With The Just-launched GR-S Variant, The Toyota Fortuner Inches Even Closer Towards The Rs 50 Lakh Sticker Tag

• Fortuner GR-S launched in India at Rs 48.43 lakh.
• Gets a more aggressive looking fascia and bespoke bumpers.
• Inside, the dashboard, with red stitching and GR badging, has been blacked out.
• Gets just the 2.8-litre diesel engine as before, paired with 6-speed automatic and four-wheel drive.

The Toyota Fortuner is inching even closer towards the Rs 50 lakh sticker price mark, courtesy of a new top-spec sportier GR-S trim that has been launched at Rs 48.43 lakh. This variant of the Fortuner gets just the same diesel automatic powertrain as before, with four-wheel drive and a host of sporty cosmetic updates. 

Before we delve deeper, here’s a quick look at where the GR-S stands in the Fortuner lineup. 

When compared to the standard Fortuner 4X4 AT, the GR-S commands a premium of a whopping Rs 8.43 lakh. That figure comes down to Rs 3.8 lakh when pitched against the Legender 4X4 AT, an exorbitant asking price for what is at the end of the day, largely just a cosmetic update. 

Any Toyota with a ‘GR’ badging means it’s a sporty model and the same applies here as well. The fascia has styling cues similar to the Legender, albeit with gloss black trims above the LED headlights. Then there’s the bumper with its bolder styling touches that give it a meaner look at the front. Sadly, there are almost no changes at the side, while the rear end gets a diffuser in the rear bumper. 

The Fortuner GR-S’ cabin design and layout is exactly the same as the standard SUV, except now it comes with an all-black colour scheme with red stitching. Plus, the steering wheel features a ‘GR’ logo to remind you what variant you’re driving. The upholstery is finished in suede leather to uplift the overall sporty ambience. 

In terms of features, you get all the niceties including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual zone climate control, cruise control, a wireless phone charger, a 11-speaker JBL sound system, and a powered tailgate. Passenger safety is taken care of by multiple airbags, electronic stability control, parking sensors, and ABS with EBD. 

The Fortuner GR-S will get just one powertrain option: a 204PS 2.8-litre diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic and four-wheel drivetrain. It also gets off-road kit like a low range mode, hill descent control, traction control, and lockable differentials. The suspension has also been retuned for a sportier drive.  

So, the final question: Does the Fortuner GR-S make any sense? Sadly, it doesn’t look that way. Toyota charging a preposterous Rs 3.8 lakh premium for a variant with just largely cosmetic changes is stretching things too far. At these prices, you can even start considering luxury cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLA / A-Class, BMW X1 / 2 Series, and Volvo XC40.