News

Toyota Fortuner Leader Edition launched in India

The Leader Edition is available with a 2.8L Diesel paired with either a 6-speed MT or AT and a 4x2 configuration.

Toyota has announced the launch of a new variant of the Fortuner called the "Leader Edition". It comes with a distinct design and additional features.

The Fortuner Leader Edition features a dual-tone exterior with black alloy wheels and front and rear bumper spoilers that will be installed at the dealer end. The interior boasts dual-tone seats and additional features such as TPMS, wireless charger and auto-folding ORVMs. 

The Fortuner Leader Edition is powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine that produces 201 BHP and 420 Nm (MT) / 500 Nm (AT). The engine is mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It does not get a 4x4 option.

The Fortuner Leader Edition is available in 3 new exterior dual-tone colours: Super white & A. Black, Platinum Pearl White & A. Black and Silver Metallic & A. Black.

 

News

Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid SUV unveiled in South Africa

The Africa-spec Fortuner mild-hybrid SUV looks similar to the Legender version sold in India.

Toyota has unveiled the mild-hybrid version of its popular SUV, the Fortuner, in South Africa.

The new Toyota Fortuner mild hybrid SUV borrows its powertrain from the Hilux hybrid available in global markets. This comes in the form of a 2.8-litre diesel engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The diesel-hybrid powertrain offers a total power output of 201 BHP and 500 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Toyota will offer the Fortuner mild-hybrid SUV in both 2WD and 4WD variants. Toyota also claims that the mild-hybrid version of the Fortuner is 5% more fuel efficient compared to the standard SUV.

The Africa-spec Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid SUV looks similar to the Legender version sold in India. Apart from the new powertrain, the SUV also gets additional exterior paint options. Toyota is now offering its Safety Sense ADAS suite on the Fortuner mild-hybrid SUV as well, along with a 360-degree camera and a bunch of other interior tweaks.

The Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid SUV will first go on sale in South Africa before being introduced in other international markets. Whether Toyota brings the hybrid Fortuner to India remains to be seen.

Source: Autocar India

 

News

Why I'm holding onto my Hycross booking, despite losing trust in Toyota

Been a Toyota fan for 2 decades and even own a decade-old Fortuner which has been bulletproof to date.

BHPian CEF_Beasts recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The latest issue on the Hycross, the media car’s fuel gauge stopped working and showed the tank as full even though it had reached the E mark and they ran out of fuel.

The hybrid battery and down-slope from Lonavla came to the media person’s help.

Honestly, the issues with HyCross to date are giving a very bad vibe about the longevity of this car.

I’ll mention the various issues (QC, Mechanical & Electrical) that I have seen or heard till now:

  1. Cases on brand new cars where the Hybrid system malfunctioned.
  2. ORVM Camera malfunctioned and stopped working - Replaced under warranty.
  3. Fuel Gauge stopped working on a 13k km run Press Car.
  4. The fuel gauge and DTE show conflicting values when the car is parked on a slight incline. Fuel Gauge rushes to the F mark when the car is parked on an incline.
  5. Rattles and Creaks from different places of the car, are heard by many.
  6. Frequent wireless AA / AC disconnections.
  7. A few cases where the Touchscreen system stopped responding completely.
  8. The brake pad broke inside the caliper, an extremely rare case but yes it happened.
  9. Bug inside the taillight
  10. The most pathetic reflector-based LED headlights, worse than a candle, on a 30-40 Lakh car.
  11. Excessive engine noise and NVH on a brand new car, the issue was pin-pointed on a failed Hydraulic Engine Mount - Replaced FOC.
  12. Rats and Dogs love the car and create havoc, chewing through wires.
  13. Poor and pathetic quality of plastics used throughout the cabin.

Being a massive Toyota Fan for the last 2 decades for their QDR principles and building bulletproof vehicles, this car has single-handedly destroyed my trust in the brand Toyota.

I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that people are not raising a hue and cry about it even now! For a Toyota car and a ground-up one built on their platform (TNGA-C), these are some serious issues.

I’ve booked a Hycross and trust me day-by-day I’m losing my faith in this car. Every day a new issue is popping up on the forum / social media. My current decade-old Fortuner has been bulletproof so far, apart from the already-known fuel gauge issue.

Either Toyota can’t handle the latest technology going into their new-gen cars or the people building this particular car on the assembly line are incompetent, especially the ones where the extra shift has come into the picture to increase production. It’s quite clear that this being a SE-Asia-specific car they made mumbo-jumbo of parts available from their global parts bin and built this cheap copy of the Highlander/Kluger for developing markets in a hurry.

One should indeed wait at least a year or two till a new car has settled down in the market and all issues have been ironed out. This was something that held for Mahindras and Tatas, but Toyota entering the same league is not something I would imagine.

There is a big reason I still suggest the current-gen Fortuner to anyone and everyone in the 50 Lakh budget, even though it is over-priced for what it offers! Bulletproof-ness and Reliability are priceless and are far more important than features / a god-damn sunroof, which everyone so desperately wants.

Next-Gen Fortuner buyers B-E-W-A-R-E, the new-gen 2025/26 Fortuner is going to be jam-packed with features.

Even the new 3.4L Twin-Turbo Petrol in the First of Tundras was not spared, with its Turbo failing on multiple vehicles. The only respite being parts were/are being made available with the necessary changes incorporated quickly.

There are only TWO reasons I’m still holding onto my booking:

  1. The space and comfort on offer, (can’t find any other MPV/SUV with as much space as the HyCross in the current market scenario), and
  2. The Hybrid powertrain which will make my garage future-proof.

My dealership’s high-handedness in the post-booking stage is a story for another time, mind you this is the same dealership from which I have purchased two cars in the past 2 decades, this being the third one.

All in all, I’m losing faith in Toyota India. Well, I’m just a dot in their long order book, who they wouldn’t mind losing. At this point, I’m just happy that my dealership has quoted me a 12-18 month estimated delivery time so that at least some issues can be eliminated. But Toyota being Toyota, extremely slow at what they do, I’m sure they won’t do it till the facelift is out. In my books, this car is a massive blow to the reputation that the household brand name ‘INNOVA’ had built and is known for in India.

PS: Fellow HyCross owners please add the other issues which I may have missed in the above list.

PPS: The day writing emails to Toyota India started getting re-directed by them to dealerships was the day when this mess started.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

Toyota resumes dispatches of Innova Crysta, Fortuner & Hilux

The certification irregularities did not have any impact on the emissions and safety of the affected vehicles.

Toyota has announced that it has resumed the dispatches of the Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux in India. Last month, dispatches were briefly halted after irregularities were found in the output tests of three diesel engines.

“Toyota has reconfirmed that the diesel engines meet the stipulated Indian regulations. Consequently, the dispatch of Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and Hilux has resumed following a brief temporary suspension. We regret the inconvenience to our esteemed customers. As a customer-centric organisation, we continue to remain committed to delivering the highest quality and safest products,” the official statement reads.

A special investigation committee was tasked to look into potential certification irregularities. The team conducted re-verification tests on mass-produced vehicles and found that they complied with the performance standards and that there was no need to discontinue the use of the affected vehicles.

Earlier, Toyota had clarified that the certification irregularities did not lead to any overstating of horsepower and torque figures and that it did not have any impact on the emissions and safety of the affected vehicles.

Source: Autocar India

 

News

Toyota Innova Crysta, Fortuner, Hilux dispatches put on hold

Toyota has clarified that the certification irregularities will have no impact on the emissions and safety of the vehicles.

Toyota has suspended all dispatches of the Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux in India after irregularities were found in the output tests of three diesel engines. 

The three diesel engines in question include the 1GD, 2GD and F33A. Out of these, the 2.8-litre 1GD and 2.4-litre 2GD engines are offered in cars sold in India. These have been developed by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO).

Earlier today, it was revealed that a special investigation committee was looking into potential certification irregularities. The horsepower output performance of engines was measured using ECUs with software that was different from those on the production version.

According to Toyota, the irregularities concern the ‘smoothing’ of power and torque curves. The company has clarified that it did not lead to any overstating of horsepower and torque figures and that it does not have any impact on the emissions and safety of the affected vehicles.

While dispatches of the affected models have been temporarily suspended, Toyota will continue to produce and take orders for the Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux in India.

Source: Autocar India

 

News

Pre-worshipped car of the month: Buying a used 2nd-gen Toyota Fortuner

It may not be equipped with the best of creature comforts, but it is a capable machine on the road and off it too.

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The Toyota Fortuner has always managed to better its rivals and become the last man standing. Just look at the recent sales graph of the D2 segment and you’ll know what I mean. The Fortuner has been accepted by everyone from your officegoers to politicians to even the mafia. It has the street cred that’s unmatched by the current crop of cars on sale in India. It may not be equipped with the best of creature comforts, but it is a capable machine on the road and off it too. Under the bonnet is a 2.8-litre diesel engine that puts out 175 BHP and 420 Nm when mated to a 6-speed MT and 450 Nm when mated to a 6-speed AT. For people who want to avoid diesel, you also have a 2.7-litre petrol engine on offer that makes 164 BHP and 245 Nm.

Being a Toyota, not a lot of people want to sell their Fortuners as they are extremely long-lived and reliable and as a result, hold their value very well in the used car market. In 2021, Toyota also introduced the Legender variant which had some cosmetic changes and was available only with the 2.8L diesel and automatic transmission. Since it's a pretty new model and expensive too, you won't see many of these in the used car market. Also remember that with the transition to BS6, a lot of the newer Fortuners faced DPF issues. So you'd be much happier with the BS4 variants of the Fortuner. However, the real question is, if you were in the market for a big SUV, would you buy a 2nd-gen Fortuner?

Used 2nd-gen Toyota Fortuner Pros

  • No major facelift since the launch, so a used car would also look brand new
  • Contemporary styling & imposing street presence
  • Tough build. Toyota body-on-frame UVs are known to have very long lives
  • Powerful diesel and smooth petrol, with user-selectable driving modes too
  • Cabin is practical & user-friendly
  • Features like Bi-beam LED headlamps, powered tailgate, paddle shifters & more
  • Impressive offroad capability (by big SUV standards)
  • Safety kit includes 7 airbags, ABS, ESP, TC, hill assist, ISOFIX & 3-point seatbelts for all
  • Toyota's excellent after-sales quality, fuss-free ownership experiences, low service costs & up to 7 years of extended warranty coverage

Used 2nd-gen Toyota Fortuner Cons

  • Used car market prices are insane! You could get a brand new XUV700 or a Scorpio-N in the same price
  • BS6 diesel models are suffering from DPF issues
  • Missing features such as sunroof, lumbar adjustment, front parking sensors, auto-wipers etc.
  • Ride quality although improved over the 1st gen is far from plush. You’ll feel the bumps
  • Cost-cutting in a couple of areas; some interior plastics, ICE audio quality, camera display…
  • Petrol variant is a guzzler. You'll see merely 6 – 7 kmpl on the AT
  • Doesn't have a full-time 4x4. Also, 4x4 variants command a high premium over 2WD and MT variants

Related Threads

Things to watch out for in a used 2nd-gen Toyota Fortuner

Mod Potential

Since the Toyota Fortuner has been on sale for quite some time, engine maps are pretty common. With the stage 1 tune, you can bump up the power output from 175 BHP to 200+ BHP. Of course, there are plenty of off-road-specific modifications as well that you can get done. And since the Fortuner is also available in the Indonesian market, there's plenty of aftermarket equipment that you can get too.

Image Source

Availability

Good considering that the 2nd gen Fortuner costs upwards of Rs. 25 lakhs in the used car market. You will find different configurations as well as per your need - 4x2 MT, 4x4 MT, 4x2 AT, 4x4 AT.Of course, you will see more diesel Fortuners as the petrol variants are rare. Check out some examples on sale here.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Have voted no for the 2nd-gen Fortuner. I love the Fortuner, but it has two deal-breakers for me = bumpy ride & heavy steering in the city. If Toyota fixes that in the 3rd-gen (reliable sources say they will), then it's a top contender for me.

The reason that prices are so high & close to a new Fortuner is that, cash can be a big component in used car transactions. That's also why you see 1-2 year old luxury cars asking for obscene prices. I cannot go into a Mercedes showroom and pay 30-lakhs cash under-the-table & unaccounted for a brand new S-Class, but I can do that to a used car dealer for a 1-year old S-Class.

Likewise with used Fortuners. Those 40-lakh used Fortuners have 25-40% of their transaction value paid in black money.

Here's what BHPian PrasannaDhana had to say on the matter:

Voted No

Reasons

The car doesn't depreciate at all. Major advantage in used car purchase is the depreciation. Toyotas seldom depreciate as much.

It's an overrated car. Reliable, yes. But neither comfortable nor spacious/ easy to use. I find my storme varicor 400 much better suiting my needs than the used 2nd gen fortuner.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

Big NO from my side, and a strong opinion ahead.

Fortuner as it is is a hugely overpriced and overrated vehicle. Nothing much to offer apart from a strong diesel engine and pure mechanical reliability, the latter also being somewhat compromised post BS6.2. It is barebones in terms of equipment, is bouncy and uncomfortable and has poor comfort levels in the middle and back rows. The cabin is also very utilitarian, a couple of decades behind what you get in similarly priced vehicles. In every other market in the world, Fortuner is essentially a work SUV, kind of on the lines of what the Bolero or Force Trax are in India. That’s how its attributes are. It’s only here that it is considered a luxury vehicle.

A far cry from the much more comfortable Innova Crysta, this is a classic case of a vehicle running primarily on herd mentality in monopolistic market conditions. Given the ridiculous asking prices in the second hand market, there are far better ways to spend your money for an automobile. Unless you have a specific use case for regular off roading and plan on clocking 4-5L km over your usage period, look elsewhere.

Here's what BHPian parrys had to say on the matter:

I would not buy a Fortuner at all. New or Used, NEVER!

It's an overpriced, overhyped, featureless, inefficient SUV selling only because of bragging rights & so called reliability.

It is not a great car to drive either, and ride quality is also bumpy / bouncy at all times. Never does it stay flat even on a highway.

Recently picked up a Tucson 4x2 D AT, less than a month ago, we did not even consider the Fortuner. Wish the Kodiaq was available in D AT, that would have surely made it to the consideration list.

Both, the Innova (Crysta) & Fortuner, these are overpriced LOOTING machines from Toyota for the Indian market. And most buyers, are ok with it.

Here's what BHPian FAIAAA had to say on the matter:

Voted No, Neither new nor old.

As an ex-owner of the 1st gen full time 4wd model and having done extended test drives of the current gen over time, I feel it's over priced for what it offers and honestly not relevant for most folks / use cases. Let me elaborate -

  • Let's start with what's going for it - unmatched power and torque, reliability, macho image and emotional appeal to certain segments - politicians, business folks and so on.
  • From a use case perspective, let's look at three main scenarios -
  1. more than 95% of all Fortuners are sold 4*2. Assume the last few lacs don't break it for those who can afford and yet don't go for 4*4, means it's used primarily as a people mover. For that, you have Innova Crysta and Hycross with a far better ride, passenger comfort at a much lower price.
  2. For those looking for a tourer with bad road / occasional off road uses, you have feature laden and comfort oriented options with 4*4/AWD like Tucson, Kodiaq/Tiguan, Scorpio and Xuv700, last 2 being significantly cheaper.
  3. For those looking for primarily off-road use, yes it's a powerful and dependable machine with loads of mod potential. Still how many would use a 50 Lac car for pure off roading? That's where Thar and Jimny have changed the game, more practical and affordable and hence accessible.
  • And it's exorbitantly price, low VFM, more emotional than logical appeal for a few target segments ( mentioned above) reduces it's overall relevance.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

Replacing my 2014 Fortuner: Confused between Hycross & Kodiaq

Both the Innova Hycross and Škoda Kodiaq are fantastic products in their own way, both punch well above their weights.

BHPian CEF_Beasts recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Have been planning to change my Fortuner for some time now, it’s a MY2014 4X2 MT Diesel run 1.09 Lakh kilometres till now.

It’s in the best of its health overall and has not stranded us anywhere to date.

The reasons we’re considering selling the Fortuner are:

  • Ingress and egress have become a pain point for my parents in the Fortuner, who will be the primary users of the car.
  • Bumpy ride in the Fortuner is something they didn’t mind for the last 9 years but as they are getting older (my parents are in their late 50s) they’re finding it a bit difficult even though they don’t say the same
  • It’s a diesel, and the way the government is making new rules and norms gives us jitters about whether we will be able to sell the car when we do and will return peanuts at that time, this is a question that no one can answer today…

The SHORTLIST: Short and Sweet:

Innova HyCross VX(O) 8 seater

Things we Liked about this new entrant:

  • Hybrid powertrain is the main talking point. My mother wants a hybrid only now. The silence at startup and as well as while on the move gives it vast superiority over our Diesel Fortuner.
  • Loads of space in all 3 rows, for example, I sat back to back in the Hycross and 2nd gen Fortuner facelift at the dealership and I was in for a shock when I saw a difference in legroom between the two, where the driver’s seat was set to my height in both, the flat footboard in the 2nd row helps as well. 100mm more of wheelbase and a monocoque chassis give the HyCross a massive advantage in terms of space over the Fortuner.
  • Features galore on an Innova are something I really didn’t expect from Toyota but they did nonetheless.
  • Hybrid powertrain ensures that the fuel economy is brilliant in the city and on highways up to a particular speed.
  • Ride quality is just supreme, blows the Fortuner out of the park… We had taken a test drive on the top-end ZX(O) which has 18 inches, and with the VX(O)’s 17 inches the ride quality will be even better.
  • With the HyCross we will continue staying in the known and reliable Toyota ecosystem, like we have been for the last 17 years.
  • 8 years and 1,60,000kms hybrid battery warranty from the factory inspires confidence
  • Light Electric assisted Power steering unlike the Fortuner’s Hydraulic unit means it’s extremely easy to navigate the car on tight Mumbai roads and at the same time weighs up well as speeds pick up.

Things we Loathed about this new entrant:

  • Absolutely pathetic interior plastic quality, even our 2005 OG Innova was better than this!!
  • The eCVT makes the engine vocal at even a slight tap of the accelerator pedal which makes anyone just back off from the pedal.
  • No 8-seater option on the top-end ZX trim.
  • Long waiting period stretching between 12-18 months
  • VX(O) misses out on leather seats and an electrically operated driver’s seat which our Fortuner has.
  • Will not be as abuse-friendly as our Fortuner not that other Toyota monocoques aren’t surviving on our roads, but still it’s a point that crosses one’s mind often.
  • The 360-degree camera quality is appalling, to say the least.
  • As reported by many users the headlights need a major upgrade, and they can’t be altered since the main beam is sealed and if you change the fog lamps from the aftermarket your warranty goes for a toss.
  • Just to mention we have already booked the HyCross VX(O) 8 seater in Blackish Ageha Glass Flakes colour on 04/09/23. Now if I want I can get the HyCross a bit early by using some contacts in TKM or the dealership itself, but I’m in no hurry. Don’t want to buy something which I’ll regret at a later date.

Škoda Kodiaq Sportline / L&K

Things my parents Liked:

  • Feels just like a proper premium car from the big 3 if you hide the Škoda badge!
  • Has even more features than our BMW
  • The ingress and egress were even easier than the Innova HyCross.
  • The ride quality was much better than the Fortuner, the DCC on the L&K test-drive car was a boon.

Things my parents loathed:

  • It’s a 5+2: Lack of space in the 3rd row, when my dad tried to enter the 3rd row, the SA himself didn’t allow him to enter I quote “It’s only for pets and not even for small kids, you’ll get a cramp if you go in! ”
  • TSI engines have a habit of gulping down their oil at some insane levels.
  • The SA was clear that it’s a 5-seater
  • We have absolutely no idea how Škoda‘s after-sales and support, have read so many Škoda horror stories that it just don’t inspire confidence.
  • The DQ381 may be a wet clutch DCT, but it’s still a VW DSG at the end of the day. Right on the forum there is a Tiguan Allspace owned by a member who has had his DQ381 unit changed twice.
  • The Kodiaq being a CKD and not manufactured here, part availability can become a major problem 5-6 years later down the line, considering we will be keeping the car for a minimum of 10 years. The next generation Kodiaq is also due soon in 2024, but it’ll be crossing the 50L OTR barrier for sure, which will exceed our already stretched budget.

This is a very difficult case of HEART vs MIND

The HEART wants the Kodiaq: I have always loved the Kodiaq because it simply punches above its weight and not just one segment (X1, Q3 and GLA) but a whole two segments (X3, Q5 and GLC). But Škoda’s lack of interest in giving the Kodiaq the E20 compatible 2.0L TSI was a major deterrent. My X3 30i is E25 compatible for reference. When I read about a member getting the E20 sticker on his car, I jumped out of my chair and brought the Kodiaq back into the shortlist with a bang.

We want a 7-seater simple, the Kodiaq just about qualifies for the criteria, we don’t use the 3rd row as often now but still the fact that our Fortuner has a pretty usable one makes it a bad pre-shortlist shortcoming for the Kodiaq.

The after-sales quality, reliability of the DQ381 and parts availability a few years down the line give me anxiety and is something I don’t want my parents to go through just because I want the Kodiaq.

The MIND has a very simple and solid case for itself like always with the Innova HyCross.

Stick with a Toyota that we have been associated with for the last 17 years, with no issues on the after-sales and part availability front. Can be serviced at a meagre cost throughout its lifetime with us. Has oodles and oodles of space across the cabin. Hybrid will ensure low running costs and a bit of saving the environment from our side.

Both the Innova HyCross and Škoda Kodiaq are fantastic products in their own way, both punch well above their weights

Should we compromise on the quality of plastics, a slightly underpowered engine, a long waiting period, slightly fewer features in the VX(O) and poor overall headlights and go for the Innova HyCross VX(O) 8-seater

OR

Should we compromise on the overall after-sales and parts availability at a later date, space in the 3rd row, and reliability of the DQ381 and go with the Škoda Kodiaq L&K / Sportline?

So which one should we go with? HEART vs HEAD. This is the 3.4 million rupee question that I can’t seem to wrap my head around!

Looking forward to reading all the opinions shared by the esteemed members of the forum.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

I know you are tempted by the Kodiaq, but you already have a fun crossover in the X3.

Pick the Innova Hycross. You'll save a couple of lakhs, it's more practical, spacious, reliable, and efficient. Most importantly, your parents will love it more than the Kodiaq. After all, they are the primary users of this car.

I believe any garage should have diversity. Instead of two German crossovers parked side by side, I'd any day prefer a German SUV (your X3 for the fun & engineering) alongside a practical MPV. The latter can also be put through the rough use you wouldn't subject an X3 to.

Here's what BHPian VRJ had to say on the matter:

The options in the 40-50L segment are very limited. I recently got the ZX(O) Hycross. I drove around 4,500 km in the past 4 months. I also own a 2018 Fortuner 4x2 MT. Your observations are spot on with regard to the Hycross.

Major cons of the Hycross:

  1. The lights are absolutely trash. Sometimes I wonder if they’re even switched on. The fog lights on the Hycross are trash as well. The Fortuner has a visible difference when the fog lights are switched on, whereas the fog on the Hycross lit up the road right in front of the bonnet that you can’t even see and I’m 6’2.
  2. The engine gets ridiculously noisy when you hit the accelerator, especially on the highways. Innova is supposed to be a highway champ, but due to the engine noise, CVT and lights, it’s now a city champ.

But why did I get the Hycross?

  1. I test-drove the Kodiaq first. Absolutely loved it. The seats, the DCC, the engine, the audio and the second row. All top class. Four drawbacks were reliability issues, low-end turbo lag, fuel efficiency and resale value. Service with Skoda in Vizag is bad as well. Test drove first from my current house to my office (2.5km) and the car returned at 6.5 km/l. Next, I drove from my new house to my office (14km one way) and the car returned at 8.5 km/l. In Vizag, we don’t have the same traffic present in Mumbai or Hyderabad. On the other hand, my Hycross returns 10-12 km/l from my old house and 15-18 km/l from my new house. I know there are a set of BHP’ians to whom efficiency isn’t a priority, but for me it is.
  2. I never had the opportunity to test drive the Hycross because it wasn’t available. We also have a 2008 280,000 km run Innova and our Fortuner is at around 85,000 km. Not once in 15 years have we had a breakdown. Service bills are always very reasonable. So, based on our prior experience with Toyota, we blindly got the Hycross. A car wouldn’t have a 2-year wait period if the car wasn’t good, would it?

Major pros of the Hycross:

  1. Suspension is soft and balanced. The body roll is decent. This was exactly what I was looking for after 5 years with the Fortuner.
  2. Fuel efficiency is good when driven sedately. If you drive it like a normal ICE, then it’s as efficient as an ICE. I’ve even got 5 km/l and also got 16-20 km/l. On the same route, I can get 10 km/l and also get 16-18 km/l. The hybrid tests your patience to the limit.
  3. It’s a proper 6-seater. The first two rows are top-class for the price. Good wide seats. Parents and friends love the comfort.
  4. Fortuner’s steering literally gives me shoulder pain at times. The Hycross is the polar opposite. You can turn the steering with one finger.

So, the light steering with ventilated and comfortable seats wireless CarPlay with good enough audio and the smooth CVT with the petrol hybrid make it a fabulous car in the city. This is what I wanted in my daily car. Ticks all the boxes. Hycross is a good daily city car. On the highways, it’s the opposite. The engine noise, the CVT and the lights make me regret buying the Hycross. Not that you can drive the Hycross on the highway with those horrible lights. Fortunately, I have the Fortuner MT for highways. The Hycross is a no-nonsense comfortable and efficient car that can last 10-15 years, whereas the Kodiaq is a fancier comfortable inefficient sophisticated car. Both have their pros and cons. Depends on your running and priorities.

Here's what BHPian manofinfinity had to say on the matter:

I would suggest going with the Hycross as you already have X3 a pretty good German All-Rounder, we also would have considered Kodiaq if it had a diesel engine, 2.0 TSI will be a fuel guzzler for Sure, you already have a petrol X3.

Hycross has better Space and ride quality compared to Kodiaq, will keep your Family Happy for a long time and I feel would be a good upgrade over Fortuner.

Here's what BHPian car_guy1998 had to say on the matter:

Since you already own an X3, I'd suggest you get the Hycross since it's Hybrid and also will be reliable and cheaper to run and maintain being a Toyota.

And, your parents will be satisfied with the comfort and space the Hycross offers.

As a recent owner of Hycross bought in July-end, I find the third row to be comfy and way better than the OG Innova that we owned before, Crysta and Fortuner (3rd row is unbearable).

Also, it's very easy to drive in city limits, thanks to light steering.

I drove our Hycross for nearly 3000 km before I moved out of the country in mid-Aug and another 3000+ km were added by dad and chauffeur.

And, our folks are getting around 14-17 km/l in the city depending on the traffic and I got 18 Kmpl on the highway once.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 

News

Toyota Fortuner prices hiked by up to Rs 70,000

The prices of the 4x2 variants have been increased by Rs 44,000.

Toyota has increased the prices of the Fortuner by up to Rs 70,000. Following the latest price hike, the Fortuner range starts at Rs 33.43 lakh (ex-showroom).

The prices of the 4x2 variants have been increased by Rs 44,000. These include the Petrol MT, Petrol AT, Diesel MT and Diesel AT versions.

Those opting for the 4x4 versions would have to shell out Rs 70,000 more. The 4x4 Diesel MT costs Rs 40.03 lakh, while the 4x4 Diesel AT is priced at Rs 42.32 lakh.

The price of the Fortuner GR-S has also been hiked by Rs 70,000. As a result, the SUV now costs Rs 51.44 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Toyota Fortuner is available with two powertrain options. These include a 2.7-litre petrol that makes 164 BHP and 245 Nm and a 2.8-litre diesel that puts out 201 BHP and 500 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.

 

News

Toyota unveils 48-volt mild hybrid system for its turbo-diesel engines

Toyota states that the mild-hybrid system can handle water-wading depths of up to 700 mm.

According to a media report, Toyota has recently unveiled its latest 48-volt mild-hybrid system for its turbo-diesel engines. The new tech is expected to initially be offered on the Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado offerings, while the Fortuner could also get it at a slightly later stage.

Reports state that the new mild-hybrid system comes with two motor generators and a power split device. This helps make it compact and lightweight, allowing for easy integration with existing powertrains. The new mild-hybrid system also features a belt-driven electric motor, enabling quiet engine restart, smoother response and minimal vibrations. The electric motor also provides torque assistance, comes with regenerative braking to recharge the battery and is also capable of powering auxiliary systems like the steering, pumps & fans.

Toyota states that the mild-hybrid system can also handle water-wading depths of up to 700 mm, making it particularly suitable for models like the Hilux, Fortuner & LC Prado.

Toyota has announced that their 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre inline 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine on the Land Cruiser Prado will get the 48-volt mild-hybrid system in select European markets & Australia. The same engine also powers the Hilux & Fortuner.

Source: Car&Bike

 

News

Toyota unveils Fortuner Flexy Fuel that runs on 100% bioethanol

Toyota has heavily updated its existing 2TR-FE 2.7-litre petrol engine to power the Fortuner Flexy Fuel.

Toyota has taken the wraps off a new variation of its popular Fortuner SUV at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).

The new Toyota Fortuner prototype unveiled at the auto show is said to be capable of running on 100% bioethanol fuel. Called Fortuner Flexy Fuel, significant changes have been made to the existing engine and fuel system of the SUV to allow it to run on 100% Ethanol (E-100).

According to reports, Toyota has heavily updated its existing 2TR-FE 2.7-litre petrol engine to power the Fortuner Flexy Fuel. It included changing the fuel intake system, fuel pump, fuel tank, spark plugs and engine head; among others. The updated engine on the Flexy Fuel prototype produces 161 BHP and 243 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels.

The new Toyota Fortuner Flexy Fuel prototype was showcased alongside the E-100 compatible Corolla Cross and a hydrogen-powered Corolla Cross H2 concept.

Source: Instagram

 

Pages

A helmet will save your life