Toyota Fortuner Legender: In the sprawling landscape of India’s SUV market, where crossovers and soft-roaders proliferate with each passing season, the Toyota Fortuner has maintained an enviable position as the definitive premium SUV for over a decade.

Its blend of genuine off-road capability, bulletproof reliability, and understated luxury has created a loyal following among buyers seeking substance beneath the surface.

Now, with the 2025 Fortuner Legender, Toyota has refined this winning formula through thoughtful enhancements that elevate the driving experience while preserving the core attributes that established its reputation.

Toyota Fortuner Legender: Design Evolution Purposeful Sophistication

The Fortuner Legender distinguishes itself from the standard model through a more assertive visual identity that emphasizes road presence without resorting to visual ostentation.

The front fascia receives the most dramatic updates, featuring a larger trapezoidal grille with intricate mesh pattern finished in gloss black.

This imposing centerpiece is flanked by redesigned LED headlamps with distinctive T-shaped daytime running lights that create an unmistakable light signature—even in rearview mirrors, where the Legender announces its arrival with authority.

Profile modifications appear more subtle but contribute significantly to the vehicle’s stance.

The 20-inch alloy wheels (an increase from the previous 18-inch offerings) feature a two-tone machined finish with geometric spoke pattern that balances visual interest with structural integrity.

A slightly lowered suspension in road-focused variants enhances proportions while improving aerodynamics—a thoughtful compromise that acknowledges the reality that most Legenders spend the majority of their time on tarmac rather than trails.

The rear design maintains the Fortuner’s characteristic wraparound window graphic but introduces slimmer LED taillamps connected by a gloss black garnish that visually widens the vehicle.

The bumper incorporates more pronounced diffuser elements with dual exhaust finishers, signaling the performance potential lurking beneath the sophisticated exterior.

Available in five colorways—Attitude Black, Emotional Red, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, and the new Phantom Brown—the Legender offers a palette that spans conservative to expressive while maintaining the model’s premium positioning.

The optional Black Edition package replaces chrome elements with gloss black alternatives for a more contemporary aesthetic favored by younger buyers.

Cabin Refinement: Elevated Materiality

Step inside the 2025 Legender, and the evolutionary approach continues with meaningful enhancements to material quality, technology integration, and ambient comfort.

The dashboard architecture maintains its horizontal emphasis but now features a floating 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display that reduces visual mass while improving ergonomics.

Soft-touch materials proliferate across interaction points, with genuine leather, open-pore wood accents, and brushed aluminum finishes creating a cabin environment that aligns with the vehicle’s premium positioning.

Seating receives particular attention, with redesigned front chairs featuring enhanced bolstering, extended thigh support, and expanded adjustment range.

The driver’s seat now offers 12-way power adjustment including four-way lumbar support, while the front passenger benefits from 8-way power controls.

Ventilation and heating functions extend to both front positions, a welcome addition for India’s varied climate conditions.

Second-row accommodations improve through reconfigured cushioning that increases under-thigh support during longer journeys.

The bench design maintains its 60:40 split and one-touch tumble functionality for third-row access, while adding integrated USB-C charging ports and dedicated climate controls.

Third-row seating, while still best suited for occasional use, benefits from improved cushioning and a slightly reclined backrest angle that enhances comfort during shorter trips.

Perhaps most impressively, Toyota has managed to reduce cabin noise levels through targeted sound insulation at key structural points and acoustic glass for the windshield and front side windows.

The result is a noticeably quieter interior environment that enhances the premium feel while reducing fatigue during extended highway travel.

Technology Integration: Thoughtful Implementation

The infotainment system centers around the aforementioned 12.3-inch touchscreen with significantly improved resolution and processing speed compared to previous iterations.

The interface adopts Toyota’s latest Connected Car platform with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, voice command functionality, and over-the-air update capability that ensures continued refinement throughout ownership.

Instrumentation combines analog gauges with a 7-inch multi-information display in standard models, while higher variants offer a fully digital 12.3-inch driver display with customizable layouts ranging from traditional dial representations to minimalist information arrangements based on driving mode and personal preference.

The JBL premium audio system returns with 11 speakers strategically positioned throughout the cabin, now enhanced with active noise cancellation technology that counteracts low-frequency road and engine noise.

Sound quality impresses through balanced frequency response and precise spatial imaging that creates an immersive listening experience regardless of seating position.

Driver assistance features expand to include adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beam control, and pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection—all grouped under Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 branding.

While stopping short of offering hands-free driving capability, these systems provide meaningful safety enhancements without introducing the complexity and potential reliability concerns of more ambitious autonomous features.

Powertrain Enhancements: Refined Capability

The 2025 Legender maintains Toyota’s proven powertrain options while introducing refinements that improve both performance and efficiency.

The diesel offering remains the 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, now producing 204 horsepower at 3,400 RPM and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600-2,800 RPM—a modest increase that nonetheless improves overtaking capability and towing performance.

More significant are the refinements to power delivery, with a revised turbocharger providing quicker spool-up and reduced lag during typical driving scenarios.

The six-speed automatic transmission receives updated shift logic that better anticipates driver intentions, holding gears appropriately during spirited driving while upshifting earlier during relaxed cruising to improve efficiency.

The gasoline option evolves more dramatically, with the previous 2.7-liter naturally aspirated engine replaced by a 2.4-liter turbocharged unit producing 275 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 430 Nm of torque from 1,700-3,600 RPM.

This powertrain, shared with other Toyota and Lexus products globally, provides substantially improved performance while delivering comparable fuel efficiency through its broader torque band and intelligent cylinder deactivation during light-load conditions.

Both engines benefit from revised engine mounts that reduce vibration transmission to the cabin, contributing to the Legender’s enhanced refinement without compromising the mechanical robustness that has defined the model since its inception.

Chassis Dynamics: Balancing Acts

The Legender’s suspension architecture maintains its proven double-wishbone front and four-link rear configuration, though with meaningful calibration changes that improve both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

Variable-flow dampers now feature expanded compression and rebound adjustment range, automatically adapting to road conditions to provide appropriate response regardless of surface quality.

The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) returns on higher variants, using hydraulic control cylinders to adjust stabilizer bar effectiveness based on driving conditions.

This technology allows for reduced body roll during on-road cornering while permitting increased wheel articulation during off-road scenarios—a particularly valuable feature for a vehicle expected to excel in diverse environments.

Steering feel benefits from a revised electronic power assistance system with variable ratio capabilities, providing quicker response during low-speed maneuvering while maintaining stability at highway velocities.

The system now offers three distinct calibrations through the drive mode selector, allowing drivers to tailor assistance levels to personal preference and driving conditions.

Braking performance improves through larger front rotors and revised pedal geometry that provides more progressive modulation during daily driving scenarios.

The four-wheel drive system maintains its proven part-time configuration with electronic engagement and low-range transfer case, though now supplemented by enhanced off-road assistance technologies including downhill assist control and active traction control that optimizes torque distribution across challenging surfaces.

Performance Comparison

Specification	2025 Fortuner Legender Diesel	2025 Fortuner Legender Petrol	2023 Fortuner Legender
Engine	2.8L Turbo Diesel	2.4L Turbo Petrol	2.8L Turbo Diesel
Maximum Power	204 HP @ 3,400 RPM	275 HP @ 5,200 RPM	201 HP @ 3,400 RPM
Maximum Torque	500 Nm @ 1,600-2,800 RPM	430 Nm @ 1,700-3,600 RPM	500 Nm @ 1,600-2,800 RPM
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain	2WD or 4WD with Low Range	2WD or 4WD with Low Range	2WD or 4WD with Low Range
Fuel Efficiency	13.2 km/l (2WD), 12.5 km/l (4WD)	10.8 km/l (2WD), 10.2 km/l (4WD)	12.9 km/l (2WD), 12.3 km/l (4WD)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	10.1 seconds	8.7 seconds	10.5 seconds
Ground Clearance	225 mm	225 mm	225 mm
Approach Angle	29 degrees	29 degrees	29 degrees
Departure Angle	25 degrees	25 degrees	25 degrees
Water Fording Depth	700 mm	700 mm	700 mm
Towing Capacity	3,100 kg	2,800 kg	3,000 kg
Price Range (ex-showroom)	₹45.50 – 53.50 lakh	₹43.50 – 51.50 lakh	₹42.85 – 49.90 lakh

Key Highlights:

Distinctive front fascia with T-shaped LED daytime running lights
Larger 20-inch alloy wheels with sophisticated geometric design
Enhanced cabin materials including open-pore wood and premium leather
12.3-inch floating touchscreen with improved processing capability
Optional fully digital 12.3-inch driver display with customizable layouts
New 2.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 275 horsepower
Refined 2.8-liter diesel with improved response characteristics
Advanced variable-flow dampers balancing comfort and capability
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with expanded driver assistance features
Improved sound insulation with acoustic glass for front windows
JBL premium audio with active noise cancellation technology
Ventilated and heated front seats with enhanced adjustment range
Panoramic sunroof available on premium variants
Black Edition package option with darkened exterior elements
Enhanced off-road modes with terrain-specific calibrations
Improved second and third-row seating comfort
360-degree camera system with off-road monitoring views
Wireless smartphone charging with increased power output
Power-operated tailgate with hands-free operation
Expanded connectivity through Toyota Connected Car services

Market Positioning and Ownership Experience

The 2025 Legender occupies a distinctive position in the premium SUV segment, competing against both traditional body-on-frame rivals like the Ford Endeavour and MG Gloster as well as monocoque luxury alternatives from European manufacturers.

With pricing starting at ₹45.50 lakh (ex-showroom) for the diesel variant and ₹43.50 lakh for the petrol, the Legender represents a substantial investment, though one justified by its comprehensive capability and Toyota’s renowned reliability.

The ownership experience receives enhancement through Toyota’s new “Legender Privilege” program, which includes priority service scheduling, complimentary periodic maintenance for three years, 24/7 roadside assistance with replacement vehicle provision, and exclusive owner events focusing on off-road experiences and lifestyle activities.

This approach acknowledges that Legender ownership extends beyond the vehicle itself to encompass a relationship with both the brand and fellow enthusiasts.

Toyota Fortuner Legender

The 2025 Toyota Fortuner Legender demonstrates how evolutionary refinement can significantly enhance a successful formula without compromising the core attributes that established its reputation.

By focusing on meaningful improvements to refinement, technology integration, and driving dynamics, Toyota has created a more sophisticated interpretation of the premium SUV concept while maintaining the mechanical robustness and genuine capability that differentiate the Fortuner from increasingly road-focused competitors.

In a market increasingly dominated by crossovers that prioritize style over substance, the Legender offers a compelling alternative—a vehicle that embraces modern luxury and technology while maintaining the fundamental capabilities that enable genuine adventure.

Its continued success seems assured not through marketing hyperbole or specification one-upmanship, but through the honest delivery of its promise as a versatile, dependable companion capable of tackling any journey with equal measures of capability and comfort.

For buyers seeking a premium SUV that delivers substance beneath its sophisticated exterior, the 2025 Fortuner Legender makes a compelling case as the definitive choice in its segment—an authentic product in an increasingly synthetic automotive landscape.