Toyota Fortuner Legender

Toyota’s Fortuner now receives a new range topper in the form of the Fortuner Legender. The Legender adds visual tweaks, a few exclusive feature additions and at the time of launch, when this review was written, just a 4x2 AT option. Since then Toyota have also added a 4x4 option to the options but both still are only available with an automatic transmission.

The Fortuner goes up against the likes of the MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiak and the Volkswagen Tiguan. But it’s price increase over the years sees it also knocking on the door of the entry level luxury brands as well.

Looks

While the Fortuner has always attracted attention, the Legender takes it up a notch. Available in a sleek pearl white with a black roof, this variant stands out with distinct design changes from the regular Fortuner.

The Legender's look is like something out of 'Angry Birds'—the scowling face, especially the eye-catching headlamps with a unique waterfall-like lighting pattern, steals the show. Toyota adds a touch of contrast with glossy black trims, forming a cool 'X' shape over the headlamps and into the bumpers, housing new LED fog lights and daytime running lamps doubling as turn indicators. Does this face remind you of a Lexus? 

The rear isn't as radical but features a black skid plate, sporty L-shaped inserts on the rear bumper, and a glossy black strip connecting the tail lamps.

However, it would be great if Toyota gave the Legender a glossy black roof instead of the matte-black wrap, which looks a bit dull compared to the other black elements. On the bright side, the new 18-inch alloy wheels exclusive to this trim add a nice touch.

If making a statement is crucial for you, the Legender fits the bill. It would be even better if Toyota offered more color options, perhaps a vibrant red or a dark grey with a black roof, like those available in overseas markets.

Interiors

Toyota hasn't made significant changes to the inside of the Fortuner. The basic layout is still the same. While you won't find soft-touch materials, there's a slight improvement in quality with a smooth leather wrap for the steering wheel and plush leather seats. The leather-wrapped center console, ambient light integration, and the small 'Fortuner' badge on the upper glovebox add a touch of sophistication to the robust Toyota.

The maroon-black interior theme might not be everyone's favorite, but it doesn't feel overly flashy. This color scheme is specific to the Legender, while you can choose between black-chamois and an all-black interior with the regular Fortuner.

Features

The car's features have been updated too. Some cool additions like a wireless charger, rear USB ports, and a hands-free tailgate release are oddly only available on the Legender variant. It also gets new features like an updated instrument cluster and ventilated front seats. Other noteworthy features include front and rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, powered front seats, and cruise control. However, there's still no sign of a sunroof or a 360° camera.

The touchscreen infotainment system has been upgraded with a new interface. It's still easy to use, and now it includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, although they are not wireless. Unfortunately, the 6-speaker sound system is a bit of a letdown. The top-of-the-line Legender should have come with the 11-speaker JBL sound system found in the 4x4 variants.

Space remains a strong point for the Fortuner. Accommodating five adults and their weekend luggage is a breeze for this big Toyota. The third row is also usable for adults on short journeys.

Drive Experience

The standout number that caught our attention is the power of the updated 2.8-litre diesel engine with a 6-speed automatic gearbox – 204PS and 500Nm! This hefty power propels the Fortuner to reach 100kmph in just 10.58 seconds, almost as fast as a nimble hatchback. It's quite impressive for a big car.

Even when handling the weight of the Fortuner, the engine seems unfazed. After the BS6 update, the engine feels smoother and a bit quieter at idle. What's great is that the increased torque is available across the rev range, making acceleration responsive. Going from 20 to 80kmph is a swift 6.7 seconds when you push the accelerator.

Whether you're driving in the city or cruising on the highway, you'll appreciate the extra torque. Switching to Eco mode (it has three modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport) offers a more subdued driving experience, dulling the throttle response and making the Fortuner a gentle giant. It's fuel-efficient in this mode too. We managed to get 10.52kmpl in the city and 15.26kmpl on the highway, which is respectable for a heavy SUV with an automatic transmission.

Talking about the automatic gearbox, it complements the Fortuner's road-trip capabilities. The shifts are smooth, although you might feel a slight lag when pushing the engine hard. For such situations, we recommend using the paddle shifters.

Ride & Handling

The 2WD Legender is good for most terrains except sand, snow, and mud. Toyota has improved the ride, making it less bumpy, especially on bad roads. With its ample ground clearance, you can tackle rough patches without slowing down much. The Fortuner handles poorly surfaced roads well, and you can drive over them without worrying too much.

The steering has also seen an improvement, adapting to different drive modes. Unlike before, the steering doesn't transmit every road bump directly to your hands, making the drive smoother.

On well-maintained roads, there's nothing extraordinary to note. It provides enough confidence for hill driving if you drive sensibly. In short, treat the Legender as the sturdy SUV it is, and it won't give you any scary surprises.

Verdict

Apart from its slightly self-obsessed name, the Legender is pretty likable. It's arguably the better-looking version and comes with a few exclusive treats. However, at it’s current price point, paying an extra Rs 50k compared to the 4x4 AT and a whopping Rs 3 lakh more than the standard 4x2 automatic is a bit hard to swallow. Unless you're head over heels for the Legender's appearance, there's no real justification to buy it. You'd be wiser to save a lot of money by choosing the 4x2 AT or investing that extra cash in the more capable 4x4 AT.