Toyota Fortuner: The premium SUV space in India is all set to witness a major shake-up with Toyota set to bring out a hybrid powertrain option for the all-conquering Fortuner – a move that experts feel could turn the tables for prospective buyers in the fiercely contested segment.
According to sources privy to the developments, the company’s hybrid trim — expected to be christened Fortuner HyCross or Fortuner Hybrid — has undergone vigorous testing under Indian conditions and is in the last lap of the pre-launch process.
Toyota Fortuner Strategic Market Positioning
Toyota’s strategy to hybridise the Fortuner is an engineering solution to manage the shifting market while strengthening the company’s role in implementing environmental technology on a global scale – for now and for the future.
Since its inception, the Fortuner has been the undisputed champion in the premium SUV space – cars have rolled off the showroom floor to the dream of the one day owning a Fortuner as a sign of your success for successful professionals and business owners.
Yet as buyers in the segment wake up to the issues of fuel economy and environmental impact—which matters, even for luxury-car owners—factors like fuel efficiency are being included in the purchase decision.
This hybrid powertrain tackles these emerging worries well and may help the the Fortuner to reach a wider audience of people who are now put off buying a large SUV as they’re not so kind to the environment.
“The Fortuner Hybrid is Toyota’s way of acknowledging that even upmarket customers are becoming conscious of the operating costs and environmental concerns,” says automotive analyst Vikram Gaikwad.
By giving the RAV4 SUV a top-end hybrid option, Toyota has made sure that its best-selling car can move with the times as well as offering vital separation in a class where the diesel still rules.”
Powertrain Revolution
The unlikely ball of energy at the core of the Fortuner Hybrid will probably be Toyota’s widely-used 2.5-liter Dynamic Force hybrid system – the one that has been winning plaudits in the just launched Innova HyCross.
The two-time Petrol-Electric Hybrid Engine of the Year also returns, the system pairing a naturally aspirated petrol engine with strong electric motors and a self-charging battery to achieve astounding fuel efficiency with no sacrifice of performance.
There’s been no word on official specs yet, but industry insiders reckon the combined system output will surpass 185hp as well as deliver torque figures to match the existing diesel.
Even more impressive will be the claimed fuel economy – around 19-21 km per litre under normal testing conditions which translates to a breathtaking 35-40 percent improvement over the regular petrol Fortuner.
This efficiency is achieved through the hybrid’s offer of the electric-only mode for urban driving and the combined power mode for premium performance and its energy recovery during braking via charging.
This immediate torque from the electric motor should help improve battery-motor performance in off-road conditions, and camp any fears that the Fortuner would lose any of its legendary rough-road capability due to hybridisation.”
Refined Driving Experience
More than increments in efficiency though, the hybrid powertrain should help change the character of the Fortuner to drive as well. The present-day diesel version, although extremely good at its job, was on some occasions accused of being a bit too ‘diesely’ – i.e. reflecting excessive NVH levels and architecture inherent to the diesel engine.
The electric aspect of the hybrid system, while at low speeds, and more linear power delivery will lead to a more refined cabin experience, and should, in theory, match the car’s luxury billing and cost.
And the CVT that’s paired with the hybrid system will offer smooth acceleration without any of the occasional pauses you can get with a regular automatic, as well as ensuring the engine is operating at its most efficient no matter the driving situation.
The electric power steering is likely to get a dedicated tune for the hybrid variant, striking a balance between the Fortuner’s familiar reassuring weight and added agility in tight city confines.
Improved Features and Upgraded Interiors
The Fortuner Hybrid could also be used as a foot through the door for some premium features that were very much missed in the absence of these features.
The flagship hybrid grade will, we believe, add a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and the same advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) package with the aforementioned adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and AEB that takes the Fortuner’s technological offerings further into the same arena occupied by premium European vehicles.
The interior is probably getting a similar amount of love, with better materials such as real leather seats with heated in the front and ventilated, color-adjustable ambient lighting, and a JBL 10-speaker premium sound system.
The infotainment system will be getting its features from Toyota’s latest generation system, including advanced connectivity options and an increased screen for the touch interface including wireless smartphone capability.
The hybrid system features dedicated displays to monitor power flow and consumption, while coaching the driver to maximize his or her efficiency and gain the most benefit from the technology.
Pricing Strategy and Market Impact
The Fortuner Hybrid is likely to demand a premium of ₹2.5-3.5 lakh over equivalent diesel models, putting it right at the top of the Fortuner range.
That will make the base price of the hybrid versions hover around the ₹45-47 lakh (ex-showroom) mark with the top-spec trims possibly going over ₹55 lakh.
At a relatively minimal add on to the base systems investment, this pricing ensures the high-tech package but can provide substantial long-term savings as a result of reduced fuel burn and maintenance costs.
Toyota is expected to highlight total cost of ownership figures in marketing, showing how initial cost premiums can be offset by running savings over standard ownership periods.
Rivals in the high-end SUV class are now under mounting pressure to introduce electrification plans of their own following the launch of the Fortuner Hybrid.
It could also push other models like the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian and Skoda Kodiaq to speed up plans for hybrid or electrification to keep pace with Toyota’s tech lead.
Toyota Fortuner Launch Date and timeConfigureAwaiting the launch date.
While Toyota has declined to confirm any launch dates, the feeling from industry sources is that an official reveal is just around the corner, with deliveries set to begin in the not too-distant future.
Production may be kept low in the beginning as Toyota waits to see how the market reacts which could lead to waiting times for the early buyers.
It will also be available with a hybrid powertrain, which will likely be available as an option on different trims rather than a single high-end model, giving shoppers a choice between features and price while reaping the benefits of an electrified powertrain.
In the case of potential Fortuner customers who are in the market, this new development also poses a significant dilemma – should they get the current versions or should they hold the horses for the hybrid versions.
Dealers are saying they are already getting more and more inquiries about the hybrid version of the car even before the official announcement.
As the automotive industry transitions down the path of electrification, so too is the Toyota Fortuner taking its first steps towards a more sustainable future with the launch of the new Hybrid – a premium SUV that stays true to the on-road and off-road efficiency and presence that embodies the category, but also satisfies the ‘wise-premium’ consumer’s desire for improved fuel efficiency and refinement.
With this evolution of RAV4, the product team has made our flagship SUV look tougher, be more capable and more importantly, it will continue to deliver extreme fuel efficiency.’ -ENDS -For further information please contact: (Name), Toyota New Zealand .