SUV owners rarely exploit their vehicles’ full off-road potential, yet value the confidence that comes from knowing such capability exists when needed—a psychological factor that more road-focused crossovers cannot fully address despite their sometimes superior on-road dynamics.
Toyota Fortuner Legender Elevated Evolution
The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Legender represents a thoughtfully executed evolution of a vehicle that has defined its segment for over a decade. Rather than radical reinvention, Toyota has focused on meaningful refinements that address specific criticisms while preserving the core attributes that have made the Fortuner such an enduring success in the Indian market.
The enhanced interior quality, improved dynamics, and comprehensive technology integration address the few areas where previous generations could feel somewhat behind the curve, creating a more complete package that better justifies its premium positioning. Yet these improvements come without compromising the authentic capability and bulletproof reliability that have always defined the Fortuner experience—a delicate balance that Toyota has navigated with impressive skill.