The Fortuner Legender is offered with three diesel powertrain options, all using Toyota’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 201 hp. Torque output depends on the transmission. The automatic variants generate 500 Nm through a 6-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, while the manual version produces 420 Nm with a 6-speed manual transmission. All variants offer Eco, Normal, and Sport drive modes.

The standard diesel AT and diesel MT are rear-wheel-drive, while the neoDrive 48V AT is the only four-wheel-drive variant. It comes with off-road hardware such as a high/low transfer case, traction control systems, and a locking differential for improved capability on rough terrain.

Also, the neoDrive pairs the engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which improves efficiency and enables smoother start-stop operation in city traffic.

ARAI-certified mileage for the Fortuner Legender diesel automatic is 14.4 kmpl, with highway figures reported around 14.2–14.4 kmpl depending on configuration. City mileage is rated at 10.52 kmpl.

All variants come with a fuel tank capacity of 80 litres.

The Fortuner Legender’s cabin features premium dual-tone (black & maroon) leather upholstery with contrast stitching and soft-touch materials. It offers generous space for seven adults across three rows, with the second row providing 60:40 split, slide, recline, and one-touch tumble functions, while the third row has one-touch easy space-up with recline.

Front seats are ventilated and power-adjustable for the driver. Notable features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, JBL premium audio (up to 11 speakers with subwoofer on higher trims), tilt-telescopic steering with audio controls, and a large TFT multi-information display.

Practicality is enhanced by cooled glovebox, rear USB ports, centre console armrest, and ample storage spaces. Rounding out, the boot space is rated at 296 litres.

The Fortuner Legender showcases a bold, premium design language with catamaran-style front and rear bumpers, a sleek piano-black grille with chrome highlights, and split quad LED headlamps featuring a distinctive waterfall LED daytime running light signature.

From the side, it displays muscular proportions, dual-tone black roof (on select variants), aero-stabilising fins on ORVMs, sequential turn indicators, and machine-finish or super-chrome alloy wheels (17 or 18-inch depending on variant) wrapped in 265-section tyres.

Additionally, functional elements include roof rails, power-folding ORVMs with turn indicators, and a ground clearance of 225 mm.

At the rear, it gets new-design split LED combination lamps with sequential turn indicators, a fully automatic power tailgate with height adjustment and jam protection, and a commanding, prestigious stance that differentiates it from the standard Fortuner.

The Toyota Fortuner Legender is built around an impact-absorbing body structure with pedestrian protection support, backing its structural integrity with 7 SRS airbags as standard across the lineup. Inside the cabin, it covers the necessary safety fundamentals with Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats, pre-tensioning force-limiter seatbelts, and second-row ISOFIX anchors.

Additionally, the SUV is equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Brake Assist, Traction Control, and Hill-start Assist. 

Maneuverability is aided by front and rear parking sensors paired with a rear-view camera, where the neoDrive exclusively includes the 360-degree camera. Note that it still misses out on a full ADAS suite.

Rounding out the package is an anti-theft alarm equipped with ultrasonic and glass break sensors, alongside speed-sensing auto-locks and an emergency brake signal.

Notably, while the Legender has not been put through Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP testing just yet, the model has proven its crashworthiness by securing a solid 5-star rating in ASEAN NCAP tests for both adult and child occupant protection.

The Fortuner Legender primarily competes in the premium ladder-frame 7-seater SUV segment against the Jeep Meridian and the MG Gloster.

The Gloster brings a more feature-rich cabin with larger touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated & massage seats. The Fortuner Legender holds its own with superior diesel power and torque delivery, proven long-term reliability, stronger resale value, and better off-road capability via its body-on-frame construction with low-range 4x4.

The Meridian offers distinctive sturdy styling, a capable 4x4 system with terrain modes, and a commanding road presence rooted in Jeep’s off-road heritage. The Legender counters with a more refined highway drive, higher torque output for effortless overtaking, premium dual-tone interior finish, and Toyota’s extensive service network and durability reputation.