Toyota Fortuner Hybrid – 5 Differences from the Regular Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner has always been known for its rugged body-built, commanding road presence and driving capabilities. With the global shift towards hybrid vehicles, the Japanese automaker showcased the mild hybrid version of the Fortuner SUV for the South African market last year. While there is no official word on its India arrival, speculations suggest that the Toyota Fortuner Hybrid might make its way here in near future.

Visually, the regular Fortuner Legender and hybrid Fortuner look very similar (expect the MHEV badging). However, both differ on 5 major grounds. Let’s take a look at each of them.

Mild Hybrid Tech With ISG

The biggest mechanical update is the 2.8-litre diesel engine, paired with a 48V mild hybrid system. Its combined power output is 201bhp and 500Nm of torque. The mild hybrid system alone generates power worth 16bhp and 42Nm of torque. The Toyota Fortuner hybrid features an integrated starter generator (ISG), providing torque assist during acceleration and results in smoother start-stop transitions and better throttle response.

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Improved Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Fortuner MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) is claimed to be 5 percent more fuel efficient than the regular diesel-powered Fortuner. However, its official mileage figures are yet to be revealed.

Refined NVH & Smoother Idle

The hybrid assistance slightly improves the NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels, especially when the engine restarts after a stop. The torque assist reduces engine noise. Additionally, the gearshifts are more refined than the diesel version.

Updated Instrument Cluster

The cabin layout of the Toyota Fortuner hybrid is identical to the diesel-powered Fortuner. However, its instrument cluster shows hybrid-specific graphics such as battery charge status, power flow meters and regeneration alerts. The Toyota Fortuner MHEV (South Africa-spec) is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite and a 360 degree camera.

Weight & Driving Performance

The Toyota Fortuner Hybrid will weigh slightly more than its diesel counterpart, thanks to the battery pack and ISG. It will be nearly 60-80 kg heavier, depending on the variant. In terms of drivability, the Fortuner MHEV is expected to offer a more relaxed and linear drive on urban roads.