Toyota Fortuner Legender

Toyota Fortuner Legender Review:

The Toyota Fortuner is a car that many have envisioned buying in India. The wildly successful model has not only ruled its segment, but has also been the King of Indian roads ever since its introduction. The brawly 7-seater has seen few changes during its time in India, and to make things tasteful, Toyota introduced the Fortuner Legender to India.

So what exactly is the Legender? It gets slightly better and aggressive looks, new LED headlamps, a few added features on the inside, and different upholstery, while carrying over everything that the Fortuner already offered. Do the small changes justify the huge price gap between the standard Fortuner and the Fortuner Legender? 

Let’s take a look.

Toyota Fortuner Legender Pros and Cons 

Toyota Fortuner Legender Exterior Design 

The Toyota Fortuner Legender gets a few design changes compared to the standard Fortuner, and most of these are crammed up front. The Fortuner Legender gets a redesigned front bumper which gets a sleeker and sharper look. The front end trades the volume of the grille for a larger air-dam instead, lending it a sporty look unlike the standard model. New headlamps with quad-LEDs and LED DRLs also look slick, and the overall fascia is a little more refined than before. The side profile continues to carry a timeless, old-school SUV appeal, accentuated by impressive 255 mm ground clearance. The 18-inch alloy wheels on the Legender are also new, and get a dual-tone finish. 

Rugged touches like roof rails and step bars beneath the doors further enhance its tough exterior. The chrome detailing on window panes and door handles adds a touch of class. At the rear, the flat profile of the electric tailgate is seamlessly connected by new redesigned tail lamps, and the large chrome strip that proudly wore the Fortuner lettering is now all black. The new sporty rear spoiler not only adds flair but also complements the overall side profile. While the Fortuner's design might exude a slightly dated charm, the Legender keeps it looking fresh and young, and is surely a better design than the standard SUV.

Toyota Fortuner Legender Interiors 

While the Toyota Fortuner Legender commands a price tag of over ₹50 lakh on the road, don't anticipate a plethora of cutting-edge features or the latest technology within its cabin. However, what it lacks in tech, it compensates with an aura of timeless sophistication. The dual-tone black and maroon interiors that are unique to the Legender exude class and exquisitely demonstrate Toyota's hallmark build quality and attention to detail. The robust fit and finish impart a sense of solidity that promises to stand the test of time, still looking immaculate even after covering countless kilometres with a little care. 

Leather upholstery graces the seats, adding an extra layer of luxury to the interior. Nevertheless, one may yearn for a sunroof, considering the Fortuner's prowess in tackling off-road terrain and the desire to relish scenic vistas. Despite this, the SUV offers commendable storage solutions throughout, ensuring practicality and functionality on the road less travelled.

Toyota Fortuner Legender Comfort 

The Toyota Fortuner Legender prioritises comfort with an array of thoughtful features. Ventilated seats keep occupants cool even in scorching conditions, while the dual automatic climate control system ensures personalised temperature settings for everyone on board. Electric seat adjustments make finding the perfect driving position a breeze, contributing to a more enjoyable journey. The steering wheel's versatility, with options for both rake and reach adjustment, ensures that drivers of varying sizes can fine-tune their driving posture. Paddle shifters add a sporty touch to the driving experience. 

Second-row passengers are treated to an exceptionally comfortable environment with reclining seats and ample space for three adults thanks to the broad dimensions. Roof-mounted AC vents in this row help distribute cool air efficiently.

However, the third row, while suitable for short journeys, may feel cramped for adults due to limited thigh support and headroom. Nevertheless, acceptable kneeroom and additional AC vents make it feasible for road trips, although occasional breaks might be necessary.

Toyota Fortuner Legender Performance and handling

Unlike the standard Toyota Fortuner, which gets two engine options (including a petrol) and manual or automatic gearboxes, the Fortuner Legender is only available in diesel automatic trims. The diesel engine is quite noisy, remains audible even at idle, and becomes quite prominent at higher RPMs. The 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, which generates 201 bhp and a remarkable 500 Nm of torque with the 6-speed automatic, provides a powerful and versatile driving performance. The engine can be had with either a 4x2 or a 4x4 drivetrain, where the former will suit the needs of most, and the latter will appeal to enthusiasts.

When you do get going, the Fortuner’s ride is plush, and you will find yourself barely slowing down for smaller potholes and speed bumps. The Fortuner feels planted even at highway speeds and you’ll find yourself going farther each time you hit the road for your next road trip. Overtaking is a breeze with the diesel slingshotting the Legender forward, and you will find yourself leaving sedans and hatchbacks, that would seemingly be quicker, in the rear view mirror. When the going gets tough is when the Fortuner Legender gets going and handles rough terrain with ease. Whether it's a broken patch of highway, a forest trail, or snow-capped mountains, the Fortuner will likely chug along with one smirk under the bonnet and another on your face. 

Toyota Fortuner Legender Key specifications 

Toyota Fortuner Legender Safety Features

Safety takes centre stage in the Toyota Fortuner Legender, boasting a comprehensive suite of features that instil confidence on every journey. With the assurance of seven airbags, vehicle stability control, ABS, EBD, traction control, and hill assist control, it's clear that Toyota prioritises occupant safety. Yet, what truly sets the Fortuner apart is Toyota's unwavering commitment to build quality. From the choice of materials to the robust chassis and precision-crafted panels, every aspect of this SUV reflects a dedication to excellence. It's not just about cutting costs; it's about elevating quality, ensuring that you not only feel secure but also experience the enduring reliability that defines the Toyota brand. Furthermore, the Fortuner has been rigorously tested by the ASEAN NCAP, achieving a remarkable 5-star rating in the adult occupant protection category. Impressively, it scored an outstanding 34.03 out of 36 points in its frontal-offset crash test, reinforcing its position as a top choice for safety-conscious drivers and families alike. With the Fortuner Legender wearing the same gear under its clothes, it should return an identical score if crash tested.

Toyota Fortuner Legender Technology and Infotainment

The Toyota Fortuner Legender’s infotainment and convenience offerings provide a mixed bag of experiences. On the upside, the 11-speaker JBL sound system elevates your auditory journey with its rich and immersive sound quality. However, it's worth noting that the touchscreen display is comparatively smaller than what you'll find in some other vehicles. Nevertheless, it does redeem itself by offering compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enhancing connectivity and infotainment options.

While the Fortuner offers features like hill assist and cruise control to simplify driving, there are notable shortcomings. The absence of a 360-degree camera in a vehicle of this size and price range might leave some customers feeling that Toyota has cut corners in an unacceptable manner. The feature list, in general, seems rather scant, but Toyota has added a few small features exclusively to the Legender, like a wireless phone charger. But hey, you do get cup holders, so umm, thanks for that Toyota. 

Is the Toyota Fortuner Legender for you?

Owning a Toyota — any Toyota — is getting pricier than ever. And the case is no better with the Fortuner. With the Legender variants sitting on top of the Fortuner line up, it costs above ₹50 lakhs on road for the top end model, and while the standard Fortuner does enough to justify its steep pricing, the Legender fails at doing so. It commands a significant premium over the standard variants, and the additions only include a few face, new wheels, new upholstery on the interior, and a couple of new features.  But if you do like the appearance of the Legender more than the Fortuner, and if you have ₹3 lakh burning a hole in your pocket, then the Legender is an incredible proposition that offers bulletproof reliability, extremely high resale value, punchy performance, and comfortable interiors.